OMC COBRA Sterndrive Gear Oil Change

[@PhilipRawbon-rk8uv]

Excellent vid Vic..used this vid about five years ago for my 2455 bayliner..now i have a 88 Avanti 30 foot..with twin OMC's..cool brother good job!

[@VicsYard]

That’s great to hear. I’ll be posting an another video soon. Water pump and some more maintenance. Greatly appreciated the input thank you.

[@leecamp4971]

I wish I had watched this last year, before I stopped at the 1st hole... and seized my outdrive! 😢 Expensive mistake, good vid 👌

[@VicsYard]

Well that’s not good. I need to do updated video soon. Good luck. TY

[@accutron-man3006]

Great video however according to Selock and OMC original manual the fill hole is suppose to be the Middle Point. One important point throw a small level on the top where the dipstick hole is to make sure it's level before starting to service the drive. Drain it out through the bottom put the plug in and fill it from the midpoint it takes 64 oz of hi-vis gear lube which is now the Johnson Evinrude HI PERF I know you can use another lube but why, the OEM is the best. I also replace the top dipstick oring and the drain plug gaskets. My lube when draining and replacing is never milky or creamy water can get in if you neglect the top oring and plug seals. I never let my gearcase get corded always keep clean and keep everything painted no bare metal it will last a lifetime.

[@VicsYard]

ACCUTRON-MAN great points. Thanks very much. We all appreciate it.

[@jdak2001]

ACCUTRON-MAN where do i buy the the o rings ???

[@Jesussaves968]

Having fun on the lake with a bowrider

[@accutron-man3006]

@@jdak2001 just go to the Marine dealer that used to supply OMC and usually they have some or you can order them online from sierra products.

[@jasonhurdlow6607]

Lots of people have destroyed their units by filling from the middle hole. The manual for my Cobra and many others specifies to fill from the bottom hole, and does so for a reason.

[@babiixoxbritty]

Thank you for this, exactly what I needed to know.

[@VicsYard]

babiixoxbritty Hey that’s cool. Sorry it was long. Vic

[@jeffcibulka4186]

Thanks Brother. Awesome illustration

[@VicsYard]

Nice to hear that. Hopefully it helped you out. Thanks!

[@mikeriley8546]

you did a great job explaning the process i really appreciate you making the video!!

[@VicsYard]

Thanks. Just a normal guy trying to help fellow boaters.

[@stevejohnson29]

Just an FYI. The lower plug is a drain. The middle plug is just a level check & is also used to bleed any air out of the lower case while filling. Over filling it won’t damage anything as the oil starts to climb up the pinion shaft to the upper case. All that happens is you’ll just make it spill out. Now. If you were to leave the middle & TPP plug in & over fill it, yeah. You could start pumping oil out the front seal at the Driveshaft. Or the prop shaft. Or the water pump seal into the water pump area. In regards to the moisture getting inside your unit. It could be coming from anywhere. The shift rod seal. The prop shaft seal. Or the water pump seal. Having taken a few of these apart, the water pump area always seems to be the worst place for water to get in. The water pump adapter gets all corroded. The seals are weak. They have a new water pump adapter that can have two driveshaft seals installed. Anyway. Watch Wayne Kolls videos on OMC cobras or Michael Romer. Lots of info on these things. Good job! 👍

[@VicsYard]

Wow great info. I’m actually going to be changing the water pump come spring. Never done it in over 10 years. Thanks for information!

[@jonwalton3986]

I filled from the bottom and it started to come out the middle, while it was coming out immediately put the cap on is that ok or was i suppose to put my finger on it and not allow any fluid to come out?

[@VicsYard]

@@jonwalton3986 For what guys are telling me thats one way you can do it. I’m doing mine the same way in a day or two. 👍🏼

[@nickalexander4589]

Great video...Thanks. Just bought a 1993 Four Winns with an OMC Cobra 5.8L and somehow it came with all original manuals and documents. One of these manuals shows how to change gear lubricant and it says you empty from bottom drain plug and after the drive its completely empty you put the drain plug back and fill from the middle hole till oil reaches the top stick.

[@VicsYard]

Nick Alexander Nick Great info. Thanks for sharing. We are all just trying to help each other out. Vic

[@nickalexander4589]

Absolutely......I did mine using your way and I had no issues at all. Just wanted to post what the manual suggested. Thanks again Vic.

[@josephdufour5676]

Thanks for the video. You did a great job explaining everything!

[@VicsYard]

Glade to hear that. Hope it helped you. Ill have more boating stuff coming soon. Be sure to subscribe. Thanks Vic

[@olivermeier2949]

I believe Cobra drives fill from middle hole, mercruiser from bottom hole.Check level with dipstick not screwed in,then run the drive. Subsequent checks are with the dipstick screwed all the way in

[@VicsYard]

I’ve then doing that. Thanks for confirming!

[@jasonhurdlow6607]

Lots of Cobra drives specify to fill from the bottom hole.

[@olivermeier2949]

@@jasonhurdlow6607 None of them do.

[@VicsYard]

@@jasonhurdlow6607 Thanks. Appreciate the info.

[@welcometodavilleson4]

I have a regular bolt with silicone around it on top of my gear case where the dipstick should be. Any idea why that would be the case? 5:01

[@VicsYard]

@@welcometodavilleson4 have no idea really. Could have lost the original. Maybe got rusted or corroded and snapped it coming out.

[@snipe05]

I am confused about something here. I keep seeing posts that say will from middle or you grenade your outdrive, or fill from bottom. I have no idea what way to fill my drive. It is a 1993 Four Winns Horizon 190 with OMC 5.0L Cobra Drive. Best I have found was fill from Middle.

[@VicsYard]

Hi, Take some time to read some of the other comments on this video. Great info. Thanks

[@tedconder9254]

Thank You. Just the information I was looking for.

[@VicsYard]

Sorry for a long video. Long as you got what you needed that’s awesome. Will be doing video on replacing the water pump in out drive. Quick 3 minutes

[@maximusbavarius]

Hey thanks for upload ! Greetings from Bavaria

[@VicsYard]

Wow that’s awesome. Thanks!

[@maximusbavarius]

@@VicsYard you're welcome. You explain it very good! I have a sundowner 205 from 1988 😊🔥

[@maximusbavarius]

@@VicsYard hey, do u know what can it be, sometimes I wanna shift in neutral it don't work' or it goes hard.. I think it's electrical problem because sometimes it works without problems 🤔🤔 I think it's a problem with that microswitch or the Esa, idk.

[@VicsYard]

@@maximusbavarius Mine actually does the same thing. I’ll try to explain this very simple. Under a load the gears have presser on them. I like to burp them. Yours might have a retarder switch at the carburetor. It retards the engine a couple cylinders to have less pressure on the gears for a short time. I’ll have to do a video on it to explain better.

[@maximusbavarius]

@@VicsYard if u do a video would be nice. It's bad if u go to the dock 😅 today it work well, I clean it a little bit, maybe it's a little break on a cable 🤔🤔. Greetings from Bavaria

[@bahramb2641]

This was the first video I've ever seen in my whole life that was really easy and helpful and I learned a lot. Thank you so much💐💐💐🩵🩵🩵🩵💐💐💐

[@VicsYard]

That’s awesome. Not my best work but it’s been helpful for lots of do it yourself boaters. TY

[@acmech1012]

Nothing better then getting good information from an Italian mobster

[@VicsYard]

HAHAHAHA You'll never know lol

[@brandon_j_usa4141]

I thought the second drain plug was to fill first, then the top. But your method is a guarantee. Good thinking.

[@VicsYard]

Brandon Jones Yup. Glad it helped ya. Costly mistake. Thanks

[@AndrewDMurray84]

Awesome video, will help me with mine

[@VicsYard]

@@AndrewDMurray84 Nothing crazy I guess. I’ve done it to this boat for 15 years exactly. Still going strong. 💪🏼👍🏼TY

[@malditoklee]

Thank you! great, straight forward explanation :)

[@VicsYard]

Bishop Bautista Thats cool to hear. Lol 👍🏼

[@richbarrows5050]

Any idea if you can sand the outdrive and spray paint it with ordinary spray paint? I have a lot of corrosion on mine and if possible it would be an easy thing to do to make it look a lot nicer. Maybe protect it too it's a 1990 so it's seen a lot of water.

[@VicsYard]

Funny you say that. Was just talking to a friend that just painted his. I’ll ask him what paint he used. It come out great. TY

[@vincelange4017]

Victor I bought my boat took it out three or four times decided to service the lower-end watching youryour videos however when I didn't drain the fluid it was creamy also there was no gear lube on the dipstick at all whatsoever so I don't know how this guy didn't burn up the drive I'm thinking he drained it and it just filled it up till it ran out the top hole and kept it and didn't know about the dipstick

[@VicsYard]

Vince Lange that’s good you serviced it. I guess seals can leak some. For me it’s just Insurance to check and change quick. I’ll be doing water pump in outdrive soon! Keep your eye open for that video soon. 👍🏼

[@wesleyedmonson8151]

Very good video. Where do you ?buy the pump

[@VicsYard]

Old video I did. In about a week or so I’ll be doing the same procedure again. I do a update video. Water pump as well. Little paint to.

[@wesleyedmonson8151]

@@VicsYard ok great

[@frankletizia7835]

I have 1997 Alpha 1. I did not see top screw. Are they all like that you know?

[@VicsYard]

Frank Letizia sorry I’m not sure about that unit. Thanks!

[@GabrielSanchez-pe1cr]

What if the lube is just low? How would I add some, from the top plug?

[@VicsYard]

Gabriel Sanchez They tell me to load bottom up. It air locks I guess and could damage the gears and seals. Im no pro just trying to help fellow boaters! 👍🏼🇺🇸

[@Twin-Nick]

Hey if anyone sees this comment and knows about the Stringer 225. I uave a few questions. Can you please reply before the weekend lol

[@VicsYard]

@@Twin-Nick leave some more information and I’ll ask around.

[@Twin-Nick]

@@VicsYard Im having gear oil leak out of the water enter hole in the outdrive. I heard it's a bad seal, but u was wondering if it's too bad to take out for a day. Also when filing the oil it's leaking out of that hole, therefore the top of outboard won't be able to get lube correct? Also. I can't seem to find all the plugs in my 898 engine.

[@VicsYard]

@@Twin-Nick I would say your seal is going. To costly to replace a blown up out drive. Try to fix sooner than later.

[@Twin-Nick]

@@VicsYard is it OK to use while that's happening?

[@VicsYard]

@@Twin-Nick It don’t sound like a good idea. Plus you’re leaking oil.

[@FailFasterLearnFaster]

Loved your video

[@VicsYard]

Awesome! TY

[@anotherpewtertahoe]

Is that "barb" piece you've got the hose connected to threaded? If so, where did you get it, or do you know what size it is? Thanks!

[@VicsYard]

Barb hahaha It’s threaded. I’ll be doing this job again soon. Doing new video as well. I’ll get my tap set out and see if I can get thread size for ya. Local marine shop had that pump. Check back soon. TY

[@anotherpewtertahoe]

@@VicsYard After watching this I did my due diligence and found it's 3/8-16, bought a pump at the Marine Shop as well. Doing my fluids this weekend. Thanks!

[@VicsYard]

@@anotherpewtertahoe hey that’s great. TY for info!

[@SuperOldBS]

Nice video bro. What size is drain fitting and where did you get it?

[@VicsYard]

Wayne L not sure of the size. Thanks

[@gregsilva1472]

How does Your tube stay in the bottom hole without leaking?

[@VicsYard]

The tube has a harder plastic threaded tube. Screw it right in. Thanks!

[@greggnelson1462]

Why not just fill it from the top and let gravity do the work? Is there some reason you have to fill from the bottom?

[@VicsYard]

Read most of the comment on this video. TY

[@dycorrado]

How many quartz of gear oil was needed? Great video!

[@VicsYard]

Derek Yamamoto It’s been a while. Might of been two. Might say it in the video. 👍🏼

[@christopherfortenberry1655]

From what I've read it's the middle hole that you are supposed to fill from. I know the old Alpha drives you do from the bottom like your doing. But the OMC I am pretty sure fills from the middle

[@VicsYard]

Christopher Fortenberry Thanks for commenting. Anything is helpful. I’ll be doing a new video with updated info!

[@matthewbrinton228]

Definitely from the bottom first

[@jerrodl9819]

Filling from the bottom of any unit is a fersure zero air in your unit and good reading. As long as you dont pump air in from a short pump hose

[@crrischin5040]

i have some questions. i went to the lake everuthing was fun until we trying to go back. its wont start i change my batteries (now are new) i did tune up, change my spark plugs, change coil, starter key, selenoide and also a relay . i dont know if my new coil was the correct or they give me the wrong one. i change everithing i could and nothing

[@VicsYard]

My question is: First let’s go back in time. Was it sitting for long period of time prior to the lake day. #2 When you tried starting, Was it clicking or turning over. Hard to diagnose without a back story.

[@keithmorris1494]

Great Video! Thanks

[@VicsYard]

Doing a updated video soon. Thanks!

[@GabrielSanchez-pe1cr]

Hello, I have the same unit, however I checked the dip stick and no oil was on it. I took a look and i could see the oil was slightly below the dip stick. So it has oil but slightly below the dip stick. Can or should i add a bit more from the top where the dipstick sits?

[@VicsYard]

G Spot Now I’m no pro but do what works. I would try to get it on the stick. In some of the comments below you will get a good idea. We are all here to help out. Vic

[@MrJhnbapst3]

why do you pump it in from the bottom and not just dump it in the top ?

[@VicsYard]

john bapst What I was told is the air can get locked in the case. Filling from bottom pushes air out of the top. Giving you a better fill. What you think?

[@MrJhnbapst3]

aahhhh that makes alot of sense. I'm changing mine now and was just wondering why. thanks for the video

[@VicsYard]

You got it. I knows it's not the best video but hoping it was going to help someone. Been doing it that was for a good 10 years. No problems with mine. The OMC runs if you take care of it. Once mine dies I'm going to look for a better unit.

[@MrJhnbapst3]

I don't blame you. I probably will do the same. I've heard alot of bad things about them. this is our first boat I'm working on a 89 stratos 1700 3.0 gm 4 cylinder great boat motor runs excellent but that lower unit seems like it's junk.

[@VicsYard]

john bapst make sure it's shifts good. No grinding. Might have to adjust cables.

[@brokkenstar]

Buy some duralube, I'm telling you, if that thing ever lost all its oil, it would still run, duralube, last time I tell ya! It has sr2 - space shuttle used it ! Duralube penetrates metal- dig that! It's twenty bucks a quart, one quart per machine, you can thank me later! That's right Vic, there's tight, and then there's broke! And don't forget life jackets!

[@VicsYard]

brokkenstar When this baby dies we build a big bad son of a gun!!!!! Ok ya dig that? What ya think? How the grass growing on the other side?

[@brokkenstar]

What side? The dark side of the moon is bare Vic Jr., it's bare! No soil, no seed, no sun! It's bare!

[@Goearthtour]

good information thanks

[@VicsYard]

Goearthtour Your welcome. Hope it can help you.

[@pooldoctorz]

Why not just fill it from the top

[@VicsYard]

Good question I can’t 100% answer. I’ve been told it with hydro lock and blow seals out or slit the case. I’m not going to be the guy to test that. I like my boat. lol THANKS! 😂👍🏼

[@olivermeier2949]

You can if you don't have a pump but there is a greater chance of air pockets and it takes a lot longer and you have to turn the engine over to bleed the air out. Much easier to do it from the oil fill hole in the middle.

[@Twin-Nick]

U look like Thoma Rhett lol

[@VicsYard]

@@Twin-Nick I’ll look that name up. 👍🏼

[@Twin-Nick]

@@VicsYard hey can you help me out on my boat too btw? I have a question lol