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I'm pretty new to boats, but certainly not forums. With that said, I looked for a 'search' button, but didn't find it, else wise I'd have searched.
Anyways, my roommate bought a 1993 Sunbird Corsair 187 SL a few days ago. For the most part we've just been cleaning it up. We want to give it a complete tune-up, since it is unknown when the last time anything was changed, want to start fresh and eliminate as many chances for something to go wrong as we can.
Just to answer the question...I can rebuild an engine, so doing a tune-up isn't a problem. I'm wondering what items are marine-specific and what I can get at an auto parts store without getting charged out the butt from a marina.
The boat has a 4.3L OMC, with an OMC out-drive. I know we need to get the factory manual for it. We'll check the local marina to see if they have it, if not what's a good place? Just Amazon or something? We're in West Texas, (San Angelo), so the marina's around here are pretty limited LOL.
Anyways, here's the boat, what can you tell me about it, what problems to look out for?
It appears there's a leak, he thinks in the transom seal? Is that a difficult repair?
Right now though we want to do a tune-up. If I tell an auto parts store a '93 4.3L OMC, will they have parts?
Also, I believe there is something that's supposed to get wedged in-between the stern drive and the part that connects to the boat (forgive my lack of vocab, please correct me) to release the strain of the hydraulics while in transit...what is it? He doesn't think so, but, I'm pretty sure there is.
If you have a nice beginners FAQ by all means point me to it.
Hard to say, but that's a pretty clean looking engine for it's age.
Manuals for the old OMCs can be ordered at http://www.marineengine.com/manuals/...r_1980-93.html though I would not say that this is the best/most inexpensive source. Carb'd I would guess it would be the 175...but I really don't know OMCs well enough to say.
Good luck, and welcome to the board
__________________ Rich
"Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity"
175 was a 2 bbl carb and 205 wa a 4bbl. I think this a 175 but check the carb to know for sure.
And the first thing you need after a manual appears to be a trip to a prop shop....
Check the keel line towards the back of the hull , look for missing gellcoat or repair , may have to be redone or repared , you want good gellcoat everywhere below the water line , looks as though the boat has made some serious bottom contact
I have a 1988 version in my Four Winns, it is actually a pretty good power package but the problem is finding mechanics that know the Cobra drive. Adjusiting the shift linkage and certain other jobs require OMC knowledge, if you do it the Merc way there will be problems! An example is changing the lower unit oil, has to be done the OMC way. Parts, best bet is an Evinrude/Johnson dealer, they may still be able to order the OE OMC manuals which are very good, better than aftermarket. Make sure the impeller is in good shape, check the bellows, fuel filters, etc. Looks like a freshwater boat, yes?
__________________ 1988 Four Winns 200 Horizon
4.3 OMC Cobra
1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
4.0/NV 242 Selectrac
2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited
5.7 HEMI/Quadradrive II
From what I'm able to see, the hull looks ok, Just don't see the damage referred to in earlier reply. Can't be specific as to the OMC engine and outdrive, we had a Volvo setup. But I also liked to "Do as much as possible" in terms of service on engine and outdrive. Things I could do: change engine oil, replace fuel filters (actually added a Racor fuel filter), replace / check sparkplugs. check / tighten fuel line fittings, replace oil in lower unit. Remove and had repaired the prop. things I took to Volvo mechanic: replaced a cracked cylinder head (engine had lost compression in one cylinder), replaced bellows for outdrive- that's the rubber boot that protects the linkage / gears that connect the engine to lower unit. And yes, there is a device that supports the lower unit while your trailering or boat is just stored on trailer. the purpose is to take pressure off the hydraulic lines and perhaps a little off the transom of the boat. I checked Cabela's and found the following link:
However, I also know there is a device that is designed to fit directly over your steel hydraulic shaft, then you allow the lower unit to collapse and this (believe it's made of rigid plastic) takes the stress off the hydraulics. Before trying to start, check to find out the last time run, and condition of the gasoline in the tank. With some gas that maybe is under a year old, I've purchased Sea Foam - believe it comes in 16 oz. can and just add to the existing gas and I've been ok. good luck- with what I see in pics, boat looks pretty good.
Dave88LX - 7/13/2006 8:40 PM Hi all, I'm pretty new to boats, I'm wondering what items are marine-specific and what I can get at an auto parts store without getting charged out the butt from a marina.
Very little...the marine specific parts are made from corrosion resistant materials and are sealed to prevent sparks. A stray spark on a car engine isn't a problem...but a spark in the bilge of a gas powered boat is a HUGE problem.
That said, I'm sure there a handfull of things (spark plugs, belts, etc) that you can get at the Pep Boys, but be careful.
For example, starter, alternator, and distributor are all "marinized" products to prevent sparking that could ignite gasoline fumes. Don't replace these with auto products.
Someone may disagree - but I think you're okay with plugs, plug wires, points, condensor, cap, rotor, at the auto store.
New to boats, have questions, need info! 
