www.iFourWinns.com

I recently Acquired a 1988 Freedom 160. Mine has a 3.0L OMC 140HP with a Cobra Outdrive I was TOLD that is only needs a Waterpump. Anyone have this issue? Other Pitfalls I should be looking into before I get too attached to this boat the interior is rather nice shape for it's age and I hope to be keeping this boat.

I just sold my 1991 170 Freedom and it was a great boat. Never really had any major issues. Mine had a 4.3L engine so I can't say mych about your 3.0L.

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1998 Baja Boss 252 7.4L MPI Bravo 1 (SOLD)
2007 FW H200SS 5.0GXI (Sold)
2004 Chevy Silverado 2500 Crew 6.0L (tow vehicle)
1991 FW 170 Freedom 4.3L (SOLD)

There are going to be many nay-sayers about the OMC outdrives. If properly maintained they should last forever, like anything else they may require proper maintenance.

Pick up one of these:

found here: http://www.amazon.com/OMC-Cobra-Stern-Drive-1986-98/dp/089330056X

Also http://www.fourwinns.net for wiring diagrams etc on the boat. You can also call Four Winns and they can direct you to the correct part numbers as well as the places to find what remains of parts for these boats.


Only thing is parts may be a bit harder to come by, depending where you are located. I would get the water pump serviced and change the impeller etc. Make sure there is not any additional damage.

Best of luck! Glad to see more and more older Four Winns' popping up.

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Rob

Present: 1999 Formula 280SS
Past: 1989 180 Horizon

http://www.robcamerondesign.com

As noted the OMC drive is basically a good product but OMC has been out of business for about 10 years, and the pure OMC Cobra design (86-93) has not been made in over 15. Most parts are available, and a lot is in the aftermarket. The main thing is to find a mechanic who knows Cobras, they are different from Alphas and certain procedures (drive oil change, shift cable adjustment) need to be done as per the OMC way or you will have troubles. I was able to buy the OE manuals from a local dealer 7 years ago but there is an ebay seller who is still selling them. Other than that, the things to be aware of are the typical old fiberglass/wood construction issues such as wood rot in the decks, transom and stringers.

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88 Four Winns 200 Horizon
4.3 OMC Cobra-4bbl
2002 Walker Bay 10/2012 Suzuki 2.5
2008 Walker Bay 8

1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.0/Selectrac
2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7 Hemi/Quadradrive II

OK Got it to turn over sound like it has a "dead spot" in the starter. But No fire gave it a couple of shots of Starting fluid just to see if it was a Fuel problem but nothing yet. I'll look into ignition tomorrow. But nothing sounds bad when the engine turns over so I still have a smile.