How far should 262 engine hatch open?

[Zbrown5]

Proud new owner of a 2002 262...power engine hatch by Bennett. How high should it go up? It goes up really slow and then it seems like I barely can squeeze in there to work on things. Does anyone have a measurement of the opening? It looks like Cobalt has provided a manual rod that folds down as a safety support perhaps, but I can’t fold mine down all the way which implies to me that my hatch isn’t going full up.

Thanks

Zach

[AsLan7]

Proud new owner of a 2002 262...power engine hatch by Bennett. How high should it go up? It goes up really slow and then it seems like I barely can squeeze in there to work on things. Does anyone have a measurement of the opening? It looks like Cobalt has provided a manual rod that folds down as a safety support perhaps, but I can’t fold mine down all the way which implies to me that my hatch isn’t going full up.

Thanks

Zach

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Hey Zach. Welcome to the Cobaltchat forum. So glad you found us!

I find the hatch opens slower than other boats we’ve owned. Our Fountain was lightning fast...5-8 seconds to full open.

The Cobalt hatch will open hydraulically to the full open position in about 15-20 seconds. Then (if needed) you can push it up manually another 3 or 4 inches and use that retaining arm/rod to prop it open. This is primarily a maintenance position. Btw, this is how you check and top off the reservoir fluid....open hatch fully using the switch....push up manually and prop up with rod....lower the hydraulic rams using switch ....check reservoir fluid level.

Do you have any pics of your 262? How is she powered?

Again welcome aboard mate!


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[Zbrown5]

So I can lift it beyond the point at which the rams are maxed out? What happens to the rams at that point?

Pics attached! If it’ll let me. I just bought it Friday, need to clean it up this week.

[AsLan7]

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Very sweet Zach.

And yes, you can lift the hatch manually off the ram supports. The engine platform just lays on top of the two ram platforms.

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Your carpet looks sharp.

How is she powered?

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[Zbrown5]

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Very sweet Zach.

And yes, you can lift the hatch off the rams. The platform just lays on top of the two ram platforms.

Your carpet looks sharp.

How is she powered?

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Thanks! Carpet is new 2 years ago. Volvo 8.1gi. Runs good.

[AsLan7]

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Very sweet Zach.

And yes, you can lift the hatch off the rams. The platform just lays on top of the two ram platforms.

Your carpet looks sharp.

How is she powered?

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Thanks! Carpet is new 2 years ago. Volvo 8.1gi. Runs good.

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Nice. Who did the carpet for the previous owner? Any idea?

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[Zbrown5]

Someone in Aurora, MO. I’m not sure exactly who, but I know it was in Aurora.

[AsLan7]

Someone in Aurora, MO. I’m not sure exactly who, but I know it was in Aurora.

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Roger that. Upholstery looks to be in pretty good shape too.

Your first mod will be upgrading to stainless cup holders.

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[Zbrown5]

Someone in Aurora, MO. I’m not sure exactly who, but I know it was in Aurora.

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Roger that. Upholstery looks to be in pretty good shape too.

Your first mod will be upgrading to stainless cup holders.

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Yes! Was just talking about that with the wife this weekend. Where do I get some?

[AsLan7]

Someone in Aurora, MO. I’m not sure exactly who, but I know it was in Aurora.

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Roger that. Upholstery looks to be in pretty good shape too.

Your first mod will be upgrading to stainless cup holders.

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Yes! Was just talking about that with the wife this weekend. Where do I get some?

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There’s a ton of them on Amazon and eBay. All different types. Even LED ones if you like.


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[Big Block Power]

I perfer the led ones.

[Ytmsn]

Nice boat. My hatch is the same way. I raise it as far as it will go, then step up and pop the support arm down. Then get under it and push up while at the same time sweeping the arm over to the right to the corner. Then I go back and raise the rams as high as they'll go. That way the hatch doesn't have to come down far when you reverse that pole procedure.

Oh, and yeah.. LEDs all the way!

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[thmw]

I have a 2003 262 also and the hatch isn't going as high as it used to go so i suspect i may need to add hydraulic fluid - my question is, what fluid can i use? ATF? Power Steering Fluid or something really specific to Cobalt (also really expensive!)

[AsLan7]

I have a 2003 262 also and the hatch isn't going as high as it used to go so i suspect i may need to add hydraulic fluid - my question is, what fluid can i use? ATF? Power Steering Fluid or something really specific to Cobalt (also really expensive!)

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Hey Tom. Welcome to the CobaltChat forum. So glad you found us!....and Yeee Hawwww! Great to have another 260 series owner on the forum.

The technical answer to your question for Mercs is to use Mercruiser Power Trim and Steering Flud part number 92-802880a1 as seen from the 2005 Mercury/Mercruiser Operation, Maintenance & Warranty manual below.
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8 oz bottle can be purchased on Amazon here.
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32 oz bottle can be purchased on Amazon here.
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Honestly though, any power steering fluid will work. On the 262 this pump powers BOTH the hatch and the outdrive trim.
Make sure you check the fluid level with the hatch DOWN. Otherwise it will indicate low with the hatch up and you will most likely top it off....then when you lower the hatch, you'll have a big red mess of power steering fluid all over your bilge.

The proper way to check your outdrive & engine hatch fluid is to raise the hatch fully, then push the hatch up manually another 6 inches and insert the support pole that is tucked into the topside. This will pull out and the plastic point can be inserted on the port side above the batteries.
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Any pics of your 262? How is she powered?



Again, welcome aboard mate!
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[thmw]

Thanks for the reply - good info.
My 262 is powered by a Volvo 8.1L Gi