Volvo 2.3 problem (AQ131)

I have a 1986 Bayliner Capri 2.3 Volvo (AQ131/Penta 270). Boat starts fine and runs great for about 10 minutes then engine stumbles and shuts down. Will crank over fine but won?t start until it has cooled down. Ignition coil is too hot to touch. No spark when coil gets hot. Coil sits on back of engine, on top near exhaust manifold. I have replaced all tune up parts including the coil (still gets too hot), new alternator and any old wiring that looked suspect. Engine temp is fine. I do remember forgetiing to reconnect the cold water inlet hose in the spring after storage and I ran the boat for a bit until I noticed. The problem started right after that. I replaced the cold water impeller right after that mistake with the hose. Warm water does come out of the lower unit so the cold water system seems to be working. Please help with suggestions on what to check (i.e. exhaust manifold, etc.) I am lost. Thanks.

Re: Volvo 2.3 problem (AQ131)

Welcome to Iboats.

Just out of curiosity is your ballast resistor still being used? Have you measured the resistance of the resistor with a DVOM?
Did you set the point gap at the correct distance with the distributor shaft at the correct location?
Did you set the Dwell with a Dwell meter?

Have you measured the temp around the coil? A infrared hand held thermometer would be the tool to use for this job.
Sounds like either one or another thing is happening here.
Either the engine part near your coil is getting hot like you think OR.... you have something wrong with the ignition system thats heating up the coil.

Re: Volvo 2.3 problem (AQ131)

Next time you start it, measure the voltage at the coil, it should be around 9 volts. If it is 13 or so, then your coil needs to have the internal resistor. I bet your points are burning up as well from too high voltage. Had that happen before on a vehicle that had points. It would get so hot that it would not run until things cooled down, then the cycle repeated itself.

I have the same engine, and the coil never gets that hot, but then I bought the Pertronix ignition and the correct coil to go with it. Had it for four years and no problems. A very worthwhile investment IMO.

Have a great day

Rob.

Re: Volvo 2.3 problem (AQ131)

Thanks for your responses. I have owned this boat for 12 years and tune it up carefully each spring. I have set the points with a gauge and a dwell meter. Points are not burning or melting. I will check the voltage across the coil as soon as I can. I can tell you nothing has changed in the past 12 years until I forgot to connect the intake hose. I am convinced that the coil is getting too hot because of its location relative to the exhaust. IF that is true, what type of damage could have occurred because of the intake hose mistake? I haven?t taken anything apart yet, when I do I want to have a plan. Cracked manifold? Bits of impeller blocking water passages in cooling jacket?? I agree an electronic ignition is the way to go, but don?t want to do that if I have a bigger problem.