5.8 omc will not start

I have a 1989 5.8 omc with ford engine. when I crank the engine it fires as if starting then dies. When the switch is in the on position, I do not have power to the coil. I traced what I think is the hot wire (purple w/ white stripe) back to the starter relay and there is no power coming out of the relay. I replaced the switch but did n ot solve the problem. I checked all the connections I can find and replaced the 50 amp in line fuses. On a perhaps unrelated note, since I have been messing around, my motor for the out drive does not get power. A mechanic friend bypassed something to allow me to raise it to trailer the boat, so I know the motor works, it just is not getting power. I am stuck. Any ideas?

Re: 5.8 omc will not start

What type of ignition do you have.

If I read this correctly it fires then dies when you let off the key.

It could have a two stage ballast resistor. It bypasses the resistor wile the key switch is in the start position for a hotter spark to help it start.
if the resistor side has burnt out it can cause the symtems you describe.

Re: 5.8 omc will not start

I do not know what type of ignition I have. How do I tell?

Re: 5.8 omc will not start

I am not sure what type of ignition I have. It is stock from my 1989 bayliner. Ford 351 (5.8) OMC. If this is my probem, how do I fix it? I had read that this may be related to my starter relay. These are only about 20 bucks new, so I have no problem with changing this out. Should this fix it?

86 century said:

What type of ignition do you have.

If I read this correctly it fires then dies when you let off the key.

It could have a two stage ballast resistor. It bypasses the resistor wile the key switch is in the start position for a hotter spark to help it start.
if the resistor side has burnt out it can cause the symtems you describe.

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