87 Ford 2.3 OMC Cobra

kdarlin79

Recruit
Joined
Aug 14, 2012
Messages
2
Ok I have an 87 sea ray seville with a 87 ford 2.3 and an omc cobra drive. The problem I am having is that everytime I get the boat into the water under load and advance throttle to go forward or reverse the engine will stutter and my oil pressure drops to about 10psi and boat dies. If i run the throttle up in idle the oil pressure will jump up to about 60 psi and stay there but as soon as i try to put in gear the pressure will drop, engine stutters and boat dies. it runs fine out of water on a baffle and I am only having this issue under load. Any ideas???
 

Levinz11

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Apr 1, 2012
Messages
726
Re: 87 Ford 2.3 OMC Cobra

Oil pressure fluctuation is normal as RPM's rise and fall. I wouldn't worry about that, too much. 10 PSI of oil pressure for every 1000 RPM is a good rule of thumb.

As far as the engine stuttering...sounds like an accelerator pump not functioning. Tune up kits are cheap....have you done one lately?
 

kdarlin79

Recruit
Joined
Aug 14, 2012
Messages
2
Re: 87 Ford 2.3 OMC Cobra

I have not done anything to it yet. Only thing done was by a shop and they changed the throttle control box assuming that was the issue and it fixed nothing. It wont go above 11 mph when i actually do get it into gear either. But most of the time once shifted into gear it stutters and dies.
 

Levinz11

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Apr 1, 2012
Messages
726
Re: 87 Ford 2.3 OMC Cobra

The stickies in this section are great. I would start with ignition system and timing....then work your way into fuel and carb. You'll find tons of help on here, especially if you are very specific with your questions.

Welcome :cool:
 

Giboni

Cadet
Joined
Jul 30, 2012
Messages
13
Re: 87 Ford 2.3 OMC Cobra

I had a problem with my 87 2.3 cobra. Mine needed new points and plugs.
 

sublime297

Cadet
Joined
Sep 12, 2012
Messages
17
Re: 87 Ford 2.3 OMC Cobra

Hey All,

New boat owner here. I have a 88' Ford 2.3 OMC Cobra. At high speeds, she'll randomly dip down a bit in power, then about 10 seconds later usually go back up (without me touching the throttle the whole time). Any thoughts?

Thanks in advance.
 
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