Im really confused

L

luke wayne

Recruit
Joined
May 25, 2006
Messages
3
I have a 1992 fourwinns 180, with a 4.3 GM. Im usually pretty resourceful when it comes to problems with my boat, but this one really stumps me.for the last week I havent been able to get my boat running. After all the usual tests Ive come to the conclusion that the problem is in the ignition system, and this is what is going on. For some reason when the coil wire is disconnected and laid across the top of the distributor with a screwdriver sticking in it(like when your checking for spark) the engine runs like a champ. But as soon as I connect the wire I cant even get it to fire up. Ive checked the plugs and their all getting power when this occures, but for some reason the motor wont run unless I create a gap between the distributor and the coil wire. Is the coil I have not strong enough? I have checked the power to the coil and its all getting the proper power. Any help with this would be awsome. thanks
 
Haut Medoc

Haut Medoc

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jun 29, 2004
Messages
10,645
Re: Im really confused

Welcome to iboats :) <br />My guess is a poor electical connection.....<br />When was the last time you changed the cap & wires? <br />That is where I would start ;) .....JK
 
R

rattana

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 12, 2003
Messages
413
Re: Im really confused

Do you have another coil wire you can try?
 
WillyBWright

WillyBWright

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Dec 29, 2003
Messages
8,200
Re: Im really confused

Carbon tracking! With the added gap, the spark isn't strong enough to find it's way to ground thru carbon build-up in the distributor cap, or maybe the coil. Light that sucker up when it's dark and I'll bet you get quite a light show. What HM says. :)
 
Don S

Don S

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Aug 31, 2004
Messages
62,321
Re: Im really confused

Have seen this happen with caps and wires, then about a week ago found a rotor with a hole under the center electrod. Through the plastic. Would short out to the distributor shaft.<br />Again, like JK says, Cap, wires, rotor..... Basically a tuneup but with plug wires will likely cure your problem. Being a 92, it's due for new plug wires anyway.
 
L

luke wayne

Recruit
Joined
May 25, 2006
Messages
3
Re: Im really confused

thanks for the reply, all the wires and the cap and the rotor are all brand new already, but i was thinking the same thing.thought the coil might be too weak to run the system also. any comments on that idea? Ill replace all that stuff in the meanwhile though, and post my results tommorow. thanks again.
 
Don S

Don S

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Aug 31, 2004
Messages
62,321
Re: Im really confused

If you try to start it in the dark, you may see a lot of sparking going on from the coil tower to the small terminals on the coil.<br />Did this happen before all the new parts were installed or did the new parts not make any difference?
 
Bondo

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,479
Re: Im really confused

I ran across this just the other Day,........<br /><br />The Spark Plugs were Gas Fouled............<br /><br />I'd add Spark Plugs to your Parts List........
 
D

Davenc

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Sep 4, 2005
Messages
49
Re: Im really confused

The same thing was happening to my 350 last week.<br />New coil and plugs and she purs like a kitten.<br />Like Bondo says change the plugs. All your testing has them fouled for sure.
 
L

luke wayne

Recruit
Joined
May 25, 2006
Messages
3
Re: Im really confused

sorry its been awile, but now ive got new plugs, new wires,new coil, new rotor and cap. same damn problem. 250$ later and ive got the same results. this sucks! I hate to say it, but it looks like its time to take it into the shop. Any last replies?
 
tystick

tystick

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Aug 25, 2003
Messages
278
Re: Im really confused

"For some reason when the coil wire is disconnected and laid across the top of the distributor with a screwdriver sticking in it"<br /><br />That is a new one:)<br /><br />Don't give up yet - this forum is great - give it a bit more time to run thru possible faults<br /><br />How about ignition amplifier?
 
N

newport dave

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Nov 21, 2004
Messages
458
Re: Im really confused

I guess it's a Tbolt IV? <br /><br />If there is no spark with the coil wire in the cap then I think you have to consider it a no spark condition and troubleshoot as such. You may want to try the procedure below. It would be interesting to see what happens.<br /><br />Dave<br /><br />
tboltIV
 
Boatin Bob

Boatin Bob

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Sep 24, 2001
Messages
1,858
Re: Im really confused

Being a Four Winns I would expect this to be an OMC? Luke...what engine do you have?
 
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