1989 OMC 4.3 2brl won't stay running

[cougar89]

I recently bought a 1989 VIP with a OMC 4.3L engine in it with a 2 barrel Rochester carburetor. I'm having trouble keeping it running. When I start it I have to open up the throttle a little to get it to start up and then slowly back in down to the neutral position. Once it is there it will run for 5 to 10 minutes then it dies. Then it will not start at all no matter where the throttle is. I can close the choke back up and it will act like it is going to start up, sometimes it will and run for another few minutes and do the same thing. I cleaned the carb but it is still doing the same thing. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Limited-Time]

Re: 1989 OMC 4.3 2brl won't stay running

Sounds like a fuel delivery or carb problem................'' I cleaned the carb'' what do you men by that?? It sounds as if a rebuild..............or rebuilt carb may be in order.................depending on your level of ability.

 

[cougar89]

Re: 1989 OMC 4.3 2brl won't stay running

I checked and it is getting fuel up to the carb. I took the carb apart and cleaned it. I put new gaskets in the carb and put a new needle on the float. It acts the same as before I cleaned it.

 

[mthieme]

Re: 1989 OMC 4.3 2brl won't stay running

Although it sounds like a fuel issue, it also sounds like you've covered the bases.
I assume you;ve checked the float level and adjusted the air mixture screws? Was the air mixture sensitive? That is you couldn't screw one all the way in and not affect the running?
I have the same setup in a SRV190. How about those cheesy chrysler points? are they closed, pitted, etc.? (I replaced mine with a Pertronix CDI unit - highly recommend).
I have seen a coil do this before, albeit rare.
Coil wire okay?

 

[skeat]

Re: 1989 OMC 4.3 2brl won't stay running

How is the condition of your fuel line from the tank? If it's cracked and pourous it could leak air in and cause the condition you're describing... not sure, just trying to help

 

[Jason Councilman]

Re: 1989 OMC 4.3 2brl won't stay running

I had a very similar situation with my 2.3 OMC (Ford) this summer. Below is the link to all that's been done.

Currently running (as of today) without a resistor wire or ballast until I know why the ballast overheated as well.

Symptoms were identical to yours. Once things cooled down, the boat would run until it got hot again. It would "want" to run while turning it with the key, but when it'd kick over to the alternator (through the resistor wire) there wasn't enough voltage. Hope this helps.

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=272519

Jason