1988 4.3 omc wont start

[Brandoninkc]

Hello I was just gifted a 1988 vip that has the 4.3 omc cobra 2 barrel 175hp I believe it had been sitting for 3 years I changed the oil the filter the fuel filter and I put a new carb on the boat after that I started it in my driveway poured a little bit of gas in the carb and it fired right up the idle was a little high but I was able to start it multiple times so I took it to the lake for a test run backed it down the ramp started right up ran for about 1 minute and died and I can not get it to start again even in my driveway now before I went I filled the gas tank and added seafoam I'm thinking I've got some clogged fuel lines but I did see when I have it throttle gas was shooting but while turning the engine over I'm not sure so now it's acting like it wants to start but just won't I know check spark compression etc I'm thinking I might have a clog anymore suggestions?

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,..... Welcome Aboard,...... Service the points, 'n then run it off a remote tank, with clean fresh gasoline, to narrow down the problem,.....

 

[alldodge]

believe it had been sitting for 3 years

Welcome

Agree with Bondo
Adding good gas to bad gas just gives you more bad gas. Could be the fuel filter is full of water and or crud

 

[Brandoninkc]

I'll try that I did change the fuel water separator but I did not prime it

 

[Brandoninkc]

Ayuh,..... Welcome Aboard,...... Service the points, 'n then run it off a remote tank, with clean fresh gasoline, to narrow down the problem,.....

Any idea what the points gap should be? I disconnected the fuel tank and tried to see if it would fire up with some starter fluid wouldn't I checked the spark I'm getting spark I'm pretty sure it's flooded I can see a pool of gas down in the carb any ideas on how to un flood the engine as well

 

[alldodge]

Any idea what the points gap should be? I disconnected the fuel tank and tried to see if it would fire up with some starter fluid wouldn't I checked the spark I'm getting spark I'm pretty sure it's flooded I can see a pool of gas down in the carb any ideas on how to un flood the engine as well

No way to unflood a motor
Take the carb off and rebuild it, it's fairly easy

The gas may be bad but need to fix the flooding issue before anything else

 

[Brandoninkc]

No way to unflood a motor
Take the carb off and rebuild it, it's fairly easy

The gas may be bad but need to fix the flooding issue before anything else

It's a brand new carb

 

[alldodge]

It's a brand new carb

ok, but float level may not be adjusted right or was changed in shipping
Look for dripping when shut off

 

[Lou C]

Get a factory shop manual
It’s a very simple set up
Auto shop 101 circa 1966.
Come on guys
We oldsters learned from a shop manual

 

[Brandoninkc]

ok, but float level may not be adjusted right or was changed in shipping
Look for dripping when shut off

Ok I'll watch for dripping I honestly think I messed up I added fuel after the boat was sitting for 3 years and I think I ruined all my gas and I think it's flooding because it won't start but i haven't messed with a carb since I was a teenager

 

[Brandoninkc]

ok, but float level may not be adjusted right or was changed in shipping
Look for dripping when shut off

Got it started on a separate fuel source it was definitely bad gas got a question thought someone rigged the throttle linkage with wire and I'm just wondering of there is anywhere on earth I can find that original throttle linkage

 

[alldodge]

Don't know off hand but post a pic, we be able to find something that will work

 

[Lou C]

You can find NLA OMC parts on EBay & NLA Marine parts
Take a look at the OMC catalog on Crowley Marine or Marine Engine.com you’ll see the original parts & part numbers

 

[Lou C]

Also you’ll need a good quality marine rebuild kit for the Rochester carb.
Might also need to replace that old mechanical fuel pump