1988 Four Winns 4.3 OMC wont run

[Garrod]

I recently purchased a 1988 Four Winns 180 Horizon with a 4.3L OMC Cobra. I completely rebuilt the interior, stringers and all. The engine had seemed to run fine and so we took the boat out to test it out and ended up stuck in the middle of the lake, also it seemed to sputter when you were trying to go in forward so you had to feather the throttle to get it go properly, reverse worked perfect. It will start if and die immediately after. So we take the boat home and replace the fuel filter, and spark plugs, still nothing. So I decide to take in to a mechanic, they rebuilt the carb and changed the points because it had been sitting for 5 years. Then they found that the Shift assist Module was no good so they replaced it. Still wont start! Then they tell me that the coil is losing it's spark when you let off the ignition. So if anyone can help me figure what the problem may be I would really appreciate any help thrown my way. And I will post pics of the boat and the tearing apart of it as soon as I get it fixed.

 

[gbeltran]

Re: 1988 Four Winns 4.3 OMC wont run

Sounds like wiring or the ignition switch. Take the wire off of the positive side of the coil, turn the key to the on position and see if you have 12volts. If not, see if you have 12 volts on the run or ign post of the ignition switch. A reputable shop would have done that rather than tell you that spark is being "lost." It's a simple system. You can always run a jumper wire from the battery positive post to the positive side of the coil and see if it will run that way, but you will have to disconnect that wire to shut the engine off if it starts and runs.

 

[Vincentgould]

Re: 1988 Four Winns 4.3 OMC wont run

Can you please tell me the correct way my electronic ignition should be wired? 1992 5.0 omc ford302. I smoked my coil and module last year and I replaced these two parts. Now my coil is overheating after a long run on a hot day. Any help would be Appreciated.

 

[gbeltran]

Re: 1988 Four Winns 4.3 OMC wont run

Can you please tell me the correct way my electronic ignition should be wired? 1992 5.0 omc ford302. I smoked my coil and module last year and I replaced these two parts. Now my coil is overheating after a long run on a hot day. Any help would be Appreciated.

You should start a new thread with your question, best thing to do would be to pick up a service manual as they have the wiring diagrams.

 

[Vincentgould]

Re: 1988 Four Winns 4.3 OMC wont run

I looked in the manual. Confussing! Any advise would help. I have the manual.

 

[littletoes]

Re: 1988 Four Winns 4.3 OMC wont run

(Replying to original poster)

Start with the basics, fuel, air, spark, and at the right time.

Even though the carb has been rebuilt, is it for sure getting fuel to the cylinders, mixed with the proper amount of air, at the right time?
I don't think you needed spark plugs, so many folks just don't clean plugs anymore, and regap, then re-install.

 

[Garrod]

Re: 1988 Four Winns 4.3 OMC wont run

Sounds like wiring or the ignition switch. Take the wire off of the positive side of the coil, turn the key to the on position and see if you have 12volts. If not, see if you have 12 volts on the run or ign post of the ignition switch. A reputable shop would have done that rather than tell you that spark is being "lost." It's a simple system. You can always run a jumper wire from the battery positive post to the positive side of the coil and see if it will run that way, but you will have to disconnect that wire to shut the engine off if it starts and runs.

They ran a jumper wire and got it started, but then it would not shift out of gear. I'm going to let them see what they can get done with it since its monday and they were closed over the weekend.