1991 OMC 4.3l Cobra ignition system

[596stingray]

I have been told by my mechanic that my engine problem is the ignition coil pack and that it needs to be replaced. Problem is he can't find one - it is no longer manufactured - as I read the posts for similar issues, it looks like I may not be the only one with this problem. Are there other ignition systems that may be substituted? Anyone have any suggestions? What is so special about these ignition systems? Are there any automotive applications that might work??

 

[bruceb58]

Re: 1991 OMC 4.3l Cobra ignition system

you can buy another marine distributor. The only problem will be getting the ESA to play with it.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: 1991 OMC 4.3l Cobra ignition system

buy the EST delco and rewire around the ESA. use the appropriate merc manual for wiring and it will now not only eliminate the ESA but will be wired just like the mercruiser and will work just fine.
some of the early OMC electronic stuff,especially omc spitfire ign parts, are becoming hard to find.

 

[kevbern]

Re: 1991 OMC 4.3l Cobra ignition system

I have the same problem with my boat. Did anybody find a resolution to this problem?

 

[Bondo]

Re: 1991 OMC 4.3l Cobra ignition system

Ayuh,... The post above your's Explains the Fix...

 

[fuzzybob]

Re: 1991 OMC 4.3l Cobra ignition system

Kev, It's best to start your own post rather than tack onto an old one. That being said, it looks like rodbolt gave the resolution in the post right above yours.
Welcome to iboats and good luck on your project.

 

[Lodgepole]

Re: 1991 OMC 4.3l Cobra ignition system

Kev, It's best to start your own post rather than tack onto an old one. That being said, it looks like rodbolt gave the resolution in the post right above yours.
Welcome to iboats and good luck on your project.

The 91 Cobra has tapered shift dogs to make them pull together. If you disable the ESA, you will have a problem geting to nuteral. May run into a dock if you don't kill the engine. With tapered dogs, you sure need the engine stumble the ESA causes to come out of gear. I bought a 92 Cobra 3.0 that had the ESA unhooked as well as some other needed items. (boat belonged to an electrician) I nearly busted into a dock and had all kinds of shifting problems before I discovered the disabled ESA.
Also, I needed a coil and picked up an automotive one which was identical.