1992 OMC Cobra with no spark

[Bondo]

Re: 1992 OMC Cobra with no spark

when you spin the distributor around your just want to spin the inside so the rotor is 180 from where it was not the whole distributor because that would put the hole where the wires come out to the other side away from the coil, right?

I'm still going the read that section but seems to make sense,

Ayuh,.... It don't matter, so long as #1 plug wire is at the terminal that the rotor is pointin' to, when #1 is firin',...
'n the rest of the wires are in order from #1, in the direction of rotation,....

The 1st step is to roll the motor over, so's #1 piston is Tdc, Compression stroke,...

 

[MikDee]

Re: 1992 OMC Cobra with no spark

On the small block Chevy 4.3V6, has 2 pistons on TDC at the same time, #1, & #4, the cam determines which one is ready to fire, being a 4cycle engine, #1, on the first revolution, #4, on the next, then #1 again. So adjust your Dist. rotor accordingly, by pulling it part way out. The Dist housing can stay in the same place, if it's in the right place? If you had points, you could tell when they 1st break, electronic ignition, I don't know how you'd test it without powering it up? Put your finger in the #1 spark plug hole to find compression on TDC for #1.

 

[MohaveChuck]

Re: 1992 OMC Cobra with no spark

OK got it I just have to make sure #1 is TDC on the compression stroke.

First I want to get a .008 non metallic feeler gauge to check the air gap between the timing wheel and sensor on the ignition coil because I did loosen that at one point.

I think I am getting close to getting this thing running. That online manual has really helped.

Now could I have damaged it by trying to start it with the plugs firing out of order? A couple of the backfires were pretty loud.

 

[MikDee]

Re: 1992 OMC Cobra with no spark

I've done this myself a few times on a small block Chevy putting a new cam in I doubt it though, your valves were open at the time to relieve the pressure, but it is possible. A matchbook cover is .08-.10 I think, it might be close enough?

 

[MikDee]

Re: 1992 OMC Cobra with no spark

You ain't got that thing runnin Yet! JEEZ!

As I said, one revolution to TDC could be #4, the next full revolution to TDC could be #1, put your finger in the spark plug hole to check for compression on #1 to find out which it is? If your rotor, & cap, is lined up with the right cylinder #1, or #4, snug it down, and you're done, then later turn the Dist a little by hand for fine tuning, if need be?

 

[MohaveChuck]

Re: 1992 OMC Cobra with no spark

OK guys haven't got back to it yet but how do I hook up a remote starter to bump it.

looks like ill be working alone this weekend and can't quite reach the key.

Thought it was across the two 50 amp breaker posts?

 

[MikDee]

Re: 1992 OMC Cobra with no spark

You could probably pick up a remote start switch at any auto supply, reasonably priced. It is just a high amp on/off push button with with 2 wires, and a couple of alligator clips. Or, you could make on yourself. One wire goes on the big Bat cable at the starter, the other goes on one of the Starter small terminals. Not ignition.

 

[MohaveChuck]

Re: 1992 OMC Cobra with no spark

Just bumping it around and I got lucky and it stopped at 0 degrees lined up on the notch.

I was hoping the rotor would be at 6 o'clock, where #1 would be or 12 o'clock but it ended up at about 2 o'clock. Just don't know if that is the compression stroke or not until I can get a remote starter to bump it around with my finger on it.

Assuming it was the compression stroke the plan would be to pull the center of the distributor up and spin it around to the 6 o"clock position. Right? Making sure it seats in there for the oil pump etc..

 

[MikDee]

Re: 1992 OMC Cobra with no spark

So, grab a straw, or short piece of rubber hose, and blow, or blow some smoke, into each cylinder #1 and #4. If your valves are good, one will blow back at you (the one you want), and the other will absorb the smoke to go out thru the valves. Or break apart an old spark plug, & put a hose in it, screw one into both cylinders, and blow, or blow smoke, thru these. That should work. The rotor, the #1 spark plug terminal, & the elcetronic trigger all have to be lined up in the same spot, that will put your Dist. base where it needs to be.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: 1992 OMC Cobra with no spark

get a compression gauge and rotate the engine by hand.

 

[MohaveChuck]

Re: 1992 OMC Cobra with no spark

Got her running and timed. Yeah

Thanks guys!

Now after some new carpet and my new upholstery ready to put in I'll take the drive off and have a look before I put her in the water.

The drive looked as clean as the engine but who knows after someone wired the distributor wrong and put it in 180 degrees off.

 

[MikDee]

Re: 1992 OMC Cobra with no spark

Got her running and timed. Yeah

Thanks guys!

Now after some new carpet and my new upholstery ready to put in I'll take the drive off and have a look before I put her in the water.

The drive looked as clean as the engine but who knows after someone wired the distributor wrong and put it in 180 degrees off.

I told you to check that right from the beginning. Anyway, glad you got it running, good luck with all the rest! Mike D.