2.3l omc 87 bayliner wont start: time to get rid of it.

P

PieceOfShip

Cadet
Joined
Nov 3, 2002
Messages
24
i have been cranking on this thing for a while and it will not start. I have fuel, spark, and air, but it doesnt want to fire up. I adjusted the timing as in previous posts form others, but i have had no luck. i have one day till i deploy to get this thing running. what could i be forgetting? Finally, do you think i should part it out (if it wont start) or just sell the whole thing as is. and how much can you get for a boat in this kind of condition? I am totally lost.
 
Dunaruna

Dunaruna

Admiral
Joined
May 2, 2003
Messages
6,027
Re: 2.3l omc 87 bayliner wont start: time to get rid of it.

PieceOS,<br /><br />I'm not familiar with the 2.3L but you're not getting any other hits so I'll give it a go - <br /><br />All 4stroke gas motors bang the same, spark ignites the fuel at a predetermined time, from what you describe you can only have one of the following problems: Little or no compression, no spark (at the plugs!)or your fuel is not fuel. Even with timing out a bit it should, at the very least, backfire or try to come to life.<br /><br />Have you any other clues? For instance: Distributor removed recently or backfired then stopped or problem began after new plug wires installed etc. etc.<br />How did you set the timing if it won't run?<br /><br />Aldo
 
P

PieceOfShip

Cadet
Joined
Nov 3, 2002
Messages
24
Re: 2.3l omc 87 bayliner wont start: time to get rid of it.

it all began with a blown head gasket about a month ago. finally got it all fixed up and then it wouldnt start. the timing was set from the index marks (#1 TDC) the distributor position at #1 & cam position index.<br /><br />i pulled a plug and cranked and it sparked up.<br /><br />i did find a small spring and metal dowel in the hull that i dont know where it came from, but i dont think that would be anything important
 
Striper Blues

Striper Blues

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jul 30, 2003
Messages
135
Re: 2.3l omc 87 bayliner wont start: time to get rid of it.

Have you checked to make sure the lanyard isn't defective. this is the switch, usually on the dash that is attached to operator to stop operation of engine if operator is thrown etc. It works like the kill switch on a motorcycle. Everything appears normal, engine cranks etc. except it prevents ignition. <br /><br />I had a simliar issue on mine and found this switch was intermittent, changed is for like $18
 
L

Lil Fesot

Cadet
Joined
Jun 13, 2004
Messages
21
Re: 2.3l omc 87 bayliner wont start: time to get rid of it.

I would agree with Pbburke to check the lanyard switch. You might get lucky. Otherwise, has the distributer been removed at any point. You could be 180 out. Additionally if the distributer was out did you check the pin that attaches the gear to the shaft. It could have sheared but enough is left to make it appear to be functioning. The next thing you know the timing is off. That and make sure the firing order is correct 1,3,4,2.
 
L

Lil Fesot

Cadet
Joined
Jun 13, 2004
Messages
21
Re: 2.3l omc 87 bayliner wont start: time to get rid of it.

I would agree with Pbburke to check the lanyard switch. You might get lucky. Otherwise, has the distributer been removed at any point. You could be 180 out. Additionally if the distributer was out did you check the pin that attaches the gear to the shaft. It could have sheared but enough is left to make it appear to be functioning. The next thing you know the timing is off. That and make sure the firing order is correct 1,3,4,2.
 
D

DJ

Guest
Re: 2.3l omc 87 bayliner wont start: time to get rid of it.

You have: Spark, Air, Fuel. Right?<br /><br />The only ingredient missing is: spark at the right time.<br /><br />You had the head off right?<br /><br />I really suspect timing. Could be distributor or cam belt.<br /><br />If you have spark, it's not the kill switch.<br /><br />This engine is no mystery. The basics are no different than a 2.0/2.3 found in Fords since 1971.<br /><br />Your value decreases by 80% if it does not run.
 
Dunaruna

Dunaruna

Admiral
Joined
May 2, 2003
Messages
6,027
Re: 2.3l omc 87 bayliner wont start: time to get rid of it.

POS,<br /><br />As I said, I'm not familiar with the 2.3L but if its a OHC then give DJ a cigar - check your valve timing - got your belt on wrong most likely.<br /><br />Aldo
 
K

KRS

Banned
Joined
May 15, 2004
Messages
2,383
Re: 2.3l omc 87 bayliner wont start: time to get rid of it.

Check for water in cylinder, that won't let it fire either. If it is cranking good, then this probably isn't it. But at this point, I think I'd pull the plugs and crank it just to be sure.<br /><br />Good luck.
 
P

PieceOfShip

Cadet
Joined
Nov 3, 2002
Messages
24
Re: 2.3l omc 87 bayliner wont start: time to get rid of it.

yep, lanyard switch is good.<br /><br />no water in cylinders, (fixed that from the blown head gasket.)<br /><br />distributor turns and was never removed. <br /><br /><br />the timing is questionable because the index marks have no zero indicator for the crankshaft. there is a bite mark in my crankshaft pulley so i guessed that is the mark to set zero? The plastic cover has about 30 tick marks, and one spot that is dimpled in towards the bottom of the these ticks. this is what i think is the zero spot. so i put the bite on the dimple correct (TDC)? I will mess with it in the am and hopefully get her going. it cranks great so i got that going for me. <br /><br />thanks for the advice and ideas
 
Boatist

Boatist

Rear Admiral
Joined
Apr 22, 2002
Messages
4,552
Re: 2.3l omc 87 bayliner wont start: time to get rid of it.

You had the head off. Was it off because engine would not start or for some other reason. When You put the head back did you adjust the valves for each cylinder and then do a compression check. No compression and it will not start. To get compression the valves need to be set right. Should have around 130 psi in each cylinder. After that with fuel and a proper timed spark it will start. <br />I assume the starter is turning the motor.
 
D

DJ

Guest
Re: 2.3l omc 87 bayliner wont start: time to get rid of it.

It's been too long for me to picture the 2.3L timing procedure.<br /><br />However, your local library will have a Motors or Chiltons manual that covers the Ford OHC 2.3 of that vintage.<br /><br />The base (belt) timing is no different than the automotive version.
 
P

PieceOfShip

Cadet
Joined
Nov 3, 2002
Messages
24
Re: 2.3l omc 87 bayliner wont start: time to get rid of it.

yep well, i adjusted the timing about 6 times in a row just to make sure i had it right, but still no luck. i feel a little defeated but oh well. unfortunately i am leaving tommorow for 3 months so when i get back boating season will be almost over and my buddy is out our boat. anything special i should do to it other than add stabilizer to the fuel and drain the manifold and block of water? thanks again
 
S

steve n carol

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
May 8, 2004
Messages
459
Re: 2.3l omc 87 bayliner wont start: time to get rid of it.

POS, <br /> <br /><br /> "there is a bite mark in my crankshaft pulley so has about 30 tick marks, and one spot that is dimpled in towards the bottom of the these ticks. this is what i think is the zero spot. <br /><br />'so i put the bite on the dimple'<br /><br /> correct (TDC)? <br /><br />I will mess with it in the am and hopefully get her going. <br /><br />it cranks great so i got that going for me. <br /><br /> humm, a bite on her dimple in the am is good, and you say bite marks on your crank??? and now you leave her high and dry for 3 months?? and it' :D s not called a zero spot, it's called somthing else, she can tell you herself! have fun on your trip, are you going to work for the state for 3 months? :
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top