ignition problem

[docs]

Hello everyone,
This is my first post. I need help! I have a 1989 fourwinns, I can't get the motor to start after it had come up to temp. Its a 4.3 once with a 2 barrel carb on it. It will sometimes start when cold but other times it will not. I pulled the plugs they look good, its getting spark when I crank it over. Plugs were dry. Any help would be greatly appreciated

 

[docs]

ignition problem

I have a problem ....I have a 89 four winner with 4.3 omc. When I turn the key to start it, engine will just keep turning over, unroll I let yhr key return to the run position. Then it will fire the motor. Does anyone have some advise for me? I have not done anything with it, for I have only owed the boat a couple of weeks.

 

[Don S]

Re: ignition problem

Look at your starter, there should be a purple/blue wire attached to the D terminal on the solenoid as shown in the picture below.
That wire goes to the + terminal on your coil and gives you full voltage to the coil while the engine is cranking.
What happens is unknowing people try replacing the starter with an automotive starter, and automotive starters don't have that terminal.
Automotive starters are also and explosion hazard as they are not spark protected as required for marine starters, alternators, distributors, and many other marine electrical devices used in the engine compartment.

 

[docs]

Re: ignition problem

Thank you for your help
My starter has this wire....is there a way to test it for a break. Could the key switch be bad?

 

[Don S]

Re: ignition problem

is there a way to test it for a break.

Sure, disconnect the wire and check with an ohm meter. It's just a wire between the starter terminal and the coil.

Could the key switch be bad?

Could be bad. The reason for the purple/blue wire was due to the long runs of wire to the helm and back usually lost too much voltage.

I also merged both of your posts together. They are most likely related.

 

[docs]

Re: ignition problem

Ok thanks again for your advise. I will test this wire tonight.