Re: OMC 2.3 Cobra Melted Spark Plugs, Resolved and Fixed
Researching the issue relating to runon with my engine I found a good information that I feel I have to share with you guys, it kinda relates to this tread so I'll post it here.
Below is the Merc Service Bulletin I copied from GPV/others. It worked on my 3.0L Merc.
TO: SERVICE MANAGER TECHNICIANS No. 97-17 PARTS MANAGER; Revised July 1999;Engine ‘Dieseling’ or ‘Running-On’; Models MCM 4 Cylinder, V6 and V8 with Carburetors. Situation Under certain conditions, carbureted engines may ‘run-on’ when the ignition key is turned off. Normally, it will take a combination of several of the following conditions to make the engine ‘run on’. These conditions include but are not limited to: 1. Type and formulation of gasoline available in the area. 2. Type of boat and its engine compartment ventilation system. 3. Outside air, inside engine compartment air and engine coolant temperatures. 4. How quickly the engine is shut off after running at cruising or higher RPMs. 5. How the boat and engine are operated. 6. Engine idle rpm set too high. 7. Wrong heat range spark plugs or spark plugs with deposits on them. 8. Deposits in combustion chamber. Carbureted engines, unlike EFI, do not shut off the fuel supply to the engine when the ignition key is turned off. As the engine is coasting to a stop, air is still flowing through the carburetor into the manifold. This air flow can still draw fuel from the carburetor, through the intake manifold and into the combustion chamber. A hot spot in the combustion chamber will cause this fuel/air mixture to burn. The engine now ‘diesels’ or ‘runs on’ although the ignition system is not firing. EFI engines do not have this problem because the injectors do not inject fuel once the ignition key is turned off.
Suggestion to Minimize ‘Run On’ Items number 1 ,2 and 3 can correct or reduce most of these ‘run on’ problems. Letting any engine idle a minute or two before shutting it off is desirable. This helps the engine to normalize at idle rpm before being shut down. 1. Be sure engine idle mixture, idle rpm and ignition timing are correct. On 4 cylinder and V6 or V8 engines with Thunderbolt IV ignition, setting idle rpm as low as possible can help stop ‘run on’. 2. Adjust throttle cable barrel so that the carburetor’s throttle lever returns against the idle speed stop screw every time the remote control throttle lever is returned to neutral, idle. 3. Idle engine 1 to 1-1/2 minutes before turning key off after running at cruise or higher engine rpm. 4. Try a different brand of regular fuel or try some premium fuel. 5. Increase idle mixture by 1/8 turn ‘richer’. 6. Go to next colder heat range spark plugs. 7. V6 and V8 only: Install a 140 ?F(60 ?C) thermostat.
