OMC 4.3L Problem

[kimbro12345]

I have a 1989 OMC with a 4.3L v-6. I'm having trouble with the boat dying when I put it into gear. It will idle fine sometimes, but when it is put into gear it dies. Had to float back this last time, can anyone help?

 

[Capt DHD]

Re: OMC 4.3L Problem

Hello;<br />When was your boat last serviced by a dealer? Also, will the boat cut out, when it is idling, if you trim the unit?<br />1)You have a point ignition, when put under a load, questionable points will break down. Questionable points will also break up when you hit your trim switch.<br />2)You may have a problem with your outdrive that should be checked by a certified dealer. <br />For you I hope it is #1, #2 could get a little more expensive.<br />Good Luck, Rob.

 

[Odin]

Re: OMC 4.3L Problem

I have been experiencing the same thing. I noticed that the problem was more frequent, when I ran w/ a 19 prop. <br />The problem was that the idle was too low, so I adjusted the idle speed on the carb. That seem to take care of the stalling when I would put it in drive.

 

[Mod2]

Re: OMC 4.3L Problem

Moving to I/Os.

 

[illini]

Re: OMC 4.3L Problem

I had a similir problem and it ended up being a weak fuel pump. Mine never died unless I gave it gas quickly.

 

[Liquid_force]

Re: OMC 4.3L Problem

I know this is an old post, but I need help with a problem VERY similar to what's described above.<br /><br />The boat runs wonderfully - starts fine, runs great at cruising speed, and responds perfectly once the rpm's are above 2K or so.<br /><br />The problem is off-idle - for example - when pulling up a skier. After tightening the rope, when I nail the throttle the engine hesitates for a fraction of a second, and a few times has altogether died. Easing into the throttle is not a problem.<br /><br />I've done 2 things - re-gapped the spark plugs from about .036 to .030, and replace the fuel filter. The problem is better, but not solved. It doesn't die anymore, but there is still an instantaneous hesitation off-idle.<br /><br />According to DHD's suggestion it sounds like the points may be a problem. Especially since I DO have an occasional engine stumble when I adjust the trim. <br /><br />What I really need to know is...what are "points"?

 

[Lark40]

Re: OMC 4.3L Problem

The distributor is the thing on the upper port side of the engine that has seven wires sprouting out of the top.<br /><br />Unfasten the top cap's side holding screws and pull the cap off. Inside will be a pointer device on top of a shaft. Pull off the pointer (that is the distributor rotar). Now, you will see where the shaft has an uneven core, and that it hits a block as it rotates. That block is part of the ignition points and will open a small gap in its attached parts when the shaft pivots and hits the block. You can try moving the parts gently by hand to see where they create a gap. Because of the electical circuitry, a spark is created when those contact points open. This is transferred to each spark plug wire by the rotar. <br /><br />Cars used points from the early days until about 1980. Boats were slower to change to electronic ignitions.<br /><br />Points are easy to adjust and replace. Buy a repair manual for proper instructions.

 

[Liquid_force]

Re: OMC 4.3L Problem

Thanks Lark, I really am fairly mechanically inclined, but I learned almost everything I know from working on my '88 Turbo T-bird. Thanks for the explanation though.<br /><br />Too bad my manual is with the boat at my brother's house 80 miles away