1977 omc stern drive 190 hp not starting up but does crank

shbuerk

Cadet
Joined
Sep 18, 2010
Messages
21
I was wandering what should I look for and try to get it to fire up. I adjusted the points on the high side to .017. Still didn’t get it to fire up messed with the fuel bolts on the carburetor thinking that could be it but no luck there thinking about screwing the adjustment bolts all the way in to start from there any help would be great. Thank you all.
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
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Jul 23, 2011
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50,261
Did you file the points first? If not, grab a points file or a nail file from your wifes purse

File, gap, verify dwell, set timing then go boating
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
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50,261
There is a points ignition troubleshooting guide in the diy stickies at the top of the forum
 

Bondo

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Ayuh,..... Points don't like to not be used,..... File 'em, or at least run some sandpapper 'tween 'em, for testin' purposes,....
 

KM7

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Aug 14, 2013
Messages
276
Basics to get it to fire:

Fuel - Are you getting fuel to down into the cylinders? If you pump the throttle just once or twice you should see and or smell fuel. If not, are you getting fuel to the fuel filter? Fuel pump?

Spark - Are you getting spark? The best way is with an inductive timing light hooked up and a helper to pull the trigger on the light while you crank the engine. Check the condition of the points. Set the gap for the dwell. This has to be done at the widest point which meant either bumping the engine small amounts or turning the engine manually. Warning only do this with the key off and out of the ignition and the battery off. The motor could fire and injure you. Did you pull the plugs to see how they look?

If it ran recently, then the timing should be close enough to at least get it to start. If you need it, I can walk you through setting the timing without the engine running. This is called Static timing.

If you are getting fuel and spark you should get at least some action.

If you still don't get it to fire, try using starter fluid. Don't over do it, but you should definitely get it to at lease fire if you have spark, fuel and starter fluid.

Let me know how it goes.
 

shbuerk

Cadet
Joined
Sep 18, 2010
Messages
21
Just wanted to thank all of you awesome people for the help. It was my points. Changed those and she fired right up.
 
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