1989 OMC 5.8L Stern Drive, Rough Starts

[LakeMichiganBoater]

Just fixed my shifting issue and now I noticed that the engine seems to crank a bit too long before starting and dies going into gear at first, before warmed up for a bit. I would like to troubleshoot this, what should I be checking? My guess is a distributor/ignition issue as I checked all gas supply issues and it runs fine while going, choke functions as it should.

This is what I have done so far:
-Carb has been rebuilt
-Plugs replaced
-Fuel filter replaced
-Fuel lines checked
-Clear line from carb to fuel filter (not fuel supply) replaced, it was kinked

 

[Lou C]

Does this have points ignition? If so has the dwell angle been checked with a dwell meter?
Also if you have a Cobra system make sure the ESA isn’t staying engaged when you shift into either gear. It should lower the idle only when you are shifting from either gear into neutral. When those micro switches wear they can stick on causing a similar problem.
Did you set the idle fuel mixture? Choke adjustment?
I’m confused about the clear line to the carb; that is normally an overflow safety hose from the mechanical fuel pump to the carb in case the diaphragm in the pump fails.

 

[LakeMichiganBoater]

Does this have points ignition? If so has the dwell angle been checked with a dwell meter?
Also if you have a Cobra system make sure the ESA isn’t staying engaged when you shift into either gear. It should lower the idle only when you are shifting from either gear into neutral. When those micro switches wear they can stick on causing a similar problem.
Did you set the idle fuel mixture? Choke adjustment?
I’m confused about the clear line to the carb; that is normally an overflow safety hose from the mechanical fuel pump to the carb in case the diaphragm in the pump fails.

I am not sure if it has points ignition... So that has not been checked. Ill read into that process.

I don't believe the ESA is the issue with starting, just shifting, correct?

Choke appears fine, only by visible checking its position while cold and warm. Not sure about the idle fuel mixture, is there a write-up anywhere on checking that?

I am guessing the line you are referring to is the line I replaced, It comes from the top of the fuel pump to the top right side of the carb below the flame arrestor.

 

[Lou C]

Who rebuilt the carb? Adjusting idle mix is part of it
Points which I think yours has need regular maintenance….I grew up with cars that all had points it’s auto shop 101 stuff…

Yes the ESA is supposed to engage only briefly when shifting from in gear to N. But; things can go wrong with it….

That hose you replaced; if there is any gas in it your fuel pump is bad.

 

[LakeMichiganBoater]

Who rebuilt the carb? Adjusting idle mix is part of it
Points which I think yours has need regular maintenance….I grew up with cars that all had points it’s auto shop 101 stuff…

Yes the ESA is supposed to engage only briefly when shifting from in gear to N. But; things can go wrong with it….

That hose you replaced; if there is any gas in it your fuel pump is bad.

Idle screws were set to the same setting they were at prior to the rebuild, have not been checked while running the engine, Ill check that out and see if I can get a better idle, but it idles fine once warm.

The ESA seems to function in that the motor "stumbles" when going into reverse. Is there more checks that should be done on it?

There was not gas in that hose, just replaced it as it looked kinked.