1997 Mercruiser 4.3LX Gen+ Stalling issue

[kcitrin]

Hi,
I hope someone can help me out here... My engine if cold will start and run great but after it warms up it will stall and not start. I found that the coil was bad so I used a coil from a Ford Fairlane (just to test) and the boat started and ran great but when I went back to idle it stalled and wouldn't start again. The old coil was arching from the coil wire to the negative post but after I replaced it it worked fine for a little bit. So I really want to avoid having to replace the control unit... $300 just isn't in the budget right now... any ideas on what else could be the issue? Cap, rotor ignition sensor? Thanks in advance for any advise!!

Kris

 

[NHGuy]

Re: 1997 Mercruiser 4.3LX Gen+ Stalling issue

So was it arcing from the coil wire to the negative post on the coil? Sounds like the wires need to go. When you get wires get marine wires, get stainless core, they are reasonable to buy and last a long time. Plus car wires aren't long enough to reach past the exhaust manifolds on boat motors.
Those ignition controllers are very sturdy, I'd be surprised if it's bad.

 

[dubs283]

Re: 1997 Mercruiser 4.3LX Gen+ Stalling issue

Sounds like the wires need to go.

yep - probably running the original wires too

what happens is the boot on the wire end weakens allowing the coil tower to arc to the (-) side - once that happens the voltage will want to follow the carbon track and the coil is shot

even replacing the coil will only work temporarily, the bad boot will allow for arcing then you have another carbon track

time for a FULL tune-up including an new OEM coil and as mentioned previously - marine plug wires

 

[kcitrin]

Re: 1997 Mercruiser 4.3LX Gen+ Stalling issue

So, I replaced the rotor, cap, ignition sensor, wires and coil.... the boat ran great for an hour then it died again... I was running at 3000 rpm at about 23mph the motor dropped to 500 rpm for 15 to 20 seconds then stopped. It would not start again didn't seem to be getting spark, there was fuel so I know that isn't the issue. Of course I was stranded on the lake and had to leave the boat tied up until morning. The following morning went back to the boat and it started right up ran great but I only ran it for 15 minutes just to get it back to my trailer. The boat only has 249hrs on it.... what else could be wrong? ECU? I'm at a loss.... runs great then dies with no warning. HELP!!!!

Thanks,
Kris

 

[kcitrin]

Re: 1997 Mercruiser 4.3LX Gen+ Stalling issue

I'm a little confused... The ICM part number I have found is 807829t-1 but I can't find them... also I see a conversion kit part #861251a-1 but it says for a thunderbolt V and I have the IV... any idea which part number is correct and where I could find one for a decent price? Or any other options... is there a way to change to a petronix or something similar?

Thanks,
Kris