5.0L OMC Cobra engine problems

[j_pete003]

I own a 89 Four Winns 180 horizon with a 5.0L Cobra. The engine started up great out of the water. Bump the key it was running type of thing. I got out on the boat for the first time after returning from Afghanistan and same thing. The engine started right up, went into reverse fine. Put it in foward and started going fine then the engine died and now the engine wont even torn over now. Pulled back to the trailer then loaded up and went home with VERY disappointed family. Charged up the battery, tried jumping it, changed out the battery....nothing. What could the problem be? Any one else with this problem? I would love to spend a weekend on the lake with the family I've missed the last year. Thanks all.

 

[cooter2506]

Re: 5.0L OMC Cobra engine problems

Is it acting like a dead battery? Is the starter ingaging or not?

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: 5.0L OMC Cobra engine problems

Howdy,

Isn't Afghanistan beautiful this time of year .....I'm thinking of getting a time share condo in Bagram


Do you have an OEM service manual?

You probably have a problem in the shift quadrant. There's a neutral safety switch in there that can malfunction and prevent power from getting to the starter solenoid.

You can test this by using a voltmeter or test light at the starter solenoid. I believe the wire is yellow with a stripe. It should be powered when you activate the starter with the shifter in neutral.

If you are not getting power there you can back-trace it to the ignition switch.




Cheers,


Rick

 

[Maclin]

Re: 5.0L OMC Cobra engine problems

If you mean the starter relay clicks and the starter draws current and tries to turn then your engine may have ingested water and hydrolocked. Remove all the spark plugs and try it again, looking for water coming out of one of the cylinders. I only give this suggestion due to the nature of the sudden stop of the engine while in the water.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: 5.0L OMC Cobra engine problems

Need more info for sure...
Any clicks or noise when you turn the key to start?

 

[j_pete003]

Re: 5.0L OMC Cobra engine problems

Thank you for the responces. I took all the plugs out with no luck. The starter is trying to turn. The entine engine moves when the starter is engaged, however, it seems like the engine is locked up. What is hydrolocked? Will the engine turn over with the plugs out? Because mine wouldnt.