5.8 0mc with hei distributer starting problem.

[talies13]

i have an 1989 omc 5.8 and have recently replaced the points with an aaa marine hei distributor. at first it started right up but here recently i am having trouble getting it started after it runs for a while. once its running it runs perfectly . this distributor must have a minimum of 12v constant power. im wondering if i may need to upgrade my alternator to a higher amp alternator to keep up with the distributors constant need for 12v power. i have the distributor powered direct to the battery.

 

[RogersJetboat454]

Re: 5.8 0mc with hei distributer starting problem.

i have an 1989 omc 5.8 and have recently replaced the points with an aaa marine hei distributor. at first it started right up but here recently i am having trouble getting it started after it runs for a while. once its running it runs perfectly . this distributor must have a minimum of 12v constant power. im wondering if i may need to upgrade my alternator to a higher amp alternator to keep up with the distributors constant need for 12v power. i have the distributor powered direct to the battery.

I highly doubt it's a lack of amperage that's causing your problem. Even if the alternator quit, a fully charged battery would be able to supply what the distributor needs for a good long time.

Have you verified that you're actually loosing spark? A spark tester would accomplish this. Was there a external ballast resistor, or resistor wire present for the old points distributor? Did you remove it?

 

[Bondo]

Re: 5.8 0mc with hei distributer starting problem.

i have an 1989 omc 5.8 and have recently replaced the points with an aaa marine hei distributor. at first it started right up but here recently i am having trouble getting it started after it runs for a while. once its running it runs perfectly . this distributor must have a minimum of 12v constant power. im wondering if i may need to upgrade my alternator to a higher amp alternator to keep up with the distributors constant need for 12v power. i have the distributor powered direct to the battery.

Ayuh,... What makes ya think it's an Ignition problem, 'n not an Induction problem,..??

 

[talies13]

Re: 5.8 0mc with hei distributer starting problem.

Ok Bondo. I think you may be right. After tightening all connections I was able to get it started with noproblems. But after leting it run for about 20 min on muffs I started to see a bunch of white smoke coming from exhaust. So I shut it off anf tried to start it again , but it wouldn't start are my plugs geting foild to the point that I can't start it . Or is it idling to long .thanks

 

[RogersJetboat454]

Re: 5.8 0mc with hei distributer starting problem.

Check the engine for spark when it quits!

There could be several reasons for the smoke, but you need to do a bit of detective work ^^^ first.
The engine should be able to idle all day if everything is right. Have you been keeping an eye on engine temp when it's on the muffs?

 

[Jammer864]

Re: 5.8 0mc with hei distributer starting problem.

When it quits, check the following: Does it still have spark (at the plugs), is it still getting gas?

HEI distributor doesnt require an external ballast resister. Wiring direct to the battery should keep it sparking just fine as long as its a 10-12 gauge wire.