Distributor Cap - Spark Plug Question

[krjohnson76]

Hello, newbie here. I just got my first boat and have been doing work to it. I have a 1987 Bayliner Capri - 21', with an OMC 4cyl 3.0L Cobra. I am at work, so I don't have the serial number. My question is, that the previous owner just threw the spark plug wires in the boat (was his project boat he did nothing with). Is there anywhere I can find which spark plug wire goes to which point on the distributor cap? I have searched the internet quite extensively, and looked through the repair manual that he gave me, but I see nothing about it. Any help would be appreciated, and I hope I have not posed a question wrong or anything, because I find this forum quite helpful, and would like to share my trials and successes as a newbie!

Thanks.
Kevin

 

[Bondo]

Re: Distributor Cap - Spark Plug Question

Ayuh,....... Welcome Aboard to the forums here at iboats.com,.....

I'm headed off to work,+ Don't have the time to find a picture for you,....
But,.....
I'm absolutely Sure that another of the regulars will be along with the Info you need........

Good Luck.....

 

[krjohnson76]

Re: Distributor Cap - Spark Plug Question

Thanks Bond-O. I am hoping one of the regulars do come along, so I can go home today and go troubleshooting again......thanks!

 

[Don S]

Re: Distributor Cap - Spark Plug Question

The first thing you have to do is get #1 cylinder up on TDC of the compression stroke. Do this by removing the spark plugs, turning engine by hand in the normal direction of rotation. Put your finger over #1 spark plug hole and turn engine till you feel compression building. Then continue turning till the timing mark is lined up.
That is #1 TDC. Now look at where the rotor is pointing, that is where #1 spark plug wire goes. Now just put the rest of the plug wires on (in the direction the rotor turns) in this order 1-3-4-2
#1 is the front cylinder, #4 is the back cylinder.

 

[krjohnson76]

Re: Distributor Cap - Spark Plug Question

Thanks Don! I really appreciate it, and I will try it this evening when I get home. I will post a reply and let you know my results......

Kevin

 

[mrrod2001]

Re: Distributor Cap - Spark Plug Question

I have a '88 bayliner capri and here is a link to a photo of the sparkplug side of the engine. Its a 3.0l omc

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mrrod2001/2306317537/sizes/l/

hope it helps
Rod

 

[Don S]

Re: Distributor Cap - Spark Plug Question

The picture is great except. If someone has your distributor or the original posters distriburor installed off from original, then it means nothing.
I would guess that half of the marine distributors that I work on are not installed where the book shows them. Doesn't hurt anything, it just means that copying the location of your wires may not work.