Help, I replaced my points ignition with a MSD Ready-to-Run Marine Distributor

[brianwells1961]

I have a 1989 OMC 460 King Cobra which really needed a pick me up. I had pulled the drive, then engine because it had bad gaskets. And, there was no way to try to work on it being outside, on blocks in the marina parking lot. So, along with replacing the items which do fail sometimes being 23 years on the water and surviving WI/ MN climate, I wanted to pep it up a bit. The old distributor was removed per MSD's instructions and the new installed. Now, when it does finally start, We can not keep it running long enough to try to attempt to time it.
We think the carb may need to be adjusted .

My question finally to all of you knowledgeable, helpful boaters, besides the 2 obvious hot and ground ignition wires, Do I need anything else gauge wise that need to be connected ?

The rest of the 28' cabin cruiser is 90 miles away.
Thank you in advance for any and all tips you may provide me with.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Help, I replaced my points ignition with a MSD Ready-to-Run Marine Distributor

If it ran fine before the changes, then adjusting the carburetor is not likely going to change that. You can move the distributor slightly either way to see if will stay running.

 

[Don S]

Re: Help, I replaced my points ignition with a MSD Ready-to-Run Marine Distributor

Did you set the new distributor in, did you have the rotor pointing the same direction as the old one was pointed? and get all the wires back on in the right place?

 

[brianwells1961]

Re: Help, I replaced my points ignition with a MSD Ready-to-Run Marine Distributor

Yes , new distributor and wires placed in the original position.

 

[brianwells1961]

Re: Help, I replaced my points ignition with a MSD Ready-to-Run Marine Distributor

we have been trying slight turning one way or the other from the original distributor position. Then it will either crank and crank- no fire. Or it will spit fuel,start up briefly, but not long enough to do anything with it. It is pumping fuel and lots of it. The carb has had nothing done to it since we got boat in 2009.

 

[Don S]

Re: Help, I replaced my points ignition with a MSD Ready-to-Run Marine Distributor

The carb has had nothing done to it since we got boat in 2009.

Did it run before you replaced the distributor, or was the distributor replaced in hopes it would cure the starting problem?

 

[brianwells1961]

Re: Help, I replaced my points ignition with a MSD Ready-to-Run Marine Distributor

It has always started fine before now

 

[Don S]

Re: Help, I replaced my points ignition with a MSD Ready-to-Run Marine Distributor

If it started fine before, then obviously something is installed wrong.
First thing to do is get the engine up to #1 TDC on the compression stroke (NOT the exhaust stroke) and make sure the rotor is pointing at #1 plug wire on the cap. then make sure the firing order is correct.

 

[brianwells1961]

Re: Help, I replaced my points ignition with a MSD Ready-to-Run Marine Distributor

The real answer I am looking for is, The engine is 90 some miles away from the gauges, key switch, boat side wire harness, and not even including the fact of new distributor, what wires need to be used to start my engine.

 

[Don S]

Re: Help, I replaced my points ignition with a MSD Ready-to-Run Marine Distributor

Hook the red battery cable to the starter solenoid like it would be in the boat. same with the negative battery cable. In place of your ignition switch, just hook a jumper wire from the positive battery terminal to the purple wire of your coil. Take it off to turn the engine off.

To crank the starter, go to the starter solenoid jumper between the battery cable connection and the yellow/red stripped wire wire.

 

[brianwells1961]

Re: Help, I replaced my points ignition with a MSD Ready-to-Run Marine Distributor

Thanks Don

 

[talies13]

Re: Help, I replaced my points ignition with a MSD Ready-to-Run Marine Distributor

Don't know if you fixed your problem . I switched from points to hei and had the same symptoms . I had it installed on the down stroke . Fixed that and then it required MINIMUM 12 volts to start and keep it going . You must have 12 volts minimum if yours is like mine.

 

[brianwells1961]

Re: Help, I replaced my points ignition with a MSD Ready-to-Run Marine Distributor

Thanks talies13
I will make sure system is charged and charging. It always has, but it is nice to acquire knowledge on this new toy.