Ignition problem on OMC cobra

[Pinche Perro]

I have a 86 cobra that ran fine in the fall till the alternator went out. It sat all winter and I put a new alternator on it. Now its not getting any juice to the ignition switch. I've checked the fuses and all are good...anyone have any ideas on where to check next?

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: Ignition problem on OMC cobra

Long shot but try jiggling the shift lever, move it in and out of gear back to neutral.

 

[airdvr1227]

Re: Ignition problem on OMC cobra

Check and re-check your connections. Sounds like a ground wire issue to me.

 

[Pinche Perro]

Re: Ignition problem on OMC cobra

Tried it...it will turn over when I jump the starter...and there is a little box with a lever attached to it, I don't know what its called, that presses against the shift assembly on the engine. The plunger button that actvates the lever is sticking...would that be the culprit?

 

[Juniinc]

Re: Ignition problem on OMC cobra

Is this a 4.3?
Since U mentioned not getting any juice to the ignition,,,
If U are not getting any juice on primary side, U can rule out the NSS.
On your ignition sw, 3 prongs should be used.
Measure the "B" prong, should be able to see the 12Ga Red/Purple wire on it,,,
U wanna see 12V + on this 12Ga wire, this feeds your acc, instrument, ignition, bilge SW.
Let me know what U are reading.

 

[chopperdog]

Re: Ignition problem on OMC cobra

That switch assembly you mentioned, that is moved by the transom shift cable, is called the ignition interrupt switch. When activated, by the switch being closed, it causes the ignition to stumble. This is necessary for proper shifting. The gear teeth will not disengage when under pressure, so the switch you mentioned is designed to work with the shifting mechanism.
It is very common that these cause a problem.
To get good info on fixing it, search this forum for ESA if you can, which stands for Electronic Shift Assist.
To search, you should type Electronic Shift Assist in the search box.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Ignition problem on OMC cobra

The ESA will cause the engine to stumble but would not cause the starter to not turn over.
Start checking grounds and the terminals on the ignition switch.
You have checked the 2 50 amp fuses inside the black rubber boots near the bracket where the upper and lower shift assembly is?

 

[chopperdog]

Re: Ignition problem on OMC cobra

Ah, you're right Gary. I fixated on the Interrupt switch and didn't notice that there was no power to the ignition switch.
There is a fuse, 20 amp I believe, that is an inline fuse with power to the ignition switch.
On my boat it is on the Starboard side of the engine, around the interrupt swich. It is a short fuse. This fouled me up before.
I also had one of those 50 amp fuses blown.

My boat is a 1988 Bayliner Ciera with a 4 cyl OMC Cobra.