Intermittent Ignition/Spark problem - coil? Plug Wires?

[ShawnQ]

Re: Intermittent Ignition/Spark problem - coil? Plug Wires?

I've already purchased these so I may as well give them a shot.

They are 'OEM', so they should be acceptable. We'll see.

SQ

 

[fireman57]

Re: Intermittent Ignition/Spark problem - coil? Plug Wires?

Check your coils and powerpack for cracks. Sounds as if you have a bad coil and when it heats up you start arcing. Can you physically swap the coils and leads and see if it still arcs? If the problem follows that coil then replace it. Usually when this happens you drop a cylinder.

 

[ShawnQ]

Re: Intermittent Ignition/Spark problem - coil? Plug Wires?

I've got easy access to all 4 coils, should be easy to move them around.

Would it be easier to check firing voltage on them? Is there a way to test a coil using a standard multi-meter?

SQ

 

[fireman57]

Re: Intermittent Ignition/Spark problem - coil? Plug Wires?

There are tests for them but swapping them seems to be the easiest for most. Some require special meters.

 

[ShawnQ]

Re: Intermittent Ignition/Spark problem - coil? Plug Wires?

There are tests for them but swapping them seems to be the easiest for most. Some require special meters.

Well, I installed the new plug wires after assembling them...and I believe all is well!

I let the engine run on the hose for about 45 mins at idle with a throttle burp here and there, and it seems to run good.

It also seems to start a lot easier than before, first turn of the flywheel fires it off and I don't have to give it any throttle to keep it running at first.

Good deal guys, thanks for the input.

I did notice another problem though. The spring atop my starter is caved in. If the engine is revving up to about 3k for any period of time, the 'gear' (sorry, I'm not familiar with the terms) on the starter will work its way up and make contact with the flywheel throwing sparks from the metal on metal. Can I replace just this spring?

Lastly, what should the out of water idle RPM be on this engine? Is it best to adjust the idle with the throttle cable or on the linkages?

Thanks
Shawn

 

[ezeke]

Re: Intermittent Ignition/Spark problem - coil? Plug Wires?

Glad that you are making some headway.

Try cleaning the top end of your starter with some WD40 - not too much, but remove any and all grease - trick is too have it ultra clean.Then lubricate with a little very light oil, like sewing machine oil.

There are kits for the starter drive, but if you take the unit to a automotive starter shop, they can rebuild the whole unit for you and you probably will never need it to be done again.

It is better not to try to set the idle unless the boat is in the water. You want the setting to be at about the normal position of the motor because of back pressure.

 

[ShawnQ]

Re: Intermittent Ignition/Spark problem - coil? Plug Wires?

Ezeke,

I had to replace the throttle cable mid-trip one time when I was at the coast (gulf coast of TX). I live about 3hrs away, and had the throttle cable break on me while I was offshore about 4 miles. I had to sit on the transom and 'hand throttle' the engine back into the marine and onto the trailer...INTERESTING! I was lucky to get back in time before the dealers closed on that Saturday, found a cable, and installed it. I don't think I had it adjusted quite right because my idle, out of water, in neutral, was only around 800rpms. I hear the idle, in the water, in gear, should be 700 or so. That leads me to believe I had the cable mis-adjusted.

I re-adjusted it last night to turn the engine around 1100rpms out of the water, in neutral. We'll see what it does on the water tonight if I can fix that starter.

The spring on the starter is a fairly weak-tension spring, right? All it does is hold that gear down when the engine is spinning and after you let off the key, correct?

The spring itself is completely collapsed, I'd say it is no good. I'm going to try and find one here in town, just a spring that will work.

Is there any way to remove the spring and install another? If so, that's what I'll try to do until I can get the starter in for a rebuild. I looked at new ones, and I hate to spend $150+ on a starter when the one I have is still working, just needs a spring.

Thanks for all of the info. I'll update the topic when I get it on the water and idle it around for a bit. It's supposed to be 84* outside today - spring is here! Hopefully I can get on the water after work.

Tight lines.
Shawn

 

[ezeke]

Re: Intermittent Ignition/Spark problem - coil? Plug Wires?

That is probably a Bosch Starter. Go to the parts manual for your motor and check. Some of the shops will have a spring. Maybe a cycle shop. You spin the gear up and use it against the nut to take the nut off. The nuts are supposed to be real tight, so put it back with loctite or something.

I try to idle in gear at 650, can't always do it. I set idle with the cable off, then adjust the cable to the throttle cam so that it just pops on without any more adjustment.

Parts. Copy to your browser without the quotation marks: "http://epc.brp.com/default.aspx?brands=ej&lang=E"

 

[Solittle]

Re: Intermittent Ignition/Spark problem - coil? Plug Wires?

You had asked about tstats - - Johnny/Rudes like to idle smoothly when up to operating temp. Take the tstats out and these engines tend to idle rough.

 

[fireman57]

Re: Intermittent Ignition/Spark problem - coil? Plug Wires?

Glad to hear that you are going again. The starter suggestions are right on. Rule of thumb around here is that the idle should be set around 850 to 900 out of the water so you end up around 700 in the water. Like ezeke said, adjust it like he does and then do your final adjustment on the water.

 

[ShawnQ]

Re: Intermittent Ignition/Spark problem - coil? Plug Wires?

Ok guys...took it out, and the starter is fine. However, I still have a miss that I THOUGHT I fixed when I changed my plugs/plug wires. Apparently, I didn't.

Take a look at this thread and see if you can help me out.

http://forums.iboats.com/bbBoard.cgi?a=viewthread;fid=28;gtid=1268870

Thanks!
Shawn