new guy with ?, can anyone help

[Tommy Saunders]

hello all

i have a 91 chaparral it has a 4.3 l v-6 , it is very hard to start.
when its running it run great .
? #1 can you use any spark plug wires on it are do you need marine grade
what plugs do i need it has champion in it now

 

[JB]

Re: new guy with ?, can anyone help

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=250877

Moving to I/O

 

[Don S]

Re: new guy with ?, can anyone help

AC-MR43T spark plugs, the wires have to work on a Thunderbolt ignition distributor cap. There are aftermarket options to OEM. NAPA and some other auto parts stores carry the Sierra brand of aftermarket parts.

As far as your starting problem. Are you familiar with starting carbed engine with chokes? Takes more work than just hitting the key like you do in your car that is EFI.

 

[Bondo]

Re: new guy with ?, can anyone help

what plugs do i need it has champion in it now

Ayuh,..... AC Delco MR43T.....

can you use any spark plug wires on it are do you need marine grade

Nope,..... You just need the 1s that actually Fit.........

 

[Tommy Saunders]

Re: new guy with ?, can anyone help

thanks don , i think it has a electric choke on it but i do not see it move, cold or hot.

 

[Woody-jh]

Re: new guy with ?, can anyone help

I had the same "hard to start" problem with a 1995 4.3 Merc. Three mechanics said it was the nature of the beast, that the fuel would evaporate in summer heat. Finally in a post on this site last year, someone (Don S?)suggested to check the anti-siphon ball check that is on the fuel line, right at the tank. We took it off, looked OK but you could blow by the ball. Cleaned it with a swab, checked that ball was sealing tight, and reinstalled it. The engine started in less than 1 second, even though it had to refill the lines. The motor has started 1st time ever since. Prior to solving this issue, it was getting embarrassing at the dock. This is a simple repair, provide there are not fuel or spark issues

 

[Tommy Saunders]

Re: new guy with ?, can anyone help

dont see this anti -siphon ball ,is a square housing on top of fuel tank.
how do i check my choke to see if it is working

 

[MikDee]

Re: new guy with ?, can anyone help

Sometimes the antisiphon valve is built into the square shaped fitting on the tank, with possibly a filter in the (tank) line under it, these are a necessary item to check on an older boat. With your engine cold at start (your first start of the day), your choke butterfly should be closed, or partly closed, then open completely by the time you reach operating temperature (engine warmed up).

 

[bomar76]

Re: new guy with ?, can anyone help

If it is a Mercruiser Thunderbolt IV (you never stated what you actually have, year and engine really don't give enough information).....
GM HEI style wires for under header applications fit fine.
Buy a V8 set and keep the 2 you don't use as shop spares.

 

[Tommy Saunders]

Re: new guy with ?, can anyone help

thanks ,there is a square fitting on top of tank. i will check and clean it. as far as the boat were talking about its a 1997 chapparel with a 4.3 l v-6 175 hp.. engine. ssn is ok157786 . it has a new short block under it. i forgot the drain plugs the first winter i had it sorry. thanks for all the help