OMC 2.3L Cobra Motor

[brandonlunsford]

I have a 1990 Sunbird that is overheating or something. It will run about 15 min then slowly start to idle down until you are at a creeping pace after that. I took it to the boat shop they tuned it up(oil chg, spark plugs, etc.) it didnt help. I paid of $400 for all that plus they said they took the boat out and ran it and it did fine. I took it back and now they are saying it is the altenator causing the boat to do that. Does anyone have and advice or suggestions on what to do?

 

[Don S]

Re: OMC 2.3L Cobra Motor

It will run about 15 min then slowly start to idle down until you are at a creeping pace after that.

I assume the throttle lever isn't just backing down causing this.

If the throttle lever stay put and the engine still slows down, then I would be looking at a fuel delivery problem.
Read this thread and do the tests.
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=283269

 

[brandonlunsford]

Re: OMC 2.3L Cobra Motor

My father said the same thing. The reason he assumed this was because it didnt start doing this until he ran it completely out of gas! The mechanic at the boat shop says the altenator isnt getting enough voltage and there is a brand new battery in the boat. Do you have any tips on how to begin to check the fuel delivery? and why would it for 15min without any problem and then all of a sudden die down and shut off?

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: OMC 2.3L Cobra Motor

Running out of gas probably sucked crud up in the fuel pick up screen.
It will need to be removed from the tank and cleaned.
Also when the problem starts open the gas cap and see if it picks back up.That will tell you if the tank vent line is clogged.

 

[Bondo]

Re: OMC 2.3L Cobra Motor

Do you have any tips on how to begin to check the fuel delivery?

Ayuh,... I'd probably start with the fuel Filters....

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: OMC 2.3L Cobra Motor

Ayuh,... I'd probably start with the fuel Filters....

Don't forget the small filter where the fuel line connects to the carb..

 

[brandonlunsford]

Re: OMC 2.3L Cobra Motor

When i took it to the shop the first time they put new spark plugs, fuel filters, changed the oil, put a new bilge pump, and tuned it. They said they ran it and it did fine. I just called the guy at the boat shop and told him what the comments were and he said that the altenator is causing all the problems. Its going to cost me $326 this time. If it doesnt fix it this time, I am going to sell the boat or find a new mechanic.....If anyone knows anyone wanting a boat of this model send them my way. I appreciate all the replies...

 

[Bondo]

Re: OMC 2.3L Cobra Motor

I just called the guy at the boat shop and told him what the comments were and he said that the altenator is causing all the problems. Its going to cost me $326 this time.

Ayuh,... I'd love to hear the thought process that lead to that diagnosis,..??..??..??

 

[Don S]

Re: OMC 2.3L Cobra Motor

Ayuh,... I'd love to hear the thought process that lead to that diagnosis,..??..??..??

There obviously wasn't any.

 

[zbnutcase]

Re: OMC 2.3L Cobra Motor

Time to sell the mechanic,not the boat. 'nutcase

 

[nola mike]

Re: OMC 2.3L Cobra Motor

Although if it continues to start and run without needing the battery charged...not the alternator. It could still be electrical though. Does it only happen with a hot engine?

 

[brandonlunsford]

Re: OMC 2.3L Cobra Motor

I had originally planned on takin the altenator off myself and getting a refurbished one. Its only 2 bolts! He said that they will make sure it is is lined up properly so it won't sling a belt (which it does at least once a month now anyway). Also yes it only does this when it is hot. I figure if it was a fuel delivery problem why would it get fuel the first 15 min then not after that?