OMC 305 cranks but will not start

[fourmats]

I have an '88 OMC Cobra 5.0 litre 305 GM.When I crank it I get very weak 12 volt power to the coil and the boat cranks but wont start.If I run a hot wire to the coil the boat fires up right away.Is this a coil problem where its getting an extra boost from a direct 12 volt shot or is there a resistor somewhere that is causing too much resistance for the coil to properly fire?Or does anyone know of another idea?<br />Any Help Sure Would be Appreciated! It has a new cap, rotor, points and condenser and carb kit.The boat runs great once it starts.Its an '88 Fourwinns 205 Sundowner.<br />Tom

 

[Easttxhunter]

Re: OMC 305 cranks but will not start

Hi fourmats<br />What do you mean very weak 12 volt at the coil? Did you hook up a volt meter to see auctual voltage your getting to the coil? I suspect your not getting enough voltage at the coil. Possable shorted wire or high resistance. Some coils are internally resisted some externally. The first test i would do is hook up a dvm and check what kind of voltage is actually getting to the coil and go from there.

 

[fourmats]

Re: OMC 305 cranks but will not start

Thanks for the response!I checked it with a test light.The test light was very weak until I run a hot wire to the coil then it is very bright and the boat fires up right away.This is power going to the coil.The coil says on the side that it requires an external resistor.You wouldnt happen to know where the resistor is on an '88 Fourwinns 205 Sundowner would you?The harness is just a few inches from the coil but I am wondering where in the harness the resistor would be.