OMC 4.3 Cobra starting problems

[Afubar]

Hello, I bought this boat a month ago, 2000 home built 33' houseboat with a 4.3 cobra. Ran it on the 12th and 13th, started and ran great. Ran it on the 26th and it ran great. Started it on the 27th, fine. Later in the day, started it and switched fuel tanks, engine died, switched fuel tanks back, fine. While motoring back to the slip that evening, engine suddenly died, friend had accidently hit the kill switch, pulled switch and nothing, no power to panel, no power to engine. About 4 hours later, discovered loose wire at fuse to kill switch and repaired that. Since it was dark at that time, didn't want to try to start the engine and head to slip so stayed where we were tied to shore. Next morning found some water in bilge, bailed that out, got pump finally activated and let engine sit about an hour, tried to start and engine ran about 3 seconds, then refused to start, Now all I get are a short uhm then clicking sounds.

Have charged battery and replaced cable ends at battery and cleaned posts, still just an occassional umh (not always, sometimes straight to clicking) and clicking sounds.

have checked the oil, no water showing on dip stick. Have also checked every sticker on engine to include stamped numbers and can not tell just what year this engine is. Stamped into engine is: OM6269732 On a sticker near the head is Model 986698 987403 4/6 cyl 11 IP 986694 On the drive is TO32924 HELP.

Oh, let me say this, I'm an old broad, don't know alot of technical terms but have replaced the alternator on my car, the struts, and the rear brakes and window in my car (alternator requires dropping the engine cradle on passenger side). So while I don't know alot, am willing and eager to learn. Also have the manual for this engine but it covers the renge of 1986 to 1995.

Thanks for your time. Here's a picture of the engine:

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: OMC 4.3 Cobra starting problems

Welcome to Iboats!
I would start by checking the ground cable at the end that bolts to the motor.
The part about switching fuel tanks and it died makes me think you have some bad fuel or water in it.
I think you have a couple problems going on at once..
Plenty of people here to help you!

Another thought would be to remove the spark plugs and see if it spins over...

 

[chiefalen]

Re: OMC 4.3 Cobra starting problems

You might have clogged up your filters with all that gunk in the second tank, plus another problem.

Heres a old post hope it helps.

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=279525

 

[Afubar]

Re: OMC 4.3 Cobra starting problems

Thanks Chiefalan and Gary. Chief, I'd already printed out the 2nd link in the old post, but have now printed out the one you referenced. Thanks.

Anyone have an idea as to the year this engine was made???? I called out local marine shop and spoke to a "mechanic" who suggested putting a rachet on the drive shaft and trying to rotate it back, he thinks maybe the starter is stuck. Any clue as to where the starter is located on this?

Thanks again. I really do appreciate the knowledge and advice. I ain't too proud to ask for help. LOL

 

[MikDee]

Re: OMC 4.3 Cobra starting problems

Thanks Chiefalan and Gary. Chief, I'd already printed out the 2nd link in the old post, but have now printed out the one you referenced. Thanks.

Anyone have an idea as to the year this engine was made???? I called out local marine shop and spoke to a "mechanic" who suggested putting a rachet on the drive shaft and trying to rotate it back, he thinks maybe the starter is stuck. Any clue as to where the starter is located on this?

Thanks again. I really do appreciate the knowledge and advice. I ain't too proud to ask for help. LOL

I'd say it's newer then 86', but not sure of what yr.? because I had 2- 86' 4.3Cobra's in a previous boat, and That flame arrestor is a newer style, plus the dipstick is in the front, mine was in the back, the exhaust manifolds are a different style, the newer center riser type, instead of the old "batwing" style I had. It looks like you have electronic ignition also, I had old style points distributors.

By the way, the last two numbers "94" in the number on the head, might be the model year?

Anyway, I agree to try what the mechanic said. Turn the crankshaft counterclockwise just a little, and listen for a click of the starter gear disengaging.

 

[Afubar]

Re: OMC 4.3 Cobra starting problems

Thanks MikDee, I asked the gentleman I bought the boat from (he also built it) what year it was, but due to his having a stroke, he has alot of problems with numbers. He did tell me that the engine was rebuilt no more than 8 hours ago. Then again, with his problems with numbers, who knows. The boat has been fun and I've learned alot from it, still a long ways to go.

Thanks all
Kaye

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: OMC 4.3 Cobra starting problems

The exhaust manifolds look like the newer style...the 86 year and a few years that followed had the one piece manifolds.90's is a good guess.
Looking at the engine while standing in the boat the starter is located on the left rear side of the engine.Reach down there and you will feel it.
It could be corroded connections on the starter itself.
Hopefully there is enough room to get to it without the motor needing to be pulled.

 

[Afubar]

Re: OMC 4.3 Cobra starting problems

Thanks Gary

Will check this out this evening after I get off work, Will let all know in AM if I've had any luck.

Kaye

 

[chiefalen]

Re: OMC 4.3 Cobra starting problems

If you can reach under the motor and tap the solenoid on the starter, with a hammer, might lossen it up.

Don't hit it like a cheating husband tap it. 2 or three times.

Maybe you can reach it from the other side of the motor.

Now try to start it.

If it don't start tap it a little harder 2-3 times.

I still think if you have a fully charged battery and clean connections would take alot of guessing for us out of the equation.

 

[Boatin Bob]

Re: OMC 4.3 Cobra starting problems

Model 986698 is for the drive and says it's for a 1991 4.3 and based on the picture it looks to be around that vintage so it's probably correct.

This wiring diagram should help as well if you need to troubleshoot the start circuit

http://www.selocmarine.com/content/manuals/3404/pdf/340410w165.pdf

 

[Afubar]

Re: OMC 4.3 Cobra starting problems

Chief, I replaced both the negative and positive ends on the battery and I know the battery is fully charged. I couldn't see where the starter was last evening, am going to take my digital camera out this evening and see if I can get it into position to see the underside of the motor.

I wonder if the problem still could be the connection to the kill switch? While I repaired it, maybe I didn't get it as good as I should have.

Bob, thanks for the wiring diagram. Last evening, I didn't have any of the tools with me so that I could try anything. Tonight will be different.

Many Thanks
Kaye

 

[Afubar]

Re: OMC 4.3 Cobra starting problems

I replaced the end to the wire going into the fuse panel. Funny thing, still have to wiggle wire around to ensure good connection. Anyway, used 12v tester to test power to the connection at the top of the engine and got a very good glow, couldn't test power to starter as I was alone, will try later today. I managed to get a picture of the wires into the starter or relay. They look good. Can someone please tell me exactly which part I'm looking at here? If it's the selinoid is the starter directly under it? I know, I'm really not blond.... LOL Thanks

 

[MikDee]

Re: OMC 4.3 Cobra starting problems

Yes, that's the solenoid, with the starter right under it, but there usually is a slave solenoid mounted somewhere that is wired in ahead of this on a boat, and sometimes they go bad causing issues of a no-start, "just click" condition. They're replacable, & cheap, you just have to find it, & test it.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: OMC 4.3 Cobra starting problems

Also you can carefully jump those 2 large posts in the picture and see if the starter turns over...
A test light is ok but you really need a Multi-meter for voltage testing.

I bought mine for about 10 bucks and use it often...its a must with a boat.

This is the one like mine...
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=92020

 

[chiefalen]

Re: OMC 4.3 Cobra starting problems

Follow the cable from the + side of the battery to the solenoid.

Can you send us a pic of that.

Now please, please be careful around the starter with the battery still connected.

Can you jump the kill switch.

What i mean is remove the wires and put them together.

The throttle is in neutral?

 

[Afubar]

Re: OMC 4.3 Cobra starting problems

Okay, I admit it, I'm an idiot. Why I believe things that people tell me is beyond me. The gentleman that built this boat said that the battery toward the back is for the engine. Wrong, all this time I've had a charger on the wrong battery. This am decided to switch them out. Boat cranked fine (didn't start but I will change the filters). Since I had tried switching tanks, think maybe the filters could stand to be changed, then will try starting the boat again. Probably won't be until tomorrow, it's raining here, finally.

So, thanks to all you fine people that tried to help, I do appreciate it. In the future will double check things instead of taking them at face value.

Oh Gary, I do have a multi-meter, just haven't learned how to use it yet, but I will.

Thanks again all.

Kaye

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: OMC 4.3 Cobra starting problems

Glad the starter is good! That could have been a major headache to get to.
Change the filters out and we will keep our fingers crossed for ya!

Thats a very cool looking house boat!

 

[Afubar]

Re: OMC 4.3 Cobra starting problems

Thanks Gary, can you believe that I have pictures of this boat pulling a waterskier? The old guy that built it did a good job, he also gave me copies of all the pictures as this boat was being built. they came in handy when I was trying to get insurance on it.

Will let all know when I get her up and running again. Once again, Thanks to all.

Kaye

 

[Afubar]

She's Running Again!!

She's Running Again!!

Just wanted you all to know that the boat is up and running once more. I went to the marina to check on the boat (high winds, yesterday) and decided to change out the fuel filters and try and start boat.

Engine started right up, will be taking the boat out this weekend (provided the weather holds). Also have to met a sheriffs deputy on Friday to double check the HIN for registration. Seems that's standard for boats coming out of state. What out of state? I only changed sides of the Columbia. LOL

Anyway, wnat to thanks all for their assistance. I'm sure I'll need you all again.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: OMC 4.3 Cobra starting problems

Glad she is running for ya! I hope the weekend test run goes good.
Hang around the forum....Its a boat,so there will always be repair questions..