OMC 4.3l Cobra GL Won't Start

[mccroj]

Last time out, the motor (2001, I believe) would not start (after sitting a week from a great outing). Fuses and circuit breakers were checked; all appear fine. When the ignition switch is turned over, the fuel pump starts, but there is no noise from the ignition solenoid or starter. Trying to start with the throttle engaged results in nothing starting (so safety circuit appears to be functional). Cycling the throttle lever forward/back/locked resulted in no change.

I have checked the battery (new, fully charged), pulled the power wires and cleaned contacts. At the solenoid, there is 12.8 v on the main power line, and 12.7 volts on the ignition line when the ignition is turned over.

Tapping both the ignition solenoid and the starter with a screwdriver handle resulted in no change.

When cranking the ignition, there is no significant decrease in voltage at the battery (should there be if the starter is siezed?).

I attempted last night to jump across the solenoid to fire the starter, but there was no change.

I have only had the boat for less than a month, and the Clymer manual is on order.

Any hints on where to go next would be greatly appreciated.

 

[chiefalen]

Re: OMC 4.3l Cobra GL Won't Start

Make sure the kill switch is off. Is it in neutral? Battery connections tight and clean?

 

[gcboat]

Re: OMC 4.3l Cobra GL Won't Start

First thing you're gonna' need to do is take that Clymer manual and either return it or save it for kindling. Spend the extra boat bucks and get an OEM issue. They can be found on ebay or your local dealer - with that being said.

So, no fire to the starter. Take your meter and check your voltage at the starter itself. If you have juice but still no crank then I'm guessing it's toast.
If and when you need to replace it please do yourself a favor and buy a marine shielded unit. There is a difference.

I know it is a royal pain but if all else fails, remove it and have it checked. A rebuild may not be that expensive.

Could also be the neutral safety switch.

 

[mccroj]

Re: OMC 4.3l Cobra GL Won't Start

Yes, it is in neutral. The battery cables have been pulled, cleaned, reattached (nuts with lockwashers).

Kill switch has been cycled (manually) and the clip is attached.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: OMC 4.3l Cobra GL Won't Start

I wonder what you have since OMC stopped making anything since 1996

 

[Don S]

Re: OMC 4.3l Cobra GL Won't Start

As bruceb58 mentioned, OMC didn't exist in 2001, so you might as well get some full model and serial numbers of your VOLVO engine. They bought out OMC some where in the 96-98 range. The drives look a LOT like the OMC Cobra, but looks are only skin deep.

 

[mccroj]

Re: OMC 4.3l Cobra GL Won't Start

It appears that the model number is: 432APHUB (however the H may be an R, and the U may be an O). I have been unable to determine the year from the other on-line OMC model number sites. The model and serial number sticker on the engine states:

OMC Cobra
Manufactured by
Volvo Penta Marine Products L P
Lexington, Tn USA

Does anybody know what year this is?

With 12.4 volts on the starter wire, the starter fails to fire..........guess its toast.

 

[Don S]

Re: OMC 4.3l Cobra GL Won't Start

It's an HU model, 1995.
Long way from a 2001

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=167035
The above link may help in troubleshooting your starting problem.