OMC Cobra 5.0L EFI Spudder

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Danno5.0

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Re: OMC Cobra 5.0L EFI Spudder

THe engine is completely rebuilt. all new components internally, new fuel pumps, plugs, wires, filters. The engine has excellent compression. It has already been compression tested. After 3 months, several thousand $$$. I am Really FRUSTRATED. IT seems that no matter what i do to this engine it will not rev up under load. I have asked if anyone knows how to check the S.L.O.W circuit which reduces engine RPM if the boat overheats or Looses Oil pressure. When the Engine Blew up due to a cracked manifold the engine computer activated the SLOW circuit. Perhaps it is stuck in that Mode. THe volvo manual says that once the problem is corrected the computer should resume normal operation. I JUST cannot get this engine to run correctly. The map sensor did not resolve my issue, however perhaps it will resolve yours You never know with these engine.


Oh man, thats terrible.
Anyway to check for diag codes?
 

Ocean 22

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Re: OMC Cobra 5.0L EFI Spudder

I did try to connect a Actron scan tool that i have ( the large orange one that you can get at pepboys or auto zone), however it is meant for a car, and called the company that makes the tool. they told me to choose a ford truck with the same engine , but i do get the scanner to work, but it will only give me a pass code 11. THe volvo penta manual is very limited on information on this topic. all they tell you to do is perform a lot of pinpoint test. the test consist of testing the actuators and sensors. i have not found any faults. i have even checked engine harness but have not found any problems. The engine runs great except when you put a load on it. Like when you want to get the boat up on plane at WOT. thank you for your suggestions. Do you have any other areas that i should check? BTW what is a AS1 part?
 

Danno5.0

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Re: OMC Cobra 5.0L EFI Spudder

I did try to connect a Actron scan tool that i have ( the large orange one that you can get at pepboys or auto zone), however it is meant for a car, and called the company that makes the tool. they told me to choose a ford truck with the same engine , but i do get the scanner to work, but it will only give me a pass code 11. THe volvo penta manual is very limited on information on this topic. all they tell you to do is perform a lot of pinpoint test. the test consist of testing the actuators and sensors. i have not found any faults. i have even checked engine harness but have not found any problems. The engine runs great except when you put a load on it. Like when you want to get the boat up on plane at WOT. thank you for your suggestions. Do you have any other areas that i should check? BTW what is a AS1 part?

Dang, sounds like you are doing the right things.
I found the manual to be quite short on the technical electrical too.

When I was searching for a replacement part by the mfg. number, the AS1 came up as a replacement number that covered several models and years.
I got way more hits on the AS1 number, then just searched to find the application.
 

Otiville

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Re: OMC Cobra 5.0L EFI Spudder

THe engine is completely rebuilt. all new components internally, new fuel pumps, plugs, wires, filters. The engine has excellent compression. It has already been compression tested. After 3 months, several thousand $$$. I am Really FRUSTRATED. IT seems that no matter what i do to this engine it will not rev up under load. I have asked if anyone knows how to check the S.L.O.W circuit which reduces engine RPM if the boat overheats or Looses Oil pressure. When the Engine Blew up due to a cracked manifold the engine computer activated the SLOW circuit. Perhaps it is stuck in that Mode. THe volvo manual says that once the problem is corrected the computer should resume normal operation. I JUST cannot get this engine to run correctly. The map sensor did not resolve my issue, however perhaps it will resolve yours You never know with these engine.

Changed the Map sensor yesterday -----
Still have the same problem
I now have a spare map sensor
 

Ocean 22

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Re: OMC Cobra 5.0L EFI Spudder

I have been going thru the same thing. It seems that it is impossible to get to the cuase of the problems with these 5.0 EFI ford engines without having a computer tool. I have tried a ACTRON unit that is made for automotive use, and it will not work on the marine engine. it just gives you a code that reads everything is normal. i just think that the marine computer on the boat does not interface with the auto tools. DOES ANYONE OUT THERE KNOW WHERE WE CAN GET A MARINE DIAGNOSTIC TOOL FOR THIS ENGINE? OR DO WE HAVE NO OTHER OPTION THAN TO TAKE IT TO A DEALER THAT HAS THIS EQUIPMENT? TIMES ARE HARD FOLKS AND DOLLARS ARE LOW.

CAN ANYONE OUT THERE HELP US OUT????
 

Rat Capri

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Re: OMC Cobra 5.0L EFI Spudder

check fuel pressure, then for vacuum leaks
 

Ocean 22

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Re: OMC Cobra 5.0L EFI Spudder

I have checked fuel pressue all good. no vacum leaks. thanks for the tip.

THERE ARE SEVERAL OF US ON THE FORUM THAT ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUES WITH THESE ENGINES. DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY INFO ON WHAT DIAGNOSTIC COMPUTER TOOL WILL WORK FOR THIS ENGINE. THE VOLVO MANUAL DOES LIST SOME SPECIAL TOOLS THAT ARE DESCRIBED IN THE MANUAL, HOWEVER THEY CONSIST OF SOMETHING CALLED A BREAKOUT BOX, WHICH IS SIMPLY A BOX THAT YOU CONNECT TO THE MAIN HARNESS AND THE COMPUTER SO THAT YOU CAN PROBE THE WIRES WITH A VOLMETER WITHOUT PINCHING THE INSULATION OF THE WIRES. THERE MUST BE SOME MODERN MARINE COMPUTER TOOL THAT ONE CAN USE.

anyone out there have any info?
 

Rat Capri

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Re: OMC Cobra 5.0L EFI Spudder

I have checked fuel pressue all good. no vacum leaks. thanks for the tip.

THERE ARE SEVERAL OF US ON THE FORUM THAT ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUES WITH THESE ENGINES. DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY INFO ON WHAT DIAGNOSTIC COMPUTER TOOL WILL WORK FOR THIS ENGINE. THE VOLVO MANUAL DOES LIST SOME SPECIAL TOOLS THAT ARE DESCRIBED IN THE MANUAL, HOWEVER THEY CONSIST OF SOMETHING CALLED A BREAKOUT BOX, WHICH IS SIMPLY A BOX THAT YOU CONNECT TO THE MAIN HARNESS AND THE COMPUTER SO THAT YOU CAN PROBE THE WIRES WITH A VOLMETER WITHOUT PINCHING THE INSULATION OF THE WIRES. THERE MUST BE SOME MODERN MARINE COMPUTER TOOL THAT ONE CAN USE.

anyone out there have any info?

check fuel pressure under load, if pressure drops more than 10 psi replace pump...if that checks out you'll need to verify base timing then WOT timing (will need a friend to help).....I'm not familar with Ford EFI specifically but all EFI systems operate the same with different ways of achieving the end result
 

Ocean 22

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Re: OMC Cobra 5.0L EFI Spudder

Thank you rat capri. I have checked the fuel pressure under load, and it is at 39psi it only drops 3psi. I have not checked timing at WOT, but i will try this by hooking up a timing and having my friend open her up while i check with the timing. This motor has a base timimg of 5 degrees BTDC. HOW MUCH SHOULD THE TIMING ADVANCE WHILE AT WOT?
thank you again for your input and ideas. with the help of folks like you we may finally be able to run our boats.
 

Rat Capri

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Re: OMC Cobra 5.0L EFI Spudder

you'll need to check the service manual for specs but it should be anywhere between 28-36*, give or take....does your engine have a distributor ?
 

Ocean 22

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Re: OMC Cobra 5.0L EFI Spudder

Yes my engine has a distributor, I will check the advanve when i do an on water test. thanks for the tip
 

Rat Capri

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Re: OMC Cobra 5.0L EFI Spudder

I'm not sure how much control that ECM has over ignition advance, so pull the cap off and look for mechanical advance flyweights ( could be individual "hooks" with springs attached or a round collar looking thing under the rotor) check for corrosion and free play of the components
 

Ocean 22

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Re: OMC Cobra 5.0L EFI Spudder

I did some more diagnosis on the ignition cicuit today. I followed the directions in the volvo manual. These ford EFI engines have what is Called a TFI ignition module. This controls Dwell and it works on a CCD system. CCD stands for closed circuit dwell. This is different than an automotive system according to the manual. THis module controls the secondary spark output from the computer. Or it refered to as SPOUT. If this module fails the computer substitutes a preset spark output, which can contribute to "poor driveability, and poor fuel economy". The way to test this module for an internal short, which is the usal cause of the problems with this device is:

1. Look for the rubber boot that covers the wires to the computer, and undo or cut the tie strap. pull back boot.
2. Look for a pink wire with no stripe. THIS IS THE MAIN SPOUT CIRCUIT WIRE.
3. GET A VOLMETER SET IT TO 20V DC
4. TURN MAIN BATEERY SWITCH ON BOAT ON.
5. TURN IGINITION SWITCH TO THE ON POSITION.
6. TAKE THE POSITIVE PROBE FROM VOLTMETER AND PUSH IT INTO THE WIRES INSULATION UNTIL YOU CAN GET A CONTACT ON THE WIRE.
7. TAKE THE NEGATIVE WIRE AND GROUND IT TO AN ENGINE GROUND.
8. IF THE VOLMETER SHOWS ANY VOLTAGE AT ALL THEN THE TFI module is DEFECTIVE because it has an internal short which cannot be repaired. IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED.

IF YOU WANT TO SPEND BIG BUCKS THEN BUY A VOLVO PENTA OR AN OMC PART, WHICH IS ESSENTIALY A FORD PART THAT VOLVO BUYS AND MARKS UP 200%.
OR YOU CAN GO TO YOUR LOCAL FORD DEALER AND BUY MOTORCRAFT PART # DY 1077.

I TOOK THE PART TO A FORD DEALER AND THEY CROSS REFENCED THE FORD PART ON THE MODULE WHICH I TOOK OUT.

MAKE SURE THAT THE MODULES PLASTIC CASE IS BLACK NOT GREY. THE GREY PLASTIC COLORED MODULES ARE FOR AUTOMOTIVE USE ONLY, AND WILL NOY WORK ON THE MARINE APLLICATION.
The volvo manual advises that the grey module will not work with the marine computer.
 

Ocean 22

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Re: OMC Cobra 5.0L EFI Spudder- UPDATE READ THIS

Re: OMC Cobra 5.0L EFI Spudder- UPDATE READ THIS

Just wanted to thank everyone who gave me advice on what route to take to solve the problems with the engine. Everyone who is having similar issues with this same type of engine should check this out.
 

Danno5.0

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Re: OMC Cobra 5.0L EFI Spudder

Interesting turn of events......

I replaced my MAP sensor, and it still acts the same.

I'll try the SPOUT test tonight to see what that is all about.

My brother-in-law who is an x-Ford dealer machanic came and checked out the problem yesterday, and he was stumped at the symptom, never saw that kind of behavior....

We were able to witness the problem on the lift while in neutral.
What happens is that once you reach 2600 rpm or greater, the engine goes into the reving type of mode almost as if someone was pressing and releasing the throttle at a frequency of once per second and increaces if you go deeper into the throttle.

There is no missing, cutting out, backfireing, etc.....

Were there any diagnostic codes associated w/ the SPOUT thing?

Thx - Dan
 

Danno5.0

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Re: OMC Cobra 5.0L EFI Spudder

Okay,

I did the SPOUT test and mine measures 10.6 volts.
Guess I need a replacment....
Time to call around....

So, Ocean22, this fixed your problem - Yes?

Thx - Dan
 

Danno5.0

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Re: OMC Cobra 5.0L EFI Spudder

Well, I tried the new TFI part and it didn't help at all. I still have the same problem.

Also, in the process of asking a neighbor to borrow a 5.5mm nut driver to remove the old one from the heat sink, it turned out that he actually had a spare TFI w/ the same exact part number that he had pulled from an old motor.

I did the voltage test again on all 3 units and they all measured 10.6 volts w the key on.

Also did a static resistance comparison on all 3, and they are all the same.

So, I'm taking the new part back to the dealer tomorrow for a refund, and it's back to the drawing board for me.....

Perhaps my problem is different than Ocean 22's ??
 

fast50

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Re: OMC Cobra 5.0L EFI Spudder

I have checked fuel pressue all good. no vacum leaks. thanks for the tip.

THERE ARE SEVERAL OF US ON THE FORUM THAT ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUES WITH THESE ENGINES. DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY INFO ON WHAT DIAGNOSTIC COMPUTER TOOL WILL WORK FOR THIS ENGINE. THE VOLVO MANUAL DOES LIST SOME SPECIAL TOOLS THAT ARE DESCRIBED IN THE MANUAL, HOWEVER THEY CONSIST OF SOMETHING CALLED A BREAKOUT BOX, WHICH IS SIMPLY A BOX THAT YOU CONNECT TO THE MAIN HARNESS AND THE COMPUTER SO THAT YOU CAN PROBE THE WIRES WITH A VOLMETER WITHOUT PINCHING THE INSULATION OF THE WIRES. THERE MUST BE SOME MODERN MARINE COMPUTER TOOL THAT ONE CAN USE.

anyone out there have any info?

those early fords where like that you had to go to every sensor and do your test the scanner will give you a code but on the early ones you may not get any data out of them and the breakout box is pretty standard diagnostic equipment for ford
 
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