OMC Starter wiring

[sirproteus]

I have a 4.3 omc cobra (GM- v6.) I removed the starter as it was draggingand found the brush springs had failed. I replaced them after a couple of weeks searching. I hooked it back up and am just getting a click from the top side of the motor, I assume the solenoid. I am concerned that the two smaller wires may not be connected properly. I have learned my lesson on taking notes when removing things but that does not solve my problem. The larger wires can only go on the main larger post on the starter. Additionally there are two other wires. One grey and black (mainly grey), one yellow and red mainly yellow.) Looking at the back of the starter the larger main pole is in the middle, with two smaller poles one to each side. Currently to the left of the large pole, looking at the back of the starter, I have the yellow/ red wire on the left and the grey black opposite. Does anyone know if this is correct or where I may be able to find an online diagram? I have the clymer book, but recently divorced, moved, and can't seem to locate it. Any help is appreciated. I also did a search prior to posting on omc starter diagram, but there were no results. Thanks. Bill

 

[seahorse5]

Re: OMC Starter wiring

swap the small wires. The yellow/red should be closer to the engine block and the other wire is away from the block.

 

[Don S]

Re: OMC Starter wiring

Like seahorse says, you got em backwards.<br />The yellow/red goes to (B) terminal in picture below. Your Gray/black wire is another story. It's probably the Purple/Black wire that goes to terminal (D), and has just faded the purple color out of the wire.<br />You can check it by disconnecing one end and checking with an ohm meter for continuity. It should be connected to the + terminal on the coil. It gives full cranking voltage to the coil for easier starting with a points type ignition. You didn't say what year, but I assume it has points or at least used to before being converted to electronic.<br /><br />

 

[weslacey]

Re: OMC Starter wiring

Don- that picture is soo valueable to me right now! But I have a question... i've been having electrical problems with my '86 OMC cobra and i have traced it back to the starter solenoid on top of the starter. Now heres my question- I ordered a new one off the internet, but this new one only has 3 terminals instead of the 4 that was on the old one. Is this the right one? I haven't had time to try to put it on yet, but i'd like to know if i need to send it back. Thanks!!!

 

[Don S]

Re: OMC Starter wiring

Then you have the wrong part. IF you order one that is a direct replacement for the MARINE Omc starter, then it will have that terminal. Automotive replacements don't have it and shouldn't be used on a boat anyway.

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: OMC Starter wiring

whlmtsu<br />You have the wrong part.Period.<br /><br />It is better if you start your own post,rather than latch onto someone elses.<br /><br />You get better responses.<br /><br />DHP

 

[weslacey]

Re: OMC Starter wiring

Thanks guys.

 

[CLESean]

I’m having trouble with the starter/solenoids on my omc as well. I have an 87 Rinker with an omc 5.7 motor, model is 574APARY, I believe. Starter started making wonky grinding noises and then quit. Put a used backup starter in which bench tested fine and it started right up. Cycled it a few times after the boat got up to temp. On the 4th or so, the grinding happened again. I’m not sure if it’s electrical because the one small terminal is getting 4 or so volts constantly and drops to 3 or so while the ignition is cranking. The other small terminal gets 12.5 or so while cranking and the large lug gets 12.5 or so constant and cranking. I’m hoping that something isn’t right there and not allowing the bendix to go all the way into the flywheel and causing it to contract/grind. Other than that, the only other two things i think it may be I that the starter needs shimmed up or down or the flywheel is bad. The boat did overheat which I’d imagine could warp the flywheel and the flywheel is slightly chewed up. (I’m going to attach a pic of the flywheel) Really hoping I don’t have to pull the motor and do the flywheel. It is what it is either way, just wanna enjoy the last little bit of summer left as I spent all summer updating the boat inside and out because the boat was mechanically sound. Well, mechanically sound prior to the overheating which was due to the impeller sucking up **** prior to my “maiden voyage” after refurbishing the cosmetics. The starter did sound a little funky too when I started the boat at home on muffs prior to the overheating. So it’s hard to say on a lot of levels with this thing. Thanks in advance for any input! I’m new to this forum and am glad to help out others with what I’m knowledgeable about as well. 15 year boater, 1st year omc owner. Lol