VP OMC Cobra Simple tune-up

[Robbabob]

1995 VP 5.0 Fi
OMC Cobra model 50FAPHUE
Serial T01285465
VP SX outdrive 2868157

Posted a different question in the VP forum and realized this next one might best be asked here; since I have the '95 during the cross-over.

Looking for spark plug wire set to perform a simple tune-up. iBoats web site doesn't list the '95 5.0 so I called. Sales rep placed me on hold to call Sierra. Sierra says to call OMC about a set of wires as they do not make them for this motor. REALLY!?!?!?

Do I need to go with "make your own", or is there a set of wires someone knows will work?

Just getting started in this parts research so I may have more questions....

Thank you,

 

[Sparkinator]

Re: VP OMC Cobra Simple tune-up

That's just a Ford 302 HO engine (same as mine, less the fuel injection). Hard to believe they are stumped on plug wires. (Not an accusation, just an observation)

Iboats is a great supplier, but if they can't, I bet one of the other interweb parts houses can hook you up with some plug wires pretty quickly.

 

[sw33ttooth]

Re: VP OMC Cobra Simple tune-up

i dont want to put i boats down they havea GREAT FORUMS!!!! but try a local carquest walk in tell them you need wires for a boat tell them its a 302 omc carb or fuel injection they have the booklet if there a good dealer like mine is they will have them in stock or next day 7-7:30 am. now if your after a tune up changing the spark plugs have fun 2 on the ends are easy after that might want to just remove the manafolds and buy new gaskets.

 

[mcleaves]

Re: VP OMC Cobra Simple tune-up

A standard set of wires will work on that setup. I have the 5.0 EFI and never had trouble with using an 8cyl wire set. The only issue is length to get around the manifolds, otherwise any automotive set will work. Nothing special about them. If you find a good source let me know though as I am due for a new set.

 

[sw33ttooth]

Re: VP OMC Cobra Simple tune-up

otherwise any automotive set will work. Nothing special about them.

ahh, not sure how coastgaurd would take that if some some stupid @#$ reason they board your ship and take a look other wise i agree. gota think about the blow up hazzard too make sure there is no way for spark to get out of the plug boot standard boots are long enough usually.

 

[Robbabob]

Re: VP OMC Cobra Simple tune-up

ahh, not sure how coastgaurd would take that if some some stupid @#$ reason they board your ship and take a look other wise i agree. gota think about the blow up hazzard too make sure there is no way for spark to get out of the plug boot standard boots are long enough usually.

Agree with you, sweettooth. I've heard the marine set is copper and not mere metalic (as automotive). thus, lower temperature of the plug wire since there is less resistance. I was just surprised iboats couldn't reference it (and I'm no boat mechanic to know better, either). Hence, I asked in here hoping to find the skinny on the details of what I should be asking.

Now, as for your comment about the access the plugs. HUH!?!?!?!? okay, I will check the access out and just might determine $300 is worth the marina to do this work! (again I say, I am not a mechanic, so tearing into anything too deeply will prevent me from starting the work at all)

Not too embarrassed by it... I open the engine hatch, look or oils where I hadn't seen them or water just the same. Keep my eye on the water temp, oil pressure and tach... any sign of repair needed and it's into the shop she goes. I know I can perform much myself... if only I had a mentor ;-)

Thanks again for the help!

 

[Don S]

Re: VP OMC Cobra Simple tune-up

ahh, not sure how coastgaurd would take that if some some stupid @#$ reason they board your ship and take a look other wise i agree.

Wires, like spark plugs, are not marine or automotive specific. If they are long enough and have the right ends, they are legal.
You can even buy the materials and make your own if you want.

 

[mcleaves]

Re: VP OMC Cobra Simple tune-up

You have to understand not everything on your engine is coast guard approved nor need be. What IS important it to understand what DOES need to be approved. Plugs & wires use what you like, but in the same SYSTEM your distributor cap MUST be approved. What that typically means is the vent hole on a cap must have a screen to arrest sparks - otherwise is just a standard cap. Same for alternators, starters and anything else which turns and has brushes - they have screens, that's it. Carbs must have the ability to recover fuel if it dumps. Power steering pump, nope, buy automotive.

I have never had a corroded spark plug wire, and neither should you providing you perform your service according to OEM recommendations. High end materials, while maybe nice, are not really relevant except maybe for negligible longevity, but have nothing to do with being "legal".

A torn long spark plug boot is more of a liability than a good short one. Nothing marine in the boots Safety has to do with the maintenance. A cut or frayed wire will spark no matter WHAT you use.

 

[Joshua Nichols]

Re: VP OMC Cobra Simple tune-up

Plugs

Are not the same..

Marine plugs are made of a alloyed steel.. This keeps em from rusting up in their holes.. Rusted in spark plugs suck.. Legally you can run what you want.. I would run the marine plugs

Said from AC delco.. COOL HUH?

AC Delco marine plugs feature
a nickel-plated, rust resistant shell on all applications, and a clipped
side electrode on some applications. These plugs are designed for higher
RPM engines. They also have a larger heat sink, and the porcelain is not
only pressed into the heat sink, it is glued.

Once I ordered a set.. My NAPA store started keeping a set of my plugs.. That was nice of them. huh? No more waiting a day

 

[Don S]

Re: VP OMC Cobra Simple tune-up

Are not the same..

Marine plugs are made of a alloyed steel.. This keeps em from rusting up in their holes.. Rusted in spark plugs suck.. Legally you can run what you want.. I would run the marine plugs

There are marine plugs, I am aware of that, but they are also not something that are CG approved, nor do they need to be.
They are not an explosion hazard, fire hazard or anything else.

 

[mcleaves]

Re: VP OMC Cobra Simple tune-up

Are not the same..

Marine plugs are made of a alloyed steel.. This keeps em from rusting up in their holes.. Rusted in spark plugs suck.. Legally you can run what you want.. I would run the marine plugs

Said from AC delco.. COOL HUH?

AC Delco marine plugs feature
a nickel-plated, rust resistant shell on all applications, and a clipped
side electrode on some applications. These plugs are designed for higher
RPM engines. They also have a larger heat sink, and the porcelain is not
only pressed into the heat sink, it is glued.

Once I ordered a set.. My NAPA store started keeping a set of my plugs.. That was nice of them. huh? No more waiting a day

Volvo OEM plugs index to plain old numbers from a variety of vendors, listed right on the ECM and in the OEM shop manual.
For my application:
Motorcraft AWSF-32C
Champion RS12YC
AC R44LTS
Nothing "marine" about them, just colder plugs.

No need to worry about rust if you are performing usual maint and keeping the bilge dry and your manifolds aren't leaking all over them. Choosing a plug to solve those problems is not the right approach

The issue was whether things need to be CG approved. There are DOZENS of things you can buy that will have more longevity. You could buy a stainless steel alternator or power steering pump I suppose. No need, but it might last longer.

 

[Joshua Nichols]

Re: VP OMC Cobra Simple tune-up

There are marine plugs, I am aware of that, but they are also not something that are CG approved, nor do they need to be.
They are not an explosion hazard, fire hazard or anything else.

Yes you are correct.. They are just easier to deal with, and the price difference isn't much..

 

[Robbabob]

Re: VP OMC Cobra Simple tune-up

Thank you all for the detailed information!

 

[Justin Kennedy]

Re: VP OMC Cobra Simple tune-up

Ford 5.0EFI has a rubber boot around the entire distributor to protect against sparking. Good luck on those plug wires, Ive got three different sets of wires in my garage that "should fit" but dont. Ive been looking for years to find a pre-made set. Anyone out there that knows of a set that fits, please give us a make and part number.

 

[mcleaves]

Re: VP OMC Cobra Simple tune-up

You need the angled boot on the Ford 5.0. I'll loook at the ones I have now and see the mfgr. They are about3 years old so I want to replace them soon. But I bought them at some run of the mill online store like ebasicpower, boat bandit, lighthouse marine etc. Nothing special, just listred as Ford 5.0 wherever I got them. They ARE a cool yellow!

 

[Robbabob]

Re: VP OMC Cobra Simple tune-up

Ford 5.0EFI has a rubber boot around the entire distributor to protect against sparking. Good luck on those plug wires, Ive got three different sets of wires in my garage that "should fit" but dont. Ive been looking for years to find a pre-made set. Anyone out there that knows of a set that fits, please give us a make and part number.

I've got the boot, I just assumed it was to help guard against water "splash", not to prevent spark out of it.

Waiting on that call from the service manager to make sure he quotes the tune up with everything in mind y'all have shared here.

 

[RogersJetboat454]

Re: VP OMC Cobra Simple tune-up

I've got the boot, I just assumed it was to help guard against water "splash", not to prevent spark out of it.

Waiting on that call from the service manager to make sure he quotes the tune up with everything in mind y'all have shared here.

The "boot" was a carry over from car's. If I remember correctly, the Mustang and T-bird with the 3.8L or 5.0L , a 2.3L Tempo, a Taurus with the 3.0L or 3.8L, etc, etc, all had the boot. Doubt it has little to do with spark arresting. I believe it was more or less to keep moisture away from the cap and the plug wire terminals.

 

[mcleaves]

Re: VP OMC Cobra Simple tune-up

The "boot" was a carry over from car's. If I remember correctly, the Mustang and T-bird with the 3.8L or 5.0L , a 2.3L Tempo, a Taurus with the 3.0L or 3.8L, etc, etc, all had the boot. Doubt it has little to do with spark arresting. I believe it was more or less to keep moisture away from the cap and the plug wire terminals.

Agreed, I've seen it on cars too. Just Google Ford 5.0 in images and you will see them. Nothing marine about it. The important thing is to make sure the DISTRIBUTOR CAP is marine with no vents. And on the Ford 5.0 that means the automotive has a very small hole on the top.

M