1991 Four Winns 190 Freedom with 4.3L OMC Cobra I/OB

[bsmize]

I am a newbie and just purchased my first boat. It's a 91 model Four Winns 190 Freedom with a 4.3 L OMC Cobra inboard/outboard. The boat ran fine the day I purchased it, but I have taken it out on the water twice since and both times it has given me problems. For instance, I ran the boat about 7 miles down the waterway and pulled to the side and let it sit. We were sitting for about 10-15 mins and decided to do a little tubing. When I got ready to start the engine, it just would turn over. Seemed like I wasn't getting any spark. After reading over loads of forums and posts, I decided to check the carb and distributor. Distributor had no moisture and seemed to be getting good contact. The carb appears to be fine also. Can't figure out what could be the problem. I'm replacing all of the plugs at this point but any assistance would be greatly appreciated!!

 

[tpenfield]

Re: 1991 Four Winns 190 Freedom with 4.3L OMC Cobra I/OB

So, how did you get back home, etc?

A couple of things to check . . .

Lanyard/kill switch . . . does the boat have one? did it get pulled?

Shift in neutral when trying to start it?

 

[bsmize]

Re: 1991 Four Winns 190 Freedom with 4.3L OMC Cobra I/OB

The boat eventually started back up. It just took a little while. My concern was that it just kept turning over and didn't seem like it wanted to actually fire. The lanyard isn't actually on there anymore but the killswitch for it appears to be fine. I did check and made sure that the boat was in neutral. It won't even turn over if it isn't. I'm changing the plugs this weekend. Just wondered if anyone else had this problem.

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: 1991 Four Winns 190 Freedom with 4.3L OMC Cobra I/OB

Just wondered if anyone else had this problem.

lots of folks on iboats have had a boat wouldn't start hot. There are many reasons and causes of that common symptom.

You need to do some diagnostics before changing any parts. Try to determine if the issue is fuel system or electrical.
Check for power at positive terminal of coil (compared to battery negative, not coil negative) Check for fuel spraying down the barrels of the carb when you pump the throttle.

Compression test the engine. Check for water in the cylinders after a run. Do a visual inspection of hoses, wiring etc. Looking in the distributor was good diagnostics. Put your hand on the ignition coil and see if it's getting really hot.

How was the cranking speed when it was being "cranky" about starting?
An engine needs to roll about 200-250 rpm minimum to start well

 

[bsmize]

Re: 1991 Four Winns 190 Freedom with 4.3L OMC Cobra I/OB

The cranking speed was or should I say sounded normal. It was turning over but it seemed like it just wasn't getting that spark to make it hit. As far as checking the carb, I do plan on trying to tear into it Sunday as well. I've never tackled anything quite like that so I am waiting until I have a couple extra hands to help me out. Thats some great advice and it gives me somewhere to start. I appreciate it!!