3.0 first start attempt, no go! help

[Starcraft5834]

Ok guys,, 1987 3.0 GM. in line 4. last run 6 months ago,, this winter was brutal. 50 degrees out,, just tried to fire it up,, zilch, turning over,, no sputter, nothing... probably flooded it. had complete tune up last year, fluids were changed in OCt. Really damp outside, was covered completely, all winter, just really damp in there,,, noted dist cap very wet. everything inside that dog house is damp, any tips, what should I dry off, inspect before I give it another go?

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: 3.0 first start attempt, no go! help

clean , dry and non-ozidized points would be helpful.

 

[Starcraft5834]

Re: 3.0 first start attempt, no go! help

yea,, its really damp,, will take cap off tomorrow and dry everything up best I can..

 

[Starcraft5834]

Re: 3.0 first start attempt, no go! help

What are points? new plugs, water off all wire connections.. turning over and zip... Dropped boat off at local marine shop, owner says likely points.. $9 item.. wish I had a clue what those were.. anyone with a link that will explain where those are in the dist cap? I took the cap off and examined it,, did not have a clue. 1987 3.0 GM IL4. looked on web for explanation or video of what and where points are, not much out there,, such a little item,, no electrical connection, no running motor. thanks for any help..

 

[thumpar]

Re: 3.0 first start attempt, no go! help

Points open and close to make the coil fire and make spark. They are in the bottom of the distributor. If they are not there it could have been converted to electronic. Take the rotor off and take a picture.

 

[Starcraft5834]

Re: 3.0 first start attempt, no go! help

thanks Thumpar,, I dropped it off at the local marine shop.. it's got points,, I took the cap off yesterday, did not know what I was looking at most likely... for future ref.. once I figure out what points I need for the motor, are they just plug and play?

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: 3.0 first start attempt, no go! help

http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Servmanl/13/13B4R2.PDF

 

[thumpar]

Re: 3.0 first start attempt, no go! help

No. they need adjusting and you will need a dwell meter. I converted my old 2.5l over to a Pertronix electronic ignition to get rid of the points. Points work fine but wear out and have to be set correctly. For me it worked out great.

 

[eavega]

Re: 3.0 first start attempt, no go! help

Ditto Thumpar. I have a Mercruiser 3.0 also, and changed out from points to a pertronix ignition last year. Basically I chose between having to get a dwell meter, and having one more thing to do during the spring, or spending a bit more and getting the pertronix ignition. Set the timing once, and don't worry about it again. Some folks claim that there is a performance improvement with the pertronix kit, but if there is I haven't really noticed it.

Rgds
Eric

 

[Fishermark]

Re: 3.0 first start attempt, no go! help

A dwell meter is nice and preferable, but feeler gauge works as well.

From the link BT Doctur posted above:

 

[Starcraft5834]

Re: 3.0 first start attempt, no go! help

thanks guys I contacted Pertronix and asked them what I would need for my engine for conversion,, will look to do that next year... I live in the NE,, this past winter has been. hmmmmm about 5 months long!!!!!!!!!!!!! poor thing sits idle for 6 months.. would like to avoid messing around with points

 

[thumpar]

Re: 3.0 first start attempt, no go! help

If you do the Pertronix conversion get the Ignitor 2 and a Flamethrower 2 coil so you can run a full 12v without worry. My dad converted his 1966 Mustang around 15 years ago and I did my old boat around 6 years ago.

 

[airshot]

Re: 3.0 first start attempt, no go! help

Since you are a boat owner I would highly recommend that you get yourself the proper Mercruiser service manual which will explain everything you need to know about you engine and outdrive and how to repair and maintain them. Or you may choose to use your local marine service dept, which will cost a small fortune or be especially busy when you need them most and you will have a very short boating summer. There are far more boats with problems than there are mechanics to repair them, especially during the boating season.
If you are handy at all with toos and have a mechanical background, get the manual and do much of the work yourself. The money you save will allow more gas for more boating..........

Airshot

 

[Starcraft5834]

Re: 3.0 first start attempt, no go! help

Am looking at convertion kits for ignition. Mallory good? Iboats store has a few to choose from. As to manual..have em on pdf. Also have a GM mechanic friend.. will switch out later this summer...dont want to deal with changing points every spring...

 

[Fishermark]

Re: 3.0 first start attempt, no go! help

If you want to convert to electronic, I would recommend replacing the entire system with the Delco EST set up. You can buy a complete system - including new distributor, wires, electrical harness, cap, rotor, coil - everything - for only $179. You can buy it here.

 

[thumpar]

Re: 3.0 first start attempt, no go! help

If you want to convert to electronic, I would recommend replacing the entire system with the Delco EST set up. You can buy a complete system - including new distributor, wires, electrical harness, cap, rotor, coil - everything - for only $179. You can buy it here.

That is for a V8.

 

[Starcraft5834]

Re: 3.0 first start attempt, no go! help

thanks I emailed that link and asked what parts I would need for my 3.0 inline 4..

 

[Fishermark]

Re: 3.0 first start attempt, no go! help

That is for a V8.

The picture shows a V-8, and they do sell the same set up for a V-8, but the link actually is for the 4 cylinder. (Their part number for the 4 cylinder is "4v" as opposed to 6V or 8v). I've ordered from them several times and you can always call for more info.


EDIT: Just a follow up... I called them today and they said they could not get this set up anymore.

 

[thompson80]

Re: 3.0 first start attempt, no go! help

"Last run 6 mos. ago" - so the gas is old, in addition to points or whatever else needs to be addressed. I'd drain or pump out as much of the old gas as you can and start with fresh, in addition to doing all the other stuff recommended. And you might also give it a bit of a prime at first. If my 140 (same basic engine) has been sitting for any length of time (say, a couple weeks) it takes a lot of cranking to get it started at first, and it's cold-blooded. Two pumps of the throttle, then return it to about 1/3 and key to start should do it. Did you charge the battery to full charge before cranking? A battery sitting unused, uncharged for six months will be down on charge and live a shorter life than one that is regularly charged. From what I've read online, a standard lead-acid starting battery should get a full maintenance charge at least once a month, or better, every couple of weeks. And wipe the top clean every now and then, to keep the terminals from "talking" to eachother.