another spitfire conversion

[smokediver56]

I just ordered the Delco EST kit to replace my spitfire ignition . The boat is a 1990 Donzi 18 Classic . It has a 350 OMC 4bbl. and a cone clutch king cobra outdrive . I purchased the boat up north and everytime I took her out it would run great but then just die . I replaced the ignition a kill switch as it isnt running out of fuel , it just completely cuts out . Any advise or instuction on the conversion will be greatly appreciated !!

 

[Levinz11]

Re: another spitfire conversion

What happens when you try to restart her?

 

[Don S]

Re: another spitfire conversion

When it dies, how long until it will restart?

When it stops, have you actually checked to see if you have spark? If you have good spark, there is no sense changing parts in the ignition system.

Back to the fuel, when it stops, did you check to see if the accelerator pump squirts fuel?

 

[smokediver56]

Re: another spitfire conversion

When i try to start it back i get nothing . it cranks but there is no spark . I wait about an hor and it starts fine and runs and then stops again . The fuel system has been gone completely . Carb was rebuilt . It doesnt just die like it is running out of fuel , it dies like the kill switch was pulled . I have owned several boats and am a little knowledgeable . I have never owned this type of set up . I purchased the boat up in Minnesota and brought her ddown here to Naples Fl .

 

[smokediver56]

Re: another spitfire conversion

I I didnt state , I replaced the kill switch , the ignition switch , as well as chasing the grounds making sure everything was clean and snug . I couldnt think to do anything else . I think the coil pack heats up and it just dies ? I am in the process of doing a semi-restoration on her . I am making a carbon fiber dash , new gauges , etc just to bring it a little more up to date . This is my 4th classic and I really love the boats . I am looking forward to learning about the king cobra outdrie and from what I have read , they are really stout as long as they are cared for . I have been an active member of the Donzi Registry since 2001 . There seems to be a wealth of knowledge on this site about OMC setups so once again I appreciate any help or advise .

 

[Don S]

Re: another spitfire conversion

Was you able to look at the pictures from this post?

http://forums.iboats.com/omc-i-o-in...r-ignition-conversion-524160.html#post3553203

When it stops, see if you have power on the purple wire going to the coil.

The engine isn't getting hot is it?

The bad thing about the cone clutch King Cobra, is there are NO parts available for it (Including the raw water pump impeller), less places to get the drive worked on, and nothing else will bolt up to that transom shield.

 

[smokediver56]

Re: another spitfire conversion

Ok , I will check to see if there is power there but honestly , I already ordered the kit and am going to proceed with the conversion . I don't like that there isnt any parts around for it at all . I was able to get my hands on a few impellers so hopefully that will last me a while . probably down the road I will convert it over to a merc outdrive but hopefully I can get a few good years out of what i have . The engine temp never exceeded 160 on the gauge and i have good water flow . Is there a shut off in the computer system if it detect poor water pressure or high coolant temps ?

 

[bruceb58]

Re: another spitfire conversion

The OMC King Cobra still has a shift module even though it is a cone clutch. Can't see why you would even need it but just thought I would mention it.

EDIT: I am probably wrong here. May have a shift switch but not the module.

 

[Don S]

Re: another spitfire conversion

Sorry, I misunderstood, I thought you already had the EST kit installed. If you still have the spitfire, then there are several things that could cause that problem. No or very expensive parts for the spitfire ignition also, if you can find them.

 

[smokediver56]

Re: another spitfire conversion

Oh sorry for the confusion ! Yea I ordered the delco kit today from Michigan motors and am a little confused about what i am going to have to keep from the spitfire to hook into the new set up.

 

[Don S]

Re: another spitfire conversion

Well, I just noticed you have the 350, the other thread was for a 454. Different models of the Spitfire,
I'll put some pictures together for your system.

Basically everything "Spitfire" goes away, there is no slow system or knock sensor systems with the EST distributor.

Also need the full model number for your engine, so I am sure I get the proper wiring diagram.

 

[Don S]

Re: another spitfire conversion

After closer examination, the 454 and 350 wiring are the same. Just follow the instructions in the thread I linked to above and you should be good to go.

 

[smokediver56]

Re: another spitfire conversion

thanks alot for the great info !

 

[Don S]

Re: another spitfire conversion

Been wanting to do this for a while on that conversion, so found an OEM color wiring diagram with the Spitfire system and changed the drawing. It's a lot easier to read that the big block diagram.

Started with this.

View attachment OMC OEM Cobra Diagrams R.pdf

Then removed the old and added the new.

View attachment Spitfire to EST 150.pdf

Should be a lot easier to read.
It's also in .pdf format so you can enlarge it if needed.

 

[smokediver56]

Re: another spitfire conversion

Thank you so much for all your help ! My ignition is supposed to arrive here the 18th . I am going to install my new dash / gauges etc .. before hand so hopefully I will be back on the water before Feb !!

 

[bruceb58]

Re: another spitfire conversion

Good work Don. You happen to know why OMC needs a shift interrupt with a cone clutch system?

 

[Dennis Parker]

How did your conversion turn out? I have a 1990 OMC Cone Clutch King Cobra 5.7L with Spitfire Ignition. I bought a new ECM as a spare and have never needed it but now I have a crank sensor that is acting up. I can run the boat all day but if I shut it off I can't get spark until it cools down again. I want to convert the ignition but am told I will also need an overstrike module for shift assist and not just wire the interruptor switch to the new EST distributor. Anyone know about this?

 

[GA_Boater]

How did your conversion turn out? I have a 1990 OMC Cone Clutch King Cobra 5.7L with Spitfire Ignition. I bought a new ECM as a spare and have never needed it but now I have a crank sensor that is acting up. I can run the boat all day but if I shut it off I can't get spark until it cools down again. I want to convert the ignition but am told I will also need an overstrike module for shift assist and not just wire the interruptor switch to the new EST distributor. Anyone know about this?

Please read the Help Tip on top of the page and start a thread of your own. This one is 4 1/2 years old.

Closed.

EDIT - I see you did start a thread. Still closed.