Lack of power on OMC Cobra

Turge

Cadet
Joined
Sep 25, 2002
Messages
6
I have an '86 2.5L OMC Cobra I/O engine.

I recently changed the ignition points to electronic ignition: http://www.amarket.com/imptmd4.htm. Since my engine has a shift interruptor, I also performed the diode fix: http://www.pertronix.com/support/tips/pdf/diodefix.pdf

Since then, I have a few issues. The engine starts without any problems and revs great when in neutral (except for the odd backfire). The tachometer, however, no longer works. If I remove the grey wire coming from the shift assist fix from the negative coil terminal, replace the screws and just let the wire sit on the coil terminal, the tachometer works intermittently. When in drive, the boat will get to a max of 10MPH (it can usually do betwee 30-35MPH). As I continue driving, the power will slowly be reduced. Trimming the engine practically stalls the engine.

Some of the symptoms tell me it could be a problem with the alternator. Could a bad coil also cause these issues?

I have checked the resistance on the shift interrruptor switches and they appear to be working properly. I have also tried manually activating the switches while in drive to ensure this isn't causing the problem with lack of power.

So, to recap, here are the issues:

1. Some backfiring (almost eliminated since replacing the plugs)
2. Lack of power when in drive
3. Trimming almost stalls the engine
4. No tachometer

What has been done so far:

1. Plugs replaced
2. Electronic ignition installed
3. Carb completely cleaned inside out
4. Shift interruptor switches tested

Hopefully, some of the great minds on these forums can point me in the right direction to help me resolve these issues.
 
Last edited:

zbnutcase

Commander
Joined
Sep 19, 2009
Messages
2,055
Re: Lack of power on OMC Cobra

Did you check the timing after the conversion to electronic ignition?
 

a70eliminator

Captain
Joined
Sep 9, 2007
Messages
3,762
Re: Lack of power on OMC Cobra

maybe you got a couple wires crossed and running on only two cylinders, obviously #1 wire is correct if you timed it.
 

Turge

Cadet
Joined
Sep 25, 2002
Messages
6
Re: Lack of power on OMC Cobra

maybe you got a couple wires crossed and running on only two cylinders, obviously #1 wire is correct if you timed it.

Nope, just confirmed that all spark plug wires are connected to the right plugs. I should also point out that the engine purrs like a kitten when in neutral.
 

Turge

Cadet
Joined
Sep 25, 2002
Messages
6
Re: Lack of power on OMC Cobra

Anyone else have any idea what the problem could be?
 

bruceb58

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 5, 2006
Messages
30,591
Re: Lack of power on OMC Cobra

What is the voltage at the coil when the engine is running?

Also, a bad tach can also cause ignition problems.

Put the points back in and see if it wasn't just a bad Pertronix unit. Wouldn't be the first time.
 

Turge

Cadet
Joined
Sep 25, 2002
Messages
6
Re: Lack of power on OMC Cobra

Thanks for your reply. I'll give it a try and report back.
 
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