OMC I/O 1979 3.0 start while cranking but stop immediately stops on run

[Gemcam]

My 1979 Starcraft Questar omc I/o 140 hp 3.0 4 cylinder will start right up and run while cranking but as soon as I release the key to the run position it stops immediately. I was told to look for a ballast resistor located near the coil and to the back for a metal block but can't find one. I did jump from the positive terminal of the battery directly to the positive terminal on the th e coil. Starts and runs like a top that way. Does anyone know where this elusive resistor might be hiding?

 

[Scott Danforth]

You most likely have a resistor wire. However you should be using a volt meter to determine where your problem is. You could have a bad ignition switch, or a bad resistor wire

 

[Gemcam]

Thanks for the tip. Late yesterday I tried cleaning the big harness connector near the starter. Low and behold that did the trick!!!!!!!

 

[soccerguy83]

Any recommendations on how you cleaned the harness connector?

 

[vasy]

sand paper works well for cleaning contacts.

 

[soccerguy83]

Female side as well? Use an awl or something?