Stalling please help!!!!!

Alwaysneedshelp

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Jul 30, 2018
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I have a 1985 3.8 OMC that wont stop stalling. Let me start by saying I know very little about anything. I've had help from couple self taught engine tinkers. I took all gas out and replaced. I've changed fuel pump, fuel filter, installed inline fuel filter, fuel line, cleaned carb 3 times, water separator, changed oil, plugs, distributor, and coil. I REALLY dont think it's a gas issue at this point, theres gas flowing in carb nicely. I take boat out and runs perfect and smooth until it warms up, then stalls. Each time stalls quicker. Pretty consistent everytime, same thing. I was told points are fine. My next step is changing the black box or brain ( sorry if I sound naive). Its located in side of block kind of under cool. I am at total loss, its been a month of complete frustration. Please please anyone help if they have any ideas. Thanks!!!!!
 

Alwaysneedshelp

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Jul 30, 2018
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Yes, take it for a ride full speed or whatever. Soon as it gets hot, it stalls. It's very consistent with that. For second question, temp is where it should be. Used a temp gun, and stays around 100-140. I could be wrong, I'm not a mechanic AT ALL. I'm convinced though, that it's not a gas issue as I replaced everything has related. Appreciate any help as this has been beyond frustrating.
 

Alwaysneedshelp

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Jul 30, 2018
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Thanks for responding guys, any help is appreciated. I've scanned lot of posts in here for help, but never joined it posted before.
 

southkogs

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You cleaned the carb, but did you rebuild/service it? Maybe check the plate to make sure it's working properly.
 

Alwaysneedshelp

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Jul 30, 2018
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Bought 2 rebuild kits, carb should be good. I'm thinking it's way to consistent to be the carb. Runs slow or fast till gets hot, then shuts down. Engine sounds great even till stall. Wait, start up, runs great till gets hot again. Once it stalls few times after restarting to putt back to dock, it wont even start at all until I wait till cool down. LikeI said, super consistent with engine getting to certain temp. So ruling out gas, what is killing the engine? Now here's where being a noob may come into effect. Theres 2 relays in back where throttle is. While we were riding, my buddy touched top part that slightly moves. I included a pic of it. Its bottom right corner of pic. He touched end part of the square.
 

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skipbehr

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Sep 22, 2012
Messages
47
I had. that problem on a 302 Ford engine on Omc outdrive, It turned out to be the coil.
 

Lou C

Supreme Mariner
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Nov 10, 2002
Messages
13,237
The thing you are referring to in the pic is not a relay, that is one of the ESA switches. What they do is:
interrupt switch--> lowers idle when shifting from in-gear to neutral, to allow dog clutch between the FWD and REV gear to dis-engage
overstroke switch--> is engaged when in-gear to prevent interrupt switch from actuating due to a sticky shift cable, while you are in gear.

A bad switch can get worn to the point where they get stuck ON and that will cause a very low idle and/or stalling.
 
Joined
Aug 13, 2018
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I had this issue with a 1976 omc ford 302 and it was due to overheating. This really sounds like you have a bad impeller and your engine is overheating then stalling and once your engine cools down it runs great till it overheats again. Does your temp gauge work on the boat if you used a temp gun where did you shoot it on the motor.
 
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