Won't start when engine warm? What Ignition do I have??

austin123

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Apr 16, 2004
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I have a 1988 Stingray SVB176. Motor is a 4cyl 3.0L I think it is a 140HP??<br />I want to buy a tune up kit as it will not start when it gets hot and almost had me stranded today at the lake. Only thing is I am not sure what the ignition is. The Engine id says it is a mcm 3.0 181ci. What does the mcm stand for? The engine number is B838487 if that helps any. I have found kits for Delco and Delco EST so not sure what to buy. I plan on adding the tune up kit (points, condenser, rotor, cap) as well as plugs and new wires. Any other ideas on what could help with the when hot won't start issue?? I had read a post about excessive heat under the engine compartment causing hard starting also? Could this be the problem. The engine runs great otherwise except when I want to stop then restart. :confused:
 

jeff13601

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Re: Won't start when engine warm? What Ignition do I have??

Most likely a good tuneup will solve the problem. I had the same problem once and the boat seemed to always start when it was cold and the choke was on. You could check the choke when the motor is hot and make sure it is not on but I would bet you have a weak spark
 

Laddies

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Re: Won't start when engine warm? What Ignition do I have??

MerCuiser Motor, by my manual that motor came with DDIS ign.(no dist cap, just a 4 outlet coil) most of those parts are NLA so it could be a standard ign.*(with pts. and cond.) or EST(no pts.) you will have to remove the cap and see if it has pts. or look in a manual to see a picture the two dist are easily told apart--Bob
 

austin123

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Re: Won't start when engine warm? What Ignition do I have??

Choke plate is open, just have to either wait.......... or give full throttle and crank, crank, crank, crank, crank, crank, crank, crank, crank, crank. You get the picture :(
 

austin123

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Re: Won't start when engine warm? What Ignition do I have??

It does have the points, condenser etc. Does that mean it's a Delco??<br /><br />Is it worth fitting the electronic conversion kit to get rid of the points?
 

jeff13601

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Re: Won't start when engine warm? What Ignition do I have??

The points and condensor are just as good in my opinion but needs more maintanance. Its going to cost you about ten bucks for points, cond and rotor
 

Don S

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Re: Won't start when engine warm? What Ignition do I have??

Choke plate is open, just have to either wait.......... or give full throttle and crank, crank, crank, crank, crank, crank, crank, crank, crank, crank.
You are missing one of the 3 things it takes to make an engine run.<br />Ignition, Fuel, and Air (Compression)<br />Do you have spark (Ignition) to the spark plugs.<br />Do you have fuel (Not water) coming from the carb going to the engine.<br />Do you have compression. That's going to take a compression test.<br />Without any one of the three, you will crank till the battery is dead.<br />Have you done a tuneup recently? If not, it's a good bet your points are glazed over and you never will get fire to the plugs.<br />Has the fuel filter been changed recently? Could be dirty or full of water. Need to really check and find out.<br />Check and cure those problems and I'd bet the engine starts and runs fine.<br />Tis the season for first starts after winter and the boat won't go.
 

austin123

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Re: Won't start when engine warm? What Ignition do I have??

Don S.<br />Pulled and cleaned the fuel filter yesterday. Did not clean it but am adding to my list of parts to replace. Cannot see why it would be compression as it runs fine otherwise and starts great when cold. I do not have a fuel/water separator which I am considering purchasing as well. I also need to double check my timing but will wait till I get my new parts and set dwell etc.<br /><br />Don S whilst you are here online I have a question for you. I pulled my drive last night to replace my exhaust bellows and there was some of my outdrive oil in the drive bellows. Obviously I have a bad seal or o-ring behind the special nut which goes into the drive. Is this an easy fix or do I need any special tools other than the wrench for the nut?? Thanks.
 

Chris1956

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Mar 25, 2004
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Re: Won't start when engine warm? What Ignition do I have??

Brit-man, There is a large seal that rides on the yoke holding the Universal joint. This seal has likely gone bad. If the Yoke has a groove worn in it from the seal, you will need to replace both. ($50-70 US) Also there is an o-ring that gets replaced as well. My Mercruiser's Dealer parts price was better than the aftermarket on this item.<br /><br />I used my Stilson wrench to remove the "special nut", rather than invest in Mercruiser's special spanner.
 
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