Ignition Problems on 94 Sport

[jarden]

I have a 94 sport with the 5.8 pro boss and pro-tec EMS. I went to start up last week and the engine would turn but would not fire! I popped the top and checked for fuel and any fuel line blockage. No problem there. I then pulled a couple of the plugs and found only normal wear. seeing no apparent problems I tried firing the engine up again and after several more attempts the engine finally fired up. I let it run in idle for about 90 seconds without any problems. I then dis-engaged the shaft and throttled it up slowly. at about 2200 rpm the engine sputtered and died. I was unsucessful in getting to fire up again. I have since checked for spark and bottom line is that there is no spark to any of the plugs.
The problems apparently lies somewhere within the nebulous Pro-tec EMS. I am seriously considering the shotgun approach of a retro fit kit taking it from an EMS to a distributed system but would like to avoid such a drastic measure.
any suggestions or thoughts would be greatly appreciated. If anyone knows where I can get the retro kit cheap or equivalent parts that information would be appreciated as well. (best price i've seen is $454 @ skidim.)

Thanks.

[DavidF]

RE: Ignition Problems on 94 Sport

If you convert to conventional ignition, I might be interested in purchasing the Pro-Tec gear. The price would have to reflect the fact that it is not in working order.

With that said, I wish I could give you some advice on how to fix your problem, but am not sure where to tell you to start except check and clean every single electrical connection...especially the one at the interupter (distributor). If the ECU does not get a good signal from the interupter, it will not allow the engine to fire.

[jarden]

RE: Ignition Problems on 94 Sport

I am going to take look at all the parts and pieces this weekend and let you know.

[KTompkins]

RE: Ignition Problems on 94 Sport

I had similiar problems with my '95 Sport and the Tech's at Discount Inboard Marine walked me through it. Have you tried them? I ended up cutting out a slow fuse that ran from the battery to the computer and its run great since.

[jarden]

Well, I have now taken the ignition apart and cleaned everything with no change.

Thanks for the tip on DIM they were able to give me a couple of additional options that I looked into but without any luck.

They did tell me however that since I have the throttle body EFI I can't use the retro fit kit... Hopefully the PCM warranty department still has a couple of coil packs...

Has anyone else been stuck in this situation?

[DavidF]

Yes, PCM will have the parts and WILL sell to you since you have EFI. They are hording the parts only for EFI customers. At least that is what I gathered after talking to Mark at PCM.

PCM is requiring all customers that have Pro-Tec, but do NOT have EFI, convert to conventional ignition systems. Pro-Tec and EFI rely on each other to make the other system work. Good luck.

Call Mark (PCM) at (803) 345-1337

[dba4life]

If I have a 94 Sport with the ProBoss 5.8 w/ ProTec and EFI is there any equipment I should get my hands on now to save headaches down the road?

Everything is working well right now. I had an issue this summer where the boat would not fire from a cold start. But just adding a bit of starting fluid gets it going and then it is fine all day. But that has not happened now in over a month. Since then it has started fine.

Thanks

[rickharp]

I have a 1994 Ski Nautique 19'6" 310 hp engine, ProBoss 5.8 w/ ProTec and EFI. this weekend, it didnt fire up at the ramp, but back at the house it did. it turns over fine, but no fire. i use to hear the fuel pump, but now i dont, so i am inclined to think its the fuel pump. i spent 20 minutes looking over the engine, makeing sure everything and all connections were good. couldnt' get the fuel pump to come on. should i bring it to a mechanic or is it something simple.

[DavidF]

Check the pump relays, wiring to the pump and wiring at the battery. Check for voltage at the pump while you turn the key to the run position. You will only get voltage for a second or two. If you get voltage when key first turned on, then pump is faulty. If never any voltage, then check the other things listed.