1991 Ski Nautique will not start when warm

[Str8jacket]

Just bought a 91 Nautique which starts great when cold but after engine is warm and shut off it won't start again. It will crank but has no spark. After an hour or so it will fire back up on first try. Anyone ever have this problem?

[skijones]

RE: 1991 Ski Nautique will not start when warm

Check your coil.

[Str8jacket]

Thanks, I'll check it out.

[Str8jacket]

Are these just standard Ford engine parts?

[SNobsessed]

Str8 - Some coils (oil filled) don't like laying horizontal (they will get hot). Best bet is to buy one specifically made for a PCM (try SkiDim website) or possibly a MSD Blaster2 high Vibration (Epoxy filled - check Summit Racing website). Good Luck!

[Str8jacket]

Checked out Skidim website, great stuff. Thanks!

[Str8jacket]

ok, seems to be a problem with the Protec electronic ignition systems coil packs. Apparently these things have a history of going bad to a point that PCM has discontinued it and made an conversion kit (Pro tec Retro conversion kit) to convert it back to a Mallory Electronic Distributor. Pricey though $455.

[NewfoundlandSkier]

My '91 Nautique is having a similar problem...runs fine until it warms up then loses power, sputters and backfires at half throttle. Mechanic thinks its the coil pack. After cooling down, runs fine again for another run then back to same problem. Temperature appears to have an effect here. We are hoping to check timing and the primary ignition module (holographic?) also. Already cleaned up terminals and connections for better connectivity. Diagnosis is always the toughest problem!
Str8jacket, did you convert to the distributor? Would another option to just get a new coil pack? Distributors could be finicky around moist environments I would think.

[Fly100]

ok, seems to be a problem with the Protec electronic ignition systems coil packs. Apparently these things have a history of going bad to a point that PCM has discontinued it and made an conversion kit (Pro tec Retro conversion kit) to convert it back to a Mallory Electronic Distributor. Pricey though $455.

My 2 cents.

ive just bought one of these coil replacement kits from Ski Dim for my 1994 196.I cant comment on how it run before as I bought it as a project boat and was a none runner.Ive fitted the kit.Took me about 3 hours or so and off we went.Works well im still at less than 5 hours with it but it does what it says on the tin.
Call Vince at Skidim he is very helpful but can be a bit hard to get hold of at times and is a bit steady with his email replies.

Hope that help.These coil packs are pretty trouble some from what I have read and they always seem to break.

Hope it helps

FLY

[NewfoundlandSkier]

I decided on the conversion as well and just finished the job.
Couple of problems:

1) wires were short and left little option for a place to mount the coil and resistor.
2) after a run, the alarm sounded. Temp went to about 180 at idle then dropped back to 140 when running...nothing out of the ordinary. I can't figure out what set off the alarm.

[NewfoundlandSkier]

Fly, did you change the plugs after the conversion? I'm wondering is the gap now different.

[Fly100]

Plug gaps are standard m8.I just replaced mine with some good quality ones and she runs a treat.

[dpr17]

My 88 BFN is doing the same thing. Cold engine runs great. After a few runs, it is hard starting. New coil, breakerless ignition, and plugs last year. Also, throttle up hesitates when the secondary's open. Almost a backfire, hesitation as the throttles are opening, again, when its hot. Any ideas are appreciated.
88 BFN, 351 PCM

[Str8jacket]

Hey dpr17, if you have the Protec Electronic Ignition than there is a good chance that it is your problem. You mentioned you have a new coil, so maybe you don't have the Protec and could maybe be suffering a carb problem? Either way I would do as Fly100 recommends and contact Vince at Skidim. go to the Skidim website and scroll down to the ask a question section and Vince will respond to your problem.
Best of Luck.