1951 25hp IGNITION conversion

[what66]

HI I would like to know if there is any way to convert a 1951 25hp evinrude to electronic ignition?<br />I was stuck out on a lake for 2hrs becuse the points went bad.

 

[JB]

Re: 1951 25hp IGNITION conversion

Hi, What.<br /><br />An engineer could design a fairly simple solid state switching circuit to take the current load off the points, but your points failure is mysterious. The two circuits (for the 2 cylinders) are independent except for the timing cam and the flywheel. I really doubt that the problem was caused by points. It is more likely that the "kill" circuit grounded both sets of points, or that something else was the problem.<br /><br />I suggest regular preventive maintenance as an alternative to conversion. Do you have a Manual?<br />Clean and gap, or replace, the points annually, and replace the condensers each 2 years.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: 1951 25hp IGNITION conversion

Another common "failure" for the points occurs when the oiling wick isn't present or isn't oiled periodically, allowing the points the close up over time. The wick oils the point cam and keeps the fiber cam rider from wearing down. It's easy enough to preiodically check the point gap on those motors so even if the points are wearing down over time, you can regap them to proper .020 gap.<br /><br />That ignition system is VERY reliable and new parts are readily available for cheap. You can replace every part under the flywheel for less than $50.00 if you shop around....<br /><br />- Scott

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: 1951 25hp IGNITION conversion

I messed around a couple years ago with a circuit to do that using an additional magnet glued to the flywheel as a trigger. It worked alright, but never as well as the points. Add that to the sensitivity of MOSFET I was using for the main switch to static or ignition coil 'burps' lead me to give up on it. It was just too easy for the system to leave you stranded. <br /><br />What exactly went wrong with your points?<br /><br />PS - reports are that the Sierra Magnatune generic electronic points replacement actually doesn't work (hardly) on this style ignition system.

 

[what66]

Re: 1951 25hp IGNITION conversion

No it was not the kill switch I checked that first.<br />it was only one set of points that went bad I only have spark on one cyclender. I have ordered some new points but the last set only last 6 months and I only use it a very little.

 

[JB]

Re: 1951 25hp IGNITION conversion

Replace the condensers, too. A weak/bad condenser causes arcing at the points and kills them.