1976 Mecruiser 351W Ignition System

[orttauq]

With my Trim Pump almost sorted I am moving on the the ignition system...motor has (had) all kinds on automotive parts on it; carb, intake, and ignition. Distributor looks to be a normal Motorcraft with vacuum advance and the gray Ignition Control Module.
Carb will be Edelbrock 1409 as the motor has the Eldlebrock Performer that looks to be a good option for the motor.
What is the best solution to replace the distributor with? Pertronix D231801 Marine Electronic Distributor?
And this may be stupid question but does this replace the ignition control module?

As for the starter mine sounds like it is grinding rocks when I start (or as of right now just turning over) the engine. It also seems like it is staying engaged; does it only kick back if the motor starts? What should I replace it with if needed?

Anything else I should know?

Thanks!

 

[Scott Danforth]

With my Trim Pump almost sorted I am moving on the the ignition system...motor has (had) all kinds on automotive parts on it; carb, intake, starter, and ignition. Distributor looks to be a normal Motorcraft with vacuum advance and the gray Ignition Control Module.
Carb will be Edelbrock 1409 as the motor has the Eldlebrock Performer that looks to be a good option for the motor.
What is the best solution to replace the distributor with? Pertronix D231801 Marine Electronic Distributor?
And this may be stupid question but does this replace the ignition control module?

Anything else I should know?

Thanks!

I would go with a Mallory YLM series

 

[johnkom]

That starter is a Prestolite and built like a tank. Mine was doing that and I took it to a electric motor shop for a rebuild. When I went to pick it up the mechanic said it only needed cleaning and replaced the drive. 47 bucks. And it works perfectly now. I did find some damaged teeth on the ring gear and replaced it.

 

[orttauq]

Thanks. I could probably clean it all up myself but no luck so far finding the 'drive'...which I think has failed since it won't retract.

 

[kenny nunez]

Hopefully your ring gear is not damaged where you will need to remove the engine to replace it.
What you need is a replacement starter. The Prestolite starter with the Bendix drive system has a tendency to chew up ring gears.
The replacement starter is of the “Dyer “ style drive gear engagement. All current marine/auto engines use that style.
Sierra # 18-5903. No core required.

 

[orttauq]

Hopefully your ring gear is not damaged where you will need to remove the engine to replace it.
What you need is a replacement starter. The Prestolite starter with the Bendix drive system has a tendency to chew up ring gears.
The replacement starter is of the “Dyer “ style drive gear engagement. All current marine/auto engines use that style.
Sierra # 18-5903. No core required.

I am thinking I will have to pull the engine to replace the aft motor mount anyway...
I did find the drive on eBay (I Hope)

 

[orttauq]

Learned that the Bendix drive has some sort of anti kickback keeping it engaged until the motor starts, which then kicks it back at a 'certain RPM'. So when I bench tested it the drive moved forward and stayed there since there was nothing to kick it back. Seems like this is why they chew up ring gears. (y'all may already know this)

 

[kenny nunez]

The only other way to get the gear retracted is by running it against a wire buffing wheel which simulates the engine‘s flywheel.

 

[orttauq]

I looked at the Sierra # 18-5903...that hose clamp around looks pretty redneck!

 

[kenny nunez]

The hose clamp is to insure that the starter is marine approved to seal out any gasoline fumes from entering the housing and causing an explosion.
The automotive band used on a similar starter is plain steel which would not last in a moist bilge.
Also the difference between the automotive and marine starters is the raised rim which registers and centers the starter in the plate between the engine block and the flywheel housing. The automotive version has a larger raised rim and will not center which will cause the flywheel teeth to get broken.

 

[orttauq]

Thanks for all the info! I spent yesterday tearing mine down & cleaning it up. I found that the front retaining plate inside was loose that allowed the armature to move back and forth. It was rubbing a bit on the brush plate so maybe I am good.