1st boat, ignition problem

[remi_357]

hello, I just bought a project 1986 celebrity with a 4.3 mercrusier with alpha 1 outdrive. Im tring to get the engine running but im not getting any spark. After searching the web for hours I have come to the conclusion that the "thunderbolt iv" box needs replaced. My question is, is there a marine hei distributer that I can buy and just do away with the old pionts system and the thunderbolt box? Any info would be greatly appreciated...

 

[fossill]

Re: 1st boat, ignition problem

I would hazaard to guess that a newer HEI distributer would fit your boat. Check with a local parts dept.
I'm new to boats but surprised they still used points in 1986. They were long gone in the automotive sector by the end of 1974.

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: 1st boat, ignition problem

If you have points = you have points
If you have a thunderbolt IV box =you dont have points
Witch is it?

 

[remi_357]

Re: 1st boat, ignition problem

i have the thunderbolt iv box mounted on the upper passenger side. is that box the same as a ignition module? The trouble shooting i did said to replace the ignition module...... I cannot seem to locate a thunderbolt iv box.....what would be the most cost effective fix? Please bare with me as I am new to this.....This is the graph I used to trouble shoot. http://www.marinemechanic.com/site/page251.html

thanks
jason

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: 1st boat, ignition problem

The module on the riser in the ign module, there is also a sensor inside the dist, if you followed the flow chart correctly , then module replacement is called for if that is what your tests proved.
The manual lists this number 805361T1 ID V6-14

 

[remi_357]

Re: 1st boat, ignition problem

please bare with me im not trying to annoy anyone. So the black box that says thunderbolt iv breakerless ignition and the ignition module are 2 seperate items correct? also what would the sensor inside the distributor called I might as well replace it too while im at it. I now my way around cars but this stuff is a little confusing to me.

thanks for the help, im finally getting somewhere. This is my first boat so you know how excited I am to get on the water......

 

[cooter2506]

Re: 1st boat, ignition problem

Black box on the riser IS the ignition module.

 

[remi_357]

Re: 1st boat, ignition problem

here are a few pictures of what i am talking about

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: 1st boat, ignition problem

If I did this right, it should be the manual for that engine
Make sure you save it.
http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Servmanl/18/18covr2.pdf

 

[remi_357]

Re: 1st boat, ignition problem

wow that manual is exactly what i need, however it has only the first 5 pages....

 

[remi_357]

Re: 1st boat, ignition problem

is that the ignition module in the pictuers?

 

[Don S]

Re: 1st boat, ignition problem

If I did this right, it should be the manual for that engine
Make sure you save it.
http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Servmanl/18/18covr2.pdf

Nope, wrong manual. He need manual #7. 18 is for balance shaft engines, and have a different ignition system (Newer TB IV)

that the ignition module in the pictuers?

Yes, that is one of the things it's called. Ignition Amplifier is what it's called in the parts programs.
This was the orignal Thunderbolt ignition ahead of TB IV, also called the HEI Ign.
Here is the troubleshooting chart for it.

Oops!! Forgot the picture :redface:

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: 1st boat, ignition problem

# 7 I have but it`s in "My Documents" .too large to mail.dosent list that part number and only has 22 total deg adv. at 2500rpm

 

[remi_357]

Re: 1st boat, ignition problem

ok, sweet im on the right track now, does anyone have a part number for the replacement? Since the replacement is going to be different i need the module and the pigtail so i can wire it up to my engine correct? When I follow the flow chart i stop a the very bottom (try a new coil, no spark, replace ignition module)