Advantages/Disadvantages of electronic ignition vs point system

[bds85466]

Lay em on me.

 

[JustJason]

Re: Advantages/Disadvantages of electronic ignition vs point system

electronic..... more reliable... more expensive
points..... less reliable... but cheap and easy to fix
thats really about it

 

[sarantis]

Re: Advantages/Disadvantages of electronic ignition vs point system

no electronics no sudden death

 

[Randy169]

Re: Advantages/Disadvantages of electronic ignition vs point system

I put electronic ignition in my boat. Wouldn't go back.

Points
Advantages:
- easy to fix (I keep a set in my boat)
- cheaper
Disadvantages:
- wears out
- won't work if wet

Electronic

Advantages:
- better starting
- better fuel mileage
- more reliable
- more power
Disadvantages:
- can't be fixed thus you're stuck on the water when they fail
- more expensive

 

[bds85466]

Re: Advantages/Disadvantages of electronic ignition vs point system

Thanks, guys! That definitely sold me.

 

[bds85466]

Re: Advantages/Disadvantages of electronic ignition vs point system

And yes I realize I'm in the Mercruiser section and I have a Johnson...I'm looking to get a new boat with an I/O Merc.

 

[buggiedad_67]

Re: Advantages/Disadvantages of electronic ignition vs point system

i have used compufire for years in vws and i have not had one failure, there are several manufactures out there that make good converison kits, based on the use of them in my car now with it, i know i wont have any problems, and just so you know my vw is a 1967, and will turn 8k.

 

[fishrdan]

Re: Advantages/Disadvantages of electronic ignition vs point system

If you opt for an electronic conversion do your homework, some are better than others. I'm in the middle of an engine rebuild and was considering a Pertronix Ignitor until I heard they could fail if the key was left on. This sent me down memory lane, and conjured up thoughts of a Mallory Unilite that left my hotrod stranded,,, twice!

The Ignitor II conversions are supposed to have resolved the problem with the module burning out if the key is left on.

 

[rthomas]

Re: Advantages/Disadvantages of electronic ignition vs point system

ive had a petronics unit in a pickup for 10 yrs with no problems, and just installed one (#2842) with the hot coil on the 151a and gained 6mph in top speed, needless to say im pleased

 

[Robj]

Re: Advantages/Disadvantages of electronic ignition vs point system

I have a Pertronix on my Volvo AQ 131, and think it is great. Actually it is easier to change my electronic iginition unit on the water than it is to install a new set of points. The only drawback is that it costs quite a bit more to have a spare electronic ignition module onboard than it does to keep a set of points.

Have a great day,

Rob.

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: Advantages/Disadvantages of electronic ignition vs point system

I have a Pertronix on my Volvo AQ 131, and think it is great. Actually it is easier to change my electronic iginition unit on the water than it is to install a new set of points. The only drawback is that it costs quite a bit more to have a spare electronic ignition module onboard than it does to keep a set of points.

Have a great day,

Rob.

Can't you skip the spare module and just install the old point and condenser as a spare for emergency backup?