an automotive dristibutor on a marine engine

[cobra 3.0]

an automotive dristibutor on a marine engine

I was told that if I wanted electronic ignition, I could put a regular GM car distributor into my 3.0 cobra. I've always heard here car parts are not a good thing on a marine engine due to the potential of sparks and sending myself into the next life! <br /><br />The fellow told me, there wasn't a problem since electronic components are sealed and would be under the distibutor cap. Also, if I wanted a hotter coil, a good high performance ACCEL coil could do the trick too. The whole thing would be less expensive than a Pertronix solution.<br /><br />Is this safe????

 

[seahorse5]

Re: an automotive dristibutor on a marine engine

Re: an automotive dristibutor on a marine engine

Ask that person about the sparks from the rotor as it passes by each terminal of the plug wires in the distributor cap.<br /><br />Federal law says that all ignition and fuel components have to meet specific safety specs. Don't listen to the uninformed.<br /><br />We can quote the particular sections of the law if you wish.<br /><br />By the way, you need an interupter module by Rapair, inc. or make a wiring change to use your shift module with any electronic ignition system.

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: an automotive dristibutor on a marine engine

Re: an automotive dristibutor on a marine engine

Don't sparks go past the rotor now? How is it different?

 

[imported_Mike_M2]

Re: an automotive dristibutor on a marine engine

Re: an automotive dristibutor on a marine engine

Why not just covert the distributor you have now to electronic? Pertronics has a kit for about $75.

 

[rattana]

Re: an automotive dristibutor on a marine engine

Re: an automotive dristibutor on a marine engine

I believe that automotive distributors have a vent on the distributor cap. Marine distributors would be shielded.

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: an automotive dristibutor on a marine engine

Re: an automotive dristibutor on a marine engine

Cobra, If the distributor fits,and the motor runs,you can use it.The spark problem relates to the cap.BUT if OMC didn't use that unit there is a reason.I imagine it has to do with spark advance curves.<br /> While I don't think Accel coils are needed,it won't hurt.<br /> DHP

 

[Walt T]

Re: an automotive dristibutor on a marine engine

Re: an automotive dristibutor on a marine engine

I am flabbergasted. Ya'll know better.

 

[clanton]

Re: an automotive dristibutor on a marine engine

Re: an automotive dristibutor on a marine engine

The marine dist has a vent in the bottom of the dist housing to prevent gas fume build up inside the cap and dist body.

 

[tim10034]

Re: an automotive dristibutor on a marine engine

Re: an automotive dristibutor on a marine engine

so does this mean that i cannot use an automotive distrubitor cap on my marine engin???

 

[Walt T]

Re: an automotive dristibutor on a marine engine

Re: an automotive dristibutor on a marine engine

It means you cannot use a non Coast Guard approved distributor.

 

[mkast]

Re: an automotive dristibutor on a marine engine

Re: an automotive dristibutor on a marine engine

Let's cut to the chase. You can put anything you want on your boat.<br />If anything happens, you are libel.<br />No insurance claim if ONE nonapproved part is found on your boat, even in a towing incident.<br />All claims null and void.<br />If you blow someone up, hope it's you, then you don't have to live with it, over the cost of a few bucks. I work with aircraft onwers, they are just like boat owners, they always try to save a buck, right until the FAA gets involved, then it's "You didn't tell me strong enough! I'm not at fault, you should have made a bigger point of it!" The reason there are regulations is for safety, so SOME people, trying to save a buck, don't blowup the boat next to them. Remember, it always happens to someone else, be the first on your block to become a statistic.

 

[Danny_Ocean]

Re: an automotive dristibutor on a marine engine

Re: an automotive dristibutor on a marine engine

Well said!<br /><br />D. Ocean<br />Miami, FLA

 

[seahorse5]

Re: an automotive dristibutor on a marine engine

Re: an automotive dristibutor on a marine engine

OK, if you want to find out how the Coast Guard and Federal regulations apply to ignition parts, go to: <br /><br /> http://www.uscgboating.org/regulations/boatbuilder/electrical/183-410-a.htm <br /><br />Each part has to withstand 50 "explosions" to pass. Think about that when you buy a $3.99 distributor cap from a discount auto store.

 

[JasonB]

Re: an automotive dristibutor on a marine engine

Re: an automotive dristibutor on a marine engine

I'll second the pertronix suggestion. They work great. I wuld suggest a Pertronix coila nd a new set of MagStar wres while at it.

 

[charleswmoore]

Re: an automotive dristibutor on a marine engine

Re: an automotive dristibutor on a marine engine

Sometime i don't think there is atually a difference mechanically but the underwriters insurance (UL or ABY or whom ever) allows each part they distribute to carry this extra insurance line. Actually in many cases you are not paying for a different higher tier part but this added insurance. I know in the two radio service an intrinsically safe radio is the same<br />as another (Excluding battery) except for the underwriters. Now comes the key, the amount of seals/service technigues etc are much more stringent. IE: any corrosion at all period voids this rating et etc etc. So i guess what i am trying to say is can a marine distributor be upgrated from points to electronic ignition and still carry the same underwriters rating?? I doupt it unless that ugrade carried its own rating with that particular distributor. Confusing huh!!!!!!!! But it is how big business<br />and insurance works. Same applies to the engine from a marine builder. If an aftermarket part is placed on that engine in regards to spark or flame then most likely the engine manufactuers<br />underwriter is no longer liable for that engine.<br />With all that said, is using anything not OEM<br />worth it to you????? Heck I'm even talking about using a replacement manifold here. Or a sierra water pump impeller that failure could cause an exhaust hose burn through. Its a viscious cycle<br />because lets face it insurance companies know odds are always in there favor, that is why they issue these insurance / underwriters!!!!!!!!<br />As always we lose.

 

[Ralph 123]

Re: an automotive dristibutor on a marine engine

Re: an automotive dristibutor on a marine engine

All, I have posted this advice a thousand times. Go to amazon.com and search for "Large block Chevy marine performance" by Moore and read the free excerpt. You will be given a list of all the differences between a car and marine engine and the reasons why. It is an unbiased discussion by a respected, well known marine engineer. <br /><br />First, and foremost, anything electrical needs ignition protection (spark proofing) because, in a boat, gas, being heavier than air, settles in the bilge and builds up. Any stray spark can cause your boat to explode. If you think the chance is remote, just read the papers from any place with a big boating community around the start of boating season.