Chris craft 283 distributor

[Kasparas]

Hello, i want to ask some questions about distributor types. I am using Mallory dual point distributor now, but he is working not very well so i want to change him. I saw there are a few types of distributors such as magnetic type, hall effect. Their advance type is mechanical +(vacuum) but on each distributor they have wires, so these wires is used to connect tachometer or this wires is connecting to electronic modules which controls them? Thank you for your time

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Chris craft 283 distributor

Welcome aboard!

Not familiar with your specific set up ... but there are several options in regard to ignition systems. You will need to ensure it works with whatever drive you have as well. The most important thing is to ensure you are working with a marine ignition system. The fact that you are looking at anything with a vacuum advance would indicate that it is not marine. Just a "heads up."

Post more info on the engine and drive combination you are working on.

 

[Kasparas]

Re: Chris craft 283 distributor

I have restored this engine, start it up and he is working not very good. He is shaking when he is running on rpms. Compression is 10 in cylinders. Carburetor is cleaned. I think it will be spark plugs and wires and something wrong with distributor. I tried to look for some but i stopped when i saw that there are several types of them.. As i understand all distributors which are used in the cars isn't very good idea so i need marine distributor,yes? I found several variants:
http://www.summitracing.com/int/parts/pnx-d200810/overview/
http://www.summitracing.com/int/parts/maa-ylm624av/overview/

But as i understand if i want to install them to my engine i need to buy some additional equipment that they work correctly.

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Chris craft 283 distributor

Not sure what you mean when you say that "Compression is 10 in cylinders."

You will need to diagnose your problem before simply changing out the ignition system.

 

[81 Checkmate]

Re: Chris craft 283 distributor

As fihermark sugested....need alittle more info on what you are working on.

As the distrubutor goes.....I am curently using the mallory unit you had posted... on a 1986 mercursier 350 - 260 hp... it had the thunderbolt iv system in it that puked out.....Mallory recomended that i use a external ballist resistor with mine. I have had 0 issues with this set up....

I would think that with a points system it should have the resistence wire already installed. Not sure what you have....

The tach wire goes to the neg side of the coil.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Chris craft 283 distributor

I have restored this engine, start it up and he is working not very good. He is shaking when he is running on rpms. Compression is 10 in cylinders. Carburetor is cleaned. I think it will be spark plugs and wires and something wrong with distributor. I tried to look for some but i stopped when i saw that there are several types of them.. As i understand all distributors which are used in the cars isn't very good idea so i need marine distributor,yes? I found several variants:
http://www.summitracing.com/int/parts/pnx-d200810/overview/
http://www.summitracing.com/int/parts/maa-ylm624av/overview/

But as i understand if i want to install them to my engine i need to buy some additional equipment that they work correctly.

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,... For a replacement distributor, This is the Best Bang for yer Bucks,...
It's the Complete kit,...

The Delco Voyager EST,...

 

[Kasparas]

Re: Chris craft 283 distributor

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,... For a replacement distributor, This is the Best Bang for yer Bucks,...
It's the Complete kit,...

The Delco Voyager EST,...

this set which you recommend to me is full and there is no need to buy other electrical units that distributor work correctly?

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Chris craft 283 distributor

As hard as it is to believe... Here is the same kit Bondo mentions for about half the price. I've ordered parts from this company before with no problems.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Chris craft 283 distributor

your original 283 chris craft distributor with points probably needs an overhaul. my guess is the bushings on the advance along with the fly weights probably need some attention.

however any of the distributors will work and they all come with wiring instructions. I myself do not like the delco distributor and went with the Malory (your second link from Summit). However that is my preference. Distributors with mechanical and vacuum advance are for automotive applications. Most marine distributors are either mechanical advance or electronic advance.

As has been pointed out. your points distributor has a ballast wire or a ballast resistor for your current coil. you may have to change the coil (see the recommendations from the distributor that you buy)

 

[Kasparas]

Re: Chris craft 283 distributor

I put a video on Youtube, maybe it will help to identify whats wrong

20131004 114258 - YouTube

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Chris craft 283 distributor

cant tell much from the video, however it does sound like your timing is off and you may be firing a few cylinders simultaneously (cross talk)

Have you reset the points, adjusted the dwell, and set the timing? Also, what is the condition of the distributor cap? Is it new? does it have carbon arcing paths on the inside?

 

[Kasparas]

Re: Chris craft 283 distributor

Made a timing by info which i found on web. 1 cylinder on the top center ant distributor also on the first. Distributor, plug wires are old one so i think it will be the main fault. Tried many dwell variants but its the same. Spark plugs are wet after engine running. Fuel wont burn fully. Maybe it could be problems with carburetor?

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Chris craft 283 distributor

Made a timing by info which i found on web. 1 cylinder on the top center ant distributor also on the first. Distributor, plug wires are old one so i think it will be the main fault. Tried many dwell variants but its the same. Spark plugs are wet after engine running. Fuel wont burn fully. Maybe it could be problems with carburetor?

If I read this right, you simply dropped in the distributor and did not use a timing light?

There are two types of dual point distributors for a V8. a 4-point cam and an 8 point cam. both get set up slightly different.

you need to set the gap first on both points. then you need to set the dwell with a dwell meter. You cannot set up points properly without these steps. The best way to set up a dual points distributor is with a Sun Distributor Machine, however you can set up both sides independently and then measure total dwell. your initial gap should be about 0.022" with about 26 degrees of dwell. Total dwell should be about 32 degrees.

then once you get the dwell set, you need to time with a timing light. Your base timing should be about 6 degrees BTDC (going off of memory)

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Chris craft 283 distributor

Distributor, plug wires are old one so i think it will be the main fault...

You need proper compression, correct fuel mixture, and good spark at the right time in order for the engine to run properly - compression, fuel, spark. You need to ensure that all three are good.

1. Do a compression test and post the results.

2. Do a complete tune up. Points, condenser, cap, rotor cap, wires, plugs. Set the point gap / dwell. Set the timing.

99% of the time that's going to fix your problem. If it doesn't, and you have a good strong spark when you are finished with the tune up, THEN you can worry about diagnosing a fuel problem.

 

[Kasparas]

Re: Chris craft 283 distributor

If I read this right, you simply dropped in the distributor and did not use a timing light?

There are two types of dual point distributors for a V8. a 4-point cam and an 8 point cam. both get set up slightly different.

you need to set the gap first on both points. then you need to set the dwell with a dwell meter. You cannot set up points properly without these steps. The best way to set up a dual points distributor is with a Sun Distributor Machine, however you can set up both sides independently and then measure total dwell. your initial gap should be about 0.022" with about 26 degrees of dwell. Total dwell should be about 32 degrees.

then once you get the dwell set, you need to time with a timing light. Your base timing should be about 6 degrees BTDC (going off of memory)

Sorry, i am new at this from where i can buy this instruments timing light and dwell meter?

 

[Kasparas]

Re: Chris craft 283 distributor

Also, if i put electronic distributor kit it will resolve the problem? I want to change it because i read that he is saving fuel a little bit and add a little bit power to engine. Compression is 10:1 in all cylinders.

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Chris craft 283 distributor

10:1 is the compression ratio. That doesn't tell the actual compression number. That is measured with a compression gauge. It will be listed as something like 120 lbs. (Or perhaps the metric equivalent). No offense, but I take it that English is not your first language. It also sounds like it would be helpful to get together with someone who has done a tune up or two so you can see things done first hand. Also check out the "stickies" at the top of the page - there is some good basic info there as well.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Chris craft 283 distributor

Sorry, i am new at this from where i can buy this instruments timing light and dwell meter?

you can get a timing light from your local auto parts store. many of them have tools to loan. the dwell meter will be a bit harder to locate, however your local auto parts store may have this.

Also, if i put electronic distributor kit it will resolve the problem? I want to change it because i read that he is saving fuel a little bit and add a little bit power to engine. Compression is 10:1 in all cylinders.

an electronic distributor will only take care of not needing to set points and adjust the dwell since it does this part electronically vs mechanically via the breaker points. compared to a properly set up set of points, it will not save you fuel, or make you any more power. The settings just will not change like they do when points wear.

 

[Kasparas]

Re: Chris craft 283 distributor

Yes, sorry for my English.. I will try to find people who can show how to do full timing. But if i will buy a new distributor set which you offer to buy, Delco or Mallory?

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Chris craft 283 distributor

I myself would recommend the Mallory, however that is based on my personal preference. I replaced my original prestolite distributor with the Mallory unit and did it in about 10 minutes, including setting timing. Then again, I have been working on engines as a hobby for about 35 years.