converting a vintage ob to electronic ignition

[nwcove]

Re: converting a vintage ob to electronic ignition

Very nice. Im sure you are happy~!

quite happy with the sporty!! it did run nicely, and exceeded my expectations for power/speed. but, with that being said, i highly doubt that the modules would give any performance gains over a properly set up universal magneto with a clean carb thats been adjusted right. jmo

 

[HighTrim]

Re: converting a vintage ob to electronic ignition

The performance gains would be in worn out motors that in turn throw out the points timing, or leaky crank seal which would limit/prevent spark due to dirty points sets.

 

[schematic]

Re: converting a vintage ob to electronic ignition

quite happy with the sporty!! it did run nicely, and exceeded my expectations for power/speed. but, with that being said, i highly doubt that the modules would give any performance gains over a properly set up universal magneto with a clean carb thats been adjusted right. jmo

it would be interesting to measure the timing variation from one cylinder to the other. (something that could be adjusted with points)

 

[sojo81007]

Re: converting a vintage ob to electronic ignition

Are you still happy with this set up? How do you route the wires under the armature? I'm ordering a set of these as I just can't seem to get the points set right on my 1966 Big Twin.

 

[the machinist]

Re: converting a vintage ob to electronic ignition

Have you tried it at a fishing type trolling speed for an extended period of time?

 

[nwcove]

Re: converting a vintage ob to electronic ignition

Are you still happy with this set up? How do you route the wires under the armature? I'm ordering a set of these as I just can't seem to get the points set right on my 1966 Big Twin.

ive ran the motor for a few hours since i posted the vid......no complaints. i didnt have to route any wires under the armature plate, as my sportwin has no kill switch. ( if your motor charges a battery via flywheel magnets, the modules will not work!)

 

[nwcove]

Re: converting a vintage ob to electronic ignition

Have you tried it at a fishing type trolling speed for an extended period of time?

i trolled with it for about an hour and a half on my last outing before calling it a season. i did have to bring the rpms up slightly off idle a few times tho, as a slight cross wind would occasionally steer me in the wrong direction.
( curious as to why you would ask that question tho.......would i run into a known issue if i were to spend a day putting around?)

 

[HighTrim]

Re: converting a vintage ob to electronic ignition

He was probably curious as to the spark quality at a low idle.

 

[nwcove]

Re: converting a vintage ob to electronic ignition

that was what i was thinking too. but i could get "spark" just by rotating the flywheel by hand.....not pulling the rope. not a strong spark, but spark ! i did read an old thread, where someone did the conversion to a motor, and converted back due to weak spark at idle tho. if i remember correctly, there are instructions on how to remedy that issue by moving the coils out a few thou past the bosses and gapping the plugs to 0.025 seems to be crucial as the gizmos come with a " gap tool". ( just a 1/2"x1/4" piece of 0.025 tin lol)

 

[the machinist]

Re: converting a vintage ob to electronic ignition

The information I had was from a marine mechanic that did this when those modules first came out & he had problems getting consistant fire at low RPM. But if I remember right, it was a few years ago & with a different brand of module. Thanks for the input.

 

[Vintage Boat Guy]

Re: converting a vintage ob to electronic ignition

Is it bad to run an old outboard at 50:1?

 

[nwcove]

Re: converting a vintage ob to electronic ignition

Is it bad to run an old outboard at 50:1?

depends on what you mean by old? but in general, run any motor at the fuel/oil ratio that was recommended by the manufacturer, never with less oil.

 

[dkonrai]

Re: converting a vintage ob to electronic ignition

Why would you run a old classic at 50 to 1? Disadvantages far out weigh any benefits. Besides the fish are attracted to the oil slick

 

[dkonrai]

Re: converting a vintage ob to electronic ignition

Wow could not have stated it better. Thought the op meant to run a motor that needs 24 or 16 to 1 amd run it at 50 to 1. I have a pile of motors which owners ran at the wrong mix. One of them is a johnson that was run at 100 to 1.

 

[Vintage Boat Guy]

Re: converting a vintage ob to electronic ignition

I run most at 50:1 including 3hp Jonnson and Evinrude, 18hp Evinrude 5.5 Johnson 10hp Johnson, 2.5 Elgin, 6hp Chrysler 1981 Evinrude 35 1963 Johnson 40

 

[boobie]

Re: converting a vintage ob to electronic ignition

If you have a motor with a full complement of needle bearings you can get away with 50:1. Anything with any bushings in it should have 16:1 or 24:1. JMO.

 

[nwcove]

Re: converting a vintage ob to electronic ignition

I run most at 50:1 including 3hp Jonnson and Evinrude, 18hp Evinrude 5.5 Johnson 10hp Johnson, 2.5 Elgin, 6hp Chrysler 1981 Evinrude 35 1963 Johnson 40

thread is getting off topic, but if you enjoy your motors, and would like to enjoy them for years to come, mix at the recommended ratios. jmo

edit: unless of course you have an omc that was recommended at 100:1, revert back to 50:1 .

 

[HighTrim]

Re: converting a vintage ob to electronic ignition

Maybe he is using Amsoil at 50:1

Seriously though.......

Vintage Boat Guy....some of your motors listed are ok on the 50:1 mixture. Most are not though. They have bushings, and furthermore were designed to run on a richer mixture. They will run better, and will be around when your grandkids, grandkids want to run them. Leaning the proper mixture only shortens their life. May last for what you need, but lets try to keep these antiques around for our grandkids to use, and their grandkids after them. They don't make them anymore you know! lol

I will post some pictures of what running a bushing motor on 50:1 will do to it. Have pulled a few apart to make a point to a neighbour that heard from Bob the engine builder down the street that it was ok.

 

[Vintage Boat Guy]

Re: converting a vintage ob to electronic ignition

Is it a certain age of motor or horsepower being the way I should know how to mix it

 

[HighTrim]

Re: converting a vintage ob to electronic ignition

A GENERAL rule is 1964 or later can use the 50:1 mixture. That is just a general rule. Before that, the mixtures vary depending on model and hp. Some are 24:1, some 16:1, and the early ones can get quite a rich mix!