Converting points distributor setup to solid state or electronic

[Manipulator]

I have the old points and capacitor setup and was wondering if it would be a good idea to upgrade it to electronic. The procedure doesn't seem very complicated and the cost is rather inexpensive. That is converting it rather than buying a whole new distributor. If I were to do this, would I have to upgrade the coil? Also, I noticed that my distributor has no vacuum advance, what's up with that? I have a 5.7 omc 1983 with prestolite distributor. My Dad says "don't fool with it or mess with it, points are simple. If something goes wrong on the water you can just pop in a new set". Can't really do that with electronic ignition. But then again, how often does electronic ignition fail? I thought the whole point was to have a trouble free system.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Converting points distributor setup to solid state or electronic

This subject has been discussed many times Manip. I think the general consensus is that your dad, bless his soul, is a bit behind the times in his opinion.<br /><br />Go for the conversion. Get a Pertronix II conversion. They are very reliable, deliver a better spark and never need adjustment. One of their 40K coils would make best use of the ignitor but it is not necessary. You can put your point and condensor set in a ziplock baggie, suck the air out of it and toss it in your glove box, just in case.<br /><br />As to 'no vacume advance' on your distrib, you have a centrifugal advance distributor. It's all done with preset springs that react to rpm only. You want to be sure to have the distrib checked for both proper curve and bushing integrity before you make the leap. You also want to make sure you have good plug wires as well.<br /><br />Go for it.

 

[Don S]

Re: Converting points distributor setup to solid state or electronic

They do fail (like everything else), but not very often. Plus they allow better spark to the plugs.<br />But, did you ever fix a points system while out on the water? Most don't, they get towed in.

 

[Manipulator]

Re: Converting points distributor setup to solid state or electronic

I think I will make the leap. I never had to fix points myself but was on the lake in my Uncles boat and it wouldn't start. My father was with and popped the distributor off and sure enough the points were toast. The contacts were completely gone! We had a book of matches with and my father gapped the points, or rather what was left of them. Anyway she fired up and got us back. <br /><br />I do carry an extra set of points and condenser in the glove box and have a set of tools on board for failures. Never had any problems except every once and a while my safety switch in my shifter gets messed up and it won't allow the engine to start. My Dad is old school. He was disappointed when autos went from carburetor to EFI. Oh, don't even mention ABS around him. "All that stuff is is something new to break" is what he always says. Nowadays you need a laptop to work on this stuff. Boats are getting that way too. <br /><br />Anyway, my engine burns no oil and when I changed the plugs they where fairly loaded with carbon and I know she's not burning that rich. Like you say the spark is weaker on a point's setup. What about plug wires? Can I just run down to AutoZone and get a set for a Chevy 350 or do they have to be the usual marine cost up the wahhhzooo set?

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Converting points distributor setup to solid state or electronic

The only difference in 'marine' wires is the way they need to route, due to the exhaust manifolds. I got a set of Magstars for my motor. You should do a search on iboats to see what they have available.

 

[Manipulator]

Re: Converting points distributor setup to solid state or electronic

Well I have a OMC 5.7 and Pertronix was talking about how there are "special instructions" due to the "shift interrupter"on the OMC. Not sure what it is I need to do. The Pertronix website talks about : "The Ignitor is compatible with all OMC stern drive applications, when they are equipped with our "diode fix". Click on the "diode fix" diagram to view in full size."<br /><br />Well there is NO DIODE FIX DIAGRAM on the site that I can find. Do you know what they are talking about or what I need to do?

 

[newport dave]

Re: Converting points distributor setup to solid state or electronic

Check out this thread.<br /><br /> http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=24;t=010211 <br /><br />Dave

 

[Manipulator]

Re: Converting points distributor setup to solid state or electronic

Did it work? Did you have any tach problems? This looks like a pain. Does Pertronix sell the fix or do you have to build it yourself?

 

[newport dave]

Re: Converting points distributor setup to solid state or electronic

I have not installed/tested this thing yet. While I thought it was a fun project, I think if I had to do it over again I would just purchase a Pertronix compatable ESA module from CDI Electronics.<br /><br /> http://www.rapair.com <br /><br />Click on "Products" and then enter part number 123-9898. The one at the bottom of the list is part number 123-9898-P. That's the one you will need.<br /><br />Pertronix does not sell the fix as far as I know.<br /><br />Dave

 

[Manipulator]

Re: Converting points distributor setup to solid state or electronic

Thanks so much Dave! Although I could probably do the project, I just thought it was a little strange that you have to go to all that trouble. The manufacturer should have made this device and included it with the kit.

 

[mikebc]

Re: Converting points distributor setup to solid state or electronic

I ordered the pertronix just last night for my 3.0. I noticed in the other thread, "http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=24;t=010211"<br /> someone even noticed a couple hundred rpm increase! I also have new wires and a cap on the way, but I am unsure what the best type/style/brand of plugs are the best-any ideas?

 

[Manipulator]

Re: Converting points distributor setup to solid state or electronic

I noticed that as well. I am going to order it. Screw buying the compatible ESA module for $55-$77. I'm making mine from Radio Shack. This diagram says for Mallory distributor but the modification is exactly the same for any distributor (just has to do with OMC setups and the ESA). I was reading where a guy soldered all this together in less than 20 min. It doesn't look too complicated now that I look at it. <br /><br />

<br /><br />I just bought standard replacement plugs for my boat. Still cost me $3 at the marina. I could probably switch to a wider gap with the Petronix igniter and the flame throwing coil. Where did you get your wires?

 

[newport dave]

Re: Converting points distributor setup to solid state or electronic

While doing research about this "fix" I was cautioned by two different parties to be careful - it gets very hot. I do not have personal expierence on this, just passing along what I was told.<br /><br />Dave

 

[Manipulator]

Re: Converting points distributor setup to solid state or electronic

what gets hot? The coil or the fix itself?

 

[trog100]

Re: Converting points distributor setup to solid state or electronic

the possible problem with these everything crammed in a lttle package that fits inside the distributor systems would be the power transistors getting to hot and failing.. they might be reliable but if they do fail heat would be the reason mainly cos there aint room for a decent sized finned metal heatsink in such a system..<br /><br />its a good idea to make sure the device is making good contact to the distributor base plate which would have to act as the heat-sink for the device.. use some heat-sink compound when u install it.. they might include this with the kit they might not..<br /><br />trog100

 

[Manipulator]

Re: Converting points distributor setup to solid state or electronic

Again, what is it that gets hot? The homemade "fix" for the ESA or the actual Pertronix Igniter? I would imagine that the igniter is designed to get hot or handle the heat.

 

[trog100]

Re: Converting points distributor setup to solid state or electronic

the fix shouldnt get that hot.. power transistors need heatsinks.. normally large finned aluminum things.. u cant bung one of these inside a distributor cos there isnt room.. the petronix unit has to rely on the distributor body itself to leech heat from the power transitors.. to do this it has to make good contact with distributor body somehow.. <br /><br />personally i think its a crap idea but its all there is.. a better arrangement would be to leave the points as a switching device carrying no current but activating a seperate properly designed power transistor box somewhere else..<br /><br />such units used to be common but are hard to find now.. which is shame..<br /><br />the more expensive petronix has thermal protection in case it gets too hot.. the cheaper one dosnt..<br /><br />trog100

 

[Manipulator]

Re: Converting points distributor setup to solid state or electronic

The more I hear about this the more leery I am about it. To me the points sound much simpler and more reliable than this conversion thing. First you have to modify the thing to get it to work. Who knows how long that will last? The modification is causing some people's tachs to act funky and some don't function at all. Now the igniter seems to run real hot. Well how long do you think it will last if it's baking in there? I mean the distributor housing itself gets plenty hot from the engine and certainly would be a lousy heat conductor to cool this thing down.<br /><br />Well just how much more spark do you get out of an electronic ignition compared to the points? I mean, is it really that noticeable? What if I just upgraded the coil to a flame thrower 40000 volt and updated my ignition wires? Would that make a noticeable effect?

 

[tommays]

Re: Converting points distributor setup to solid state or electronic

i can only say that even in 1975 the first thing we did to our CZ motocross bikes was go out and buy a monopolt or whatever the heck the name was electronic ingition system<br /><br />you took a littel time to set the timeing right and NEVER LOOKED AT IT AGAIN you just went out and rode it through mud water and all sorts of muck with far less problems than points ever had<br /><br />the kits were good in 1975 and i am sure there better now<br /><br />tommays

 

[Manipulator]

Re: Converting points distributor setup to solid state or electronic

I've really never had any trouble with points. Just regap them after a season and replace them after two. I was wanting more spark as my plugs also get pretty dirty when doing a lot of cruising or slow speeds. I figure if you want more sprak you have to go with electronic ignition. What about a bigger coil?