Converting to Points?? Can it be done?

[Sleepy850]

I have a 1974 Mercury 850 (85 HP), and I am wondering if, in the intrest of simplicity, if it is possible to convert from the factory equipped "Thunderbolt" (electronic) CDI <br />ignition to an earlier "points" ignition? and if so what parts I would need to scavenge for?<br /><br />Thanks in advance<br /><br />Sleepy

 

[sloopy]

Re: Converting to Points?? Can it be done?

maybe but the price of finding the equipment and getting stuff built and having the flyweel with a new magnet on it would be over 600 at least mostlikely 3000!! its hard to convert engines to points onless they were alrready set up to do so.

 

[12Footer]

Re: Converting to Points?? Can it be done?

You could, but you can allmost bet on a melt-down. Reason bein, ignition and combustion heat differences, and then there's the reliability issues that are ussually there...But have been dealt-with by the engineers before production models are made.<br />My advice is,stick with the CD ignition system.<br />They are actually much more reliable and "water-friendy" than the old points systems were.<br />I know they are outrageiously(SP) expensive little boxes, but you can scrounge the boat yards and buy used,or find an ignition system on ebay for 100-200 bukz complete.<br />you may have to shelf the motor for a monfth or so,until you find the parts you need at the price you can afford to pay (I know, I've been there myself on more than once).

 

[12Footer]

Re: Converting to Points?? Can it be done?

BTW, what died on your current system?

 

[sloopy]

Re: Converting to Points?? Can it be done?

also the price of changing would be over 200... way over

 

[Sleepy850]

Re: Converting to Points?? Can it be done?

I am just asking Q & A about worse case scenario, which I think would be an appropriate name for my boat by the way, I've just had quite a bit of wiring problems etc.... Rotted Wires, bad stator, etc.... and I haven't even had it in the water yet, I was just looking for a inexpensive and most importantly, repaiable on water setup for the ignition on my motor.<br /><br />Tnanks for the advice all

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: Converting to Points?? Can it be done?

Hey Sleepy,<br />Keep an eye on ebay motors, these categories:<br />/parts&accessories/boats&Watercraft/motors<br />You'll find stuff like this:<br /> http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1873557109 <br /><br />Sounds like you and I think alike. I'd love to have one these for my boat...much simpler for those of us who like to do our own work. But who knows, next one may show up from your neck of the woods. Good luck.

 

[Sleepy850]

Re: Converting to Points?? Can it be done?

My thinking is (and it could be flawed);<br />I have heard old Merc CDI's were very flaky, I don't see why an older ignition couldn't be adapted, I was even thinking about using a <br />low-end aftermarket automotive CDI, one that uses breaker points for the CDI trigger not the $300+ unit my motor calls for. The points would be carrying so very little current that they should last indefinately, at least to my thinking.

 

[sloopy]

Re: Converting to Points?? Can it be done?

it will never work.. unles the engine was converted from points to cdi (that can be done on any motor)

 

[Sleepy850]

Re: Converting to Points?? Can it be done?

not trying to be rude sloopy, but anything is possible, only with degrees of difficulty, I appriciate your trying to save me from spending $1000's but the negativity isn't really helping me achieve my goal, I can't count how many times I've been told something would not work and I have made it work anyway, I'm looking for advice and information not discouragement; but thanks anyway.

 

[ODDD1]

Re: Converting to Points?? Can it be done?

sleepy, merc never made a points style distributor for these 4 cyl motors....they made a magneto on the 50 & 65's, but I dont think it will fit....if you are trying to make something else fit, you are gonna have a loooong row to hoe....

 

[Sleepy850]

Re: Converting to Points?? Can it be done?

ohh <br />did they make 6cyl with points? maybe the cap would interchange?