Is it possible to install an electronic ignition on a 1975 OMC 165 straight 6

[monster91]

Is it possible to install an electronic ignition on a 1975 OMC 165 straight 6 with an external ignition coil resistor?

My local marina said it won't work and to make it work means re-wiring the motor?

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Is it possible to install an electronic ignition on a 1975 OMC 165 straight 6

You've been talking to the wrong people. Find the model of your distributor and call Pertronix. You can google it to find their website. Make sure you get the Pertronix II and best if you get their coil (flamethrower II to match it. It is true that you want to eliminate or bypass the resistor wire or element and feed the Pertronix off of a full 12 v. But that is no biggie. You will be glad you did. No more fussing with points and dwell and all that other hoopla. You will get quicker starts and smoother warmups. Go for it! The II is important because with the standard unit, if you accidentally leave the key on you will burn it out.

 

[monster91]

Re: Is it possible to install an electronic ignition on a 1975 OMC 165 straight 6

AWESOME NEWS/HELP ! Thanks I'll phone them tomorrow

 

[astuckey]

Re: Is it possible to install an electronic ignition on a 1975 OMC 165 straight 6

I would not go with the Ignitor II. I made that mistake and I now have cylinders not firing at idle (because of the useless adaptive dwell control). The ignitor I is a much better choice for marine applications because of the low idle and top rpms.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Is it possible to install an electronic ignition on a 1975 OMC 165 straight 6

I would not go with the Ignitor II. I made that mistake and I now have cylinders not firing at idle (because of the useless adaptive dwell control). The ignitor I is a much better choice for marine applications because of the low idle and top rpms.

This is very interesting. It may explain issues I had with my distributor, that I have since modified. Please tell me how it is that you know this and what exactly was going on with your setup.

However, I am also running a Pertronix II in my '65 Mustang 289. I have had zero issues with that and the motor starts so much quicker and idles smoother, quicker.

 

[Lou C]

Re: Is it possible to install an electronic ignition on a 1975 OMC 165 straight 6

Actually Points are not all that much trouble, I've only put in 2 sets in 10+ seasons of boating. Simple and no worried about black mystery boxes. As long as I can get points I'm not changing.

 

[astuckey]

Re: Is it possible to install an electronic ignition on a 1975 OMC 165 straight 6

This is very interesting. It may explain issues I had with my distributor, that I have since modified. Please tell me how it is that you know this and what exactly was going on with your setup.

However, I am also running a Pertronix II in my '65 Mustang 289. I have had zero issues with that and the motor starts so much quicker and idles smoother, quicker.

I learned this from reading some forum a while back. Seemed to be a bigger problem in 6 cyl engines. I have an intermitent no fire on any givin plug at idle and slightly above. (Checked with spark tester)

 

[monster91]

Re: Is it possible to install an electronic ignition on a 1975 OMC 165 straight 6

I learned this from reading some forum a while back. Seemed to be a bigger problem in 6 cyl engines. I have an intermitent no fire on any givin plug at idle and slightly above. (Checked with spark tester)

I think I'll hold off at upgrading right now but its something I might consider in the future, the old points system is good and the parts are available, the hardest thing for my to find was the external resistor(2 ohm) I found a web company called "Galco" that carries the Milwaukee 2 ohm with heat sink $14.00

 

[monster91]

Re: Is it possible to install an electronic ignition on a 1975 OMC 165 straight 6

So I installed a new coil, resistor, wires, plugs, condenser, and points... when I turn the key to start it starts but the second I let go of the key it dies. What I've found is the + wire on the coil looses the 12 V the only way to make it run is to run a temp jumper from coil to 12v+ on the battery...

Any advice? I think i have a bad connection somewhere and I'm thinking up running a new wire from the key ignition to the coil? does that sound right?

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Is it possible to install an electronic ignition on a 1975 OMC 165 straight 6

You are missing a wire somewhere. There should be two wires on the plus terminal. One of then comes from the ignition switch, via the resistor. The second comes from the starter solenoid. The latter seems to be the only wire you have. It's purpose is to supply a full twelve volts to the coil, only while the starter motor is engaged. Once you release the key, as you found out, that lead goes dead.

 

[monster91]

Re: Is it possible to install an electronic ignition on a 1975 OMC 165 straight 6

You are missing a wire somewhere. There should be two wires on the plus terminal. One of then comes from the ignition switch, via the resistor. The second comes from the starter solenoid. The latter seems to be the only wire you have. It's purpose is to supply a full twelve volts to the coil, only while the starter motor is engaged. Once you release the key, as you found out, that lead goes dead.

I have 3 wires on my - side of the coil, does that sound right or does it sound like one of the 3 on the - side should be on the + side ?

Thanks

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: Is it possible to install an electronic ignition on a 1975 OMC 165 straight 6

don't guess- you'll fry something
follow the wiring diagram
two on the (-) side - one black, one grey (tach) like this:
http://www.hhscott.com/evinrude/images/wiring/73_OMC_V8_all_big.jpg

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Is it possible to install an electronic ignition on a 1975 OMC 165 straight 6

Good diagram, Howard. I had forgotten that not all setups had the two separate wires to the positive coil terminal but that they joined the resisted wire and the temporary 12v wire from the solenoid, prior to the coil.