mercruiser 3.0 with points

[bid2ask]

hello, i have a 1987 regal 185 bowrider with a mercruiser 3.0/with alpha one drive. i was wondering if there are any advantages of converting it over to electronic ignition.it runs great now but i am always concerned about leaving the key on and burning out the points. can that really happen? also i would think electronic ignition can be more reliable. any thoughts on this would be great. thanks rob s.

 

[tommays]

Re: mercruiser 3.0 with points

rob<br />the most common one posted about here is made by pertronix and most seam to be very happy not haveing to mess around with points anymore<br /><br />you may hve to call to find a kit for your motor the ingitor II seams to be the better one<br /><br /> http://www.pertronix.com/ <br /><br /> http://www.vintageperformance.com/retrorockets/mercruis.htm <br /><br /><br />tommays

 

[Boatist]

Re: mercruiser 3.0 with points

Rob S<br />I still prefer points. Just like you mine work great on my 1980 3.0L. Had the boat since new in 1980 and change the points one time just because I felt it was time. I carry that old set plus a new set in my tools and parts on board. I could change on the water in 10 minutes and be back underway with nothing but a screwdriver. Yes to get it perfect you need a feeler guage or dwell meter but to get you back in I could do it easy with just a screwdriver. <br /><br />As noted above the Pertronix II is very popular. It also has seemed reliable and many like them. The Pertonix I would burn up and leave your stranded dead on the water if you left the key on.<br /><br />I have never heard anyone say it increased performance but some say idle more even. My only question is if it craps out when out to sea how do you get back in with out help. If it increased performance I say go for it but carry a spare or your old points and all the instruction and parts to reinstall the points to get you back in. If you do not do your own work or would not know how to change a set of points then may be a good Idea. <br /><br />For me my points have worked perfect for 24 years with out one problem. I belive in if it anit broke don't fix it. I may be the only one on the board that feels this way.<br /><br />If you could convert to EFI where you gain performance, fuel mileage, and true start and back off the trailer performance then it would be worth it. If your having constant points problems then give it a try.

 

[Fishermark]

Re: mercruiser 3.0 with points

I converted my dad's Sportcraft with a 3.0 engine to the pertronix system last summer. It's been a great conversion. I do the same as Boatist does and keep a set of points to change over in the event of problems, but so far, haven't had any worries. The good thing about the conversion is that 1) it is easy to do, and 2) it is easy to go back if you want.