Mercruiser 5.7 Distributor Cap and Rotor?

[Fiat4Fun]

Howdy,
I have 1986 Mercruiser 5.7 260HP in my boat.
Was checking the distributor cap, and it looks well used. I checked, last got one in 2010, about 160 hours ago.
Wondering how often you should replace cap and rotor? Should I use OEM Quicksilver parts? I have been keeping things pretty original since I have had the boat.
Also, how does the rotor come off? Tried to just pull up on it, no joy ;-(
Any advice is greatly appreciated. I guess the next question, is should I replace the plugs too....... most likely from 2010 too.........
Thanks
Bob.

 

[Scott Danforth]

your rotor probably rusted in place, I have had to break them off.

I would suggest a complete rotor/cap/plugs/wires replacement.

 

[Fiat4Fun]

Thanks, just wanted to make sure there was not some hidden screw or something that I don't remember.
Is there a "safe" way to break it off? I assume the metal pedal sensor wheel comes off with it?
Didn't even think about the wires, will check those too.
Any other advice is greatly appreciated.
Enjoy
Bob

 

[Fishermark]

Actually for whatever reason, I seem to remember that Mercruiser used some locktite of some sort on the rotor buttons. Why, I have no idea. And yes, they often break coming off.

 

[Bondo]

Thanks, just wanted to make sure there was not some hidden screw or something that I don't remember.
Is there a "safe" way to break it off? I assume the metal pedal sensor wheel comes off with it?

Ayuh,.... Donno why Merc glues the rotor on,... it ain't like it can go anywhere,.....

I usually give it a squeeze, 'n a twist, 'n the crunch at the top of the shaft,....
Channel locks work pretty good, bigger the better,...

I don't loc-tite the new ones on, but dab abit of #3 on the top of the shaft,...

 

[Fiat4Fun]

I think I have changed this before, should not be glued in? I will use the big channel locks on it.

Any thoughts on using Mercruiser or aftermarket parts?

Thanks for the notes
Bob