Mercruiser EST retrofit.

[Indymike]

Many people have tried the EST ignition to retrofit points style ignitions on older Merc gm V8's.
Some without success.
Are there other issues to consider? Assuming install, and timing is done correctly.

AS posted in another thread Volvo uses them on non computer gm v8's. Whats the difference?

 

[dubs283]

Re: Mercruiser EST retrofit.

Some without success.

that depends on what style elecronic ignition system is installed and if done properly

there are good systems and not so good systems available

 

[Indymike]

Re: Mercruiser EST retrofit.

Question is about the Delco est style ignition.

 

[Don S]

Re: Mercruiser EST retrofit.

It's all in the details when swapping ignition systems. Sure Volvo uses EST, NOW, but the didn't a few years ago. Like I said before they used the Prestolite BID system, but it was not full electronic. It had mechanical advance.
With Mercruiser, you have a shift interrupt system to deal with, plus in the ones with electronic ignition, Merc used Thunderbolt. Except on the 3.0L which Merc did use the EST.
The problem is, people miss the details when installing the EST in a TB or points system in Mercruiser.

 

[Indymike]

Re: Mercruiser EST retrofit.

The details being removing the resistor wire, timing procedure,
and the different connection to the shift interrupter?

Expecting a timing curve it can't produce?

 

[Don S]

Re: Mercruiser EST retrofit.

Yes......

 

[Indymike]

Re: Mercruiser EST retrofit.

Thanks!
They do seem to be somewhat less than dependable, to get a good module right out of the box though.

 

[cj7ole]

Re: Mercruiser EST retrofit.

Thanks!
They do seem to be somewhat less than dependable, to get a good module right out of the box though.

When you say "module" are you speaking of the distributor itself which has the electronic guts within or is there another module or is the "module" within the distributor replaceable?

 

[Indymike]

Re: Mercruiser EST retrofit.

The replaceable module within the distributor itself

 

[Don S]

Re: Mercruiser EST retrofit.

The EST distributors only have one module.