New Distributor choice recommendations needed

[brodie123]

Hi all;

I have a merc 250 inline 6 running a MSD dist (magnetic) with a MSD 6A ignition box but I've had some challenges with the 6A and it just completely died on me.

I like the small amount of added performance of the 6A but need reliability on the water - easy to diagnose etc.

I think I'm going to go back to electronic ignition. (the original dist is toast)

MSD does not have a conversion kit to switch the pro-billet to electronic nor do they sell any electronic dist's for that motor.

I do have a good coil, 50,000V MSD. What good distributor would you recommend for this motor? I'd like something associated with performance but without having to spend a fortune.

thank you!

 

[achris]

Re: New Distributor choice recommendations needed

Back to an original points distributor, with a conversion kit.

Electronic Conversion Kit - Sierra - iboats

 

[brodie123]

Re: New Distributor choice recommendations needed

There seems to be lots of options out there, Malroy, Summit, ProForm, PerTronix

Is it not possible to put an electronc ready distributor in?

 

[matt167]

Re: New Distributor choice recommendations needed

Lots of 'Automotive' distributors that are electronic, but none that are marine duty at least for the 250 I6.. The 250 I6's production was ended before electronic ignition ever came to the marine sector... Automotive distributors are not ignition protected and not suitable for marine use..

As for the MSD box. If you wish to run one, you can get the marine version as they are Ignition protected and sealed better.. I've burnt up a couple 6-BTM boxes from getting them wet

 

[brodie123]

Re: New Distributor choice recommendations needed

Thanks Matt, can you help me understand the difference of the "ignition protected" distributor - i.e. the difference between auto and marine

 

[matt167]

Re: New Distributor choice recommendations needed

Auto distributors are vented differently. Marine distributors are vented in a way that the internals cannot ignite gasoline vapors. Marine distributors also carry a specific marine SAEJ1171 certification. All elecrical engine components need to be marine rated/ ignition protected. That's why the alternators have the grills on the front.. The whole reason for ignition protection is that gasoline vapors collect at the lowest point in the bilge, which is also the space that an I/O engine takes up, so it's actually a big deal even tho it seems minuit.