OMC electronic Ignition conversion with ESA

[thannah84]

I have an 84' OMC "Stringer" 400 Stern Drive 2.5L 4cyl. Does anyone have any experience with converting this model to electronic ignition?? I just ordered the Pertronix Ignitor II kit with the Flamethrower II coil as a nice little upgrade cause I am tired of replacing points every spring and want to enhance reliablity and performance.

My question is: Do you need to make a special mod (Consisting of two diodes in series and two resistors in parallel between - of coil and ESA and engine ground) and install for the shift assist to work on this model? I have the mechanical shift assist (Cable and finger slide under contactor to interrupt engine while shifting)(I believe the 80-86 year models were equiped with this before OMC Cobra was produced) .....Even though the contactor is electronic...They call it mechanical shift assist.....But?? I have read of some people dropping them right in and working and others that have had problems....Just trying to clarify what I need to do and any help would be appreciated.....

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: OMC electronic Ignition conversion with ESA

Do you need to make a special mod (Consisting of two diodes in series and two resistors in parallel between - of coil and ESA and engine ground) and install for the shift assist to work on this model?

No - replace your ESA module with a new one from CDI/Rapair. The CDI units are compatible with electronic ignition such as pertronix.

With all the discussions around the industry of using only proper marine electrical components such as marine starters and alternators, I can't believe no one calls out pertronix for suggesting a boat owner should solder a bunch of hobby grade heat resistors together and put them in a flammable plastic box in the engine compartment.
Shame on Pertronix for suggesting such a thing.
Kudos to CDI for making a solid state sealed ESA that works with electronic ignition.

 

[WizeOne]

Re: OMC electronic Ignition conversion with ESA

So how do those work HS? Do you still use the switch on the shift converter box?

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: OMC electronic Ignition conversion with ESA

yes. You just plug in the new ESA and go boating.

 

[thannah84]

Re: OMC electronic Ignition conversion with ESA

So basically it is in addition to everything already there? It says that will work with points as well. So you unplug the connector that goes to coil and put this module between existing switch and coil? And tada you are done?

For everyones info I found it from JMS Marine...Here is link if anyone else is interested....30-60 bucks cheaper than anyone else...Here is part #
CDI-1239898P

http://www.jmsonline.net/OMC-SHIFT-ASSIST-MODULE.htm

 

[Master of the Boat]

Re: OMC electronic Ignition conversion with ESA

Or you could have saved the 300 dollars or so you spent on the upgrade, it would have bought you a ell of alot of points and gas and do what Don s posted:

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=287471

 

[thannah84]

Re: OMC electronic Ignition conversion with ESA

Actually I spent $160 on it all....I really want the upgrade for reliability, performance and easier starting...I know when it is time to change the points because It will take about 7-10 Secs for the ol' girl to fire up...

 

[Master of the Boat]

Re: OMC electronic Ignition conversion with ESA

A little sandpaper to get the glaze off them and a readjustment of the points, maybe once a summer is the way i do it.
Normally once the points are set at the beginning of the summer i don't have to touch them again till next year.

Good luck hope it works out for you.

 

[thannah84]

Re: OMC electronic Ignition conversion with ESA

The points that I got last year were of better quality...I got them from my marine mechanic....They lasted the whole year....The ones that I bought from NAPA were junk...Got about 3-4 months out of them until they were starting to wear out....

So my question about the CDI Module is still unanswered....Is this module in addition to everything already there? Or does this replace something....

 

[Master of the Boat]

Re: OMC electronic Ignition conversion with ESA

It replaces the esa there already. You need to remove the old one and only 2 plugs gets used, in the new one. Mount the new one to the same plate on the starboard side.

 

[thannah84]

Re: OMC electronic Ignition conversion with ESA

Good Deal....All parts will be here next week so I will post pics and how I made out....Thanks to all that posted.

 

[Grandangy]

Re: OMC electronic Ignition conversion with ESA

Good Deal....All parts will be here next week so I will post pics and how I made out....Thanks to all that posted.

I just joined this forum and this is my first entry and not sure of the process.

I have an interest in doing a similar conversion on a 1980 boat with a 305 OMC. Would be interested in knowing how you made out with your conversion and also if anyone out there has knowledge about this particular engine. We are having a restarting problem when the engine is hot.
Would appreciate any thought you or others might have.

 

[WizeOne]

Re: OMC electronic Ignition conversion with ESA

We are having a restarting problem when the engine is hot.
Would appreciate any thought you or others might have.

Be best to start your own post on this one Grandangy!