Pertronics Ignition Pick up?

[zollman1]

I have a 1998 Stingray 190LX with a 4.3L Mercruiser 262 with a sputtering/popping noise coming out of the carb (that was just rebuilt) intermittently when under load (2000 rpms and above) and after the engine has warmed up. Whenever this happens the motor loses power, but it always works itself through and the engine never dies...

Can someone provide me with a diagram or explanation of how I can access the pertronics Ignition pick up that has to do with the distributor?

From research I have done I might need to spray some silicone on the circuit board of the ignition pick up, hence my question above.

Once I rule this out, I will investigate possible dying fuel pump, bad coil, or coil wire.

Any input is greatly appreciated, and I thank you in advance.

 

[zollman1]

Re: Pertronics Ignition Pick up?

For historical reference, this is the thread I had found that is the same thing that I am dealing with now.

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=44858

Thanks again!

 

[Maclin]

Re: Pertronics Ignition Pick up?

Why do you think you have a Pertronix unit? Your 1998 came stock with electronic ignition, no points, so no need to convert to Pertonix. Has the ignition system including distributor been heavily modified?

 

[Maclin]

Re: Pertronics Ignition Pick up?

Sorry, how rude of me to not answer the question to some degree...


The electronic ignition triggering module for your 1998 stock unit is inside the distributor. The ignition amplifier or control box is mounted somewhere close to or on the engine, in the vicinity of the coil and distributor.

A Pertonix unit replaces the points inside a distributor.

 

[Don S]

Re: Pertronics Ignition Pick up?

What is your engine serial number? You probably have a distributor that looks like the one in the drawing below, correct?
Since you have a 98 boat, you may have a 97 engine package, and there are different engine manuals between 97 and 98.

 

[zollman1]

Re: Pertronics Ignition Pick up?

Maclin, my ingorance is what made me think I had a Pertronix unit. I am not an experienced mechanic, and based on the research I did, I found someone who had a 89 motor with a pertonix unit with the same issue, so I just assumed I had one as well. Thanks for clearing that up for me.

Don S, you are correct. The distributor looks just like the one in the diagram you provided. I will have to follow up with a serial number, I apologize for not having that information available in the original post.

I guess I need to move on and start looking into a possible faulty coil and/or fuel pump.

I read somewhere that I should run my motor at night and see if I can observe a lightning storm around my motor that could be caused by a faulty spark plug wire or ignition coil wire.

Maybe I'll get lucky and just have to replace a wire or something.

 

[zollman1]

Re: Pertronics Ignition Pick up?

Oh yeah Maclin, no modifications to the ignition system.

 

[Don S]

Re: Pertronics Ignition Pick up?

I guess I need to move on and start looking into a possible faulty coil and/or fuel pump.

I wouldn't start anything till you get the manual. At least we now have a place to start, and know you have a Thunderbolt V ignition system.
I doubt your fuel pump or coil has anything to do with your problem, or it would happen worse with the higher rpms.

 

[Don S]

Re: Pertronics Ignition Pick up?

When was the last full tuneup (and not in engine hours) this includes cap, rotor, spark plugs, timing check, check of advance timing etc.
How about a compression check?

 

[zollman1]

Re: Pertronics Ignition Pick up?

In June 2007, I had oil changed (multiple times), new plugs and timing done as part of putting my motor back together after a chocolate milk oil episode.

Then earlier this year (March 2008) I replaced all plugs, after I broke one when troubleshooting another issue. So I put in all new ones so they matched.

I don't think I have ever done anything with the cap, rotor, or plug wires since I have had it (purchased used in Nov. 2006).

I did recently pull the cap recently (to troubleshoot a starting issue) to see if there was moisture, but it was bone dry. There was some wear and tear in there, but seemed normal. Also, plug wires seem to be in good condition that come off and snap back on cleanly.

However, I can't say the same for the ignition coil wire. When I went to pull it off of the coil side (to take it off and snap back on to ensure proper connection), the boot seemed like it wanted to tear so I just let it be.

(FYI, this sputtering/popping issue existed before I pulled the cap to check for moisture. It ended up being the carb was all gummed up, but even after fixing that I still get the sputtering and popping).

I think I know where this is heading.... Time for new cap, rotor, and plug wires?

 

[Don S]

Re: Pertronics Ignition Pick up?

New cap and rotor yes, but unless the wires show bad signs, I wouldn't replace them. They never get as hot as automotive wires do.
What type and number of plug did you install when you replaced the spark plugs?
Did you put it in base timing mode when you set the timing and adjusted the carb????