Pertronix timing

[Triple777]

I have a 1987 mercruiser 3.0 in a Four Winns. Previous owner removed the points and installed pertronix ignition. I have no instructions on how to set the ignition timing with this set-up (if any wires need to be disconnected or jumped). The only wires on distributor are the red power and black ground. Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[thumpar]

Re: Pertronix timing

Just time it like normal.

 

[Levinz11]

Re: Pertronix timing

Hook up your timing light to battery and #1 cylinder....loosen distributor clamp...shine light at timing marks...turn dist by hand until you get the reading you want...set idle.

 

[hottoddie]

Re: Pertronix timing

Setting the base timing is not as important as the total timing advance. Total timing advance is the base timing plus the centrifugal or electronic advance. I believe your older style distributor that "had" points has centrifugal advance with springs and counterweights in the base of dist. The springs sometimes break allowing full advance as soon as the engine starts and sometimes the weights rust in place and will not advance at all. Either senario leads to poor performance. If the dist advance system is not working correctly it would be wise to invest in a more modern electronic dist that advances the timing elctronically based on engine rpm. The total advance for the 3.0 is around 25-27 degrees. To set the total advance you need a digital electronoc timing light.

 

[thumpar]

Re: Pertronix timing

Setting the base timing is not as important as the total timing advance. Total timing advance is the base timing plus the centrifugal or electronic advance. I believe your older style distributor that "had" points has centrifugal advance with springs and counterweights in the base of dist. The springs sometimes break allowing full advance as soon as the engine starts and sometimes the weights rust in place and will not advance at all. Either senario leads to poor performance. If the dist advance system is not working correctly it would be wise to invest in a more modern electronic dist that advances the timing elctronically based on engine rpm. The total advance for the 3.0 is around 25-27 degrees. To set the total advance you need a digital electronoc timing light.

Or he could just set timing like he is supposed to and check the weights, which are most likely fine. You are suggesting he change out the whole ignition system when all he wants to know is if the pertronix unit requires any special instructions to time it.