points vs electronic ignition

[sfinch]

Is it worth the time and money to switch out my point system to an electronic? I have a 1977 mercruiser 188 hp Ford 302. Another question is how hard is it to do?

 

[Boomyal]

Re: points vs electronic ignition

It's easy to do and well worth the cost and effort. No more corroded or mal-adjusted points. No dwell to worry about.<br /><br />Pertronix is a common brand. Be sure to buy the II version as it won't die if you leave the key on by accident. A matching pertronix coil would also be a good idea.

 

[Aquadzac Captain]

Re: points vs electronic ignition

I agree with Boomyal, just upgraded mine to the version II and it runs great and fires right. You may want to invest in upgrading all your ignition items to match the output.

 

[Aquadzac Captain]

Re: points vs electronic ignition

Its easy to install. Just a few screws, put on the fancy rotor, 2 wires to the coil +/- and it should time in. Follow directions carefully to ensure alignment and taking our the right guts. I say a 10 minute job.

 

[sfinch]

Re: points vs electronic ignition

Thanks for the fast reply from both of you. I have been fighting ignition problems for sometime now and figured that the electronic was the way to go.

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: points vs electronic ignition

I installed a Pertronix II with the Flame thrower II coil on mine this year and love it. (You need new wiring as well if it's copper core). Can't say it made my boat "perform" any better...but I like the trouble free aspect of not having to set point gap and dwell.

 

[Boatist]

Re: points vs electronic ignition

Another point of view. The points in my 1980 engine have been changed once, I just felt like I should do it but it had no problem. I kept the old set as a second backup.<br /><br />I carry a new spare set of point and condenser in my tool box and I could change them in less than 5 minutes off shore in heavy seas with nothing but a screwdriver. To set perfect I would need a feeler guage or dwell meter but for sure can get back underway with nothing but a screwdriver.<br /><br />If your are having ingition problems I would fix that first. Then if you want to spend money to change to electronic ingition then go ahead but keep the old points and condenser and instruction so when the electronic module dies you can make it back to shore.<br /><br />I am all for electronic fuel injection and ingition where it makes a performance difference but not just to change to a system no better that has left so many stranded because they left the key on.

 

[John Carpenter]

Re: points vs electronic ignition

Boatist has a point...no pun intended. However,some of us don't know which end of the screwdriver to pick up ..myself included. That said, I changed mine to electronic ignition a couple of years ago and have had no issues. I have also noticed no difference in performance, or at least very little. However, I told the mechanic that installed the electronic system that I was not interested in top end, but rather 100 percent reliability at idle. I have a somewhat underpowered single screw inboard that is not going to go fast anyway...handling the boat at idle around the docks is where I want everything to always work.

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: points vs electronic ignition

That is why I recommend the Pertronix II. It will not burn out if the key is left on. I still carry my old points and condensor just in case...so far so good.

 

[hoot]

Re: points vs electronic ignition

just to add another opinion, i have had points/condensor for 26 years and been content with a slightly rough idle. boat runs good and keeps chugging along.

 

[sfinch]

Re: points vs electronic ignition

with all the arguments for and against changing to an electronic ignition, I guess I will change my question. Will my boat idle better with electronics rather than points? The reason beingn is that I fish on Lake Supeior and I need the idle to run better for trolling.

 

[TwoBallScrewBall]

Re: points vs electronic ignition

Yes. <br /><br />I put an EST setup on my 88 3.0 that had points. Got the EST from a guy that wasn't going to use it on the crate motor it came on. <br /><br />Idle with points was a little rough and when setting the timing the mark would bounce back and forth a couple degrees as the idle bounced around. <br /><br />With the electronic setup, idle is smooth as silk and when setting the timing the mark shows up at exactly the same spot, every single time. <br /><br />As a bonus, my boat would always run-on for a second or two if I shut down right after a run without waiting 10-15 seconds. With the EST installed it has not ever done this again.

 

[Airpacker]

Re: points vs electronic ignition

Theres really only one benefit of electronic ignition. Just like the guy who hawks rotissorie ovens on TV says. Set it and forget it.

 

[Boatist]

Re: points vs electronic ignition

My 1980 OMC 3.0L 181 CI with points and condenser will idel smooth down to about 450 RPM's but it will die now and then when I shift into gear. At 500 rpms will not die when shift into gear from 6000 feet to sea level. I keep it set at 600 rpms out of gear for a little extra insurance.<br /> <br />When I turn the key off it stopps with no run on at all. When salmon trolling in the river where need motor to start in one second I take the motor out of gear and release shifter and set rpms to about 1000 rpms. When I shut off at 1000 rpms it some times will deisel for a second. This has nothing to do with ingition system it is all about heat, fuel and compression.<br /><br />Rough idel can be many things, mostly likely is carburetor adjustment, Next is valve adjustment and then ingition. I found rather than ingition it self usually from plug gap not set even. Set all plugs to .035 inches and it will run smooth.