Points, Distributor Conversion

Torcan · Post by **Torcan** » Wed Mar 28, 2012 7:40 pm

Mechanically inclined.......I'm learning, and have a long way to go.

My father, who has been around motors all his life, but not boat motors, told me that there is a conversion kit that is cheap that goes right into the distributor.

Did I mis-understand him, or what is he referring to?

I have a Mercruiser, small block 305 8 cylinder 228HP motor.

What do I need, and what $$ am I looking at approximately?
Would this be advantageous, and safe to convert to electronic ignition?
Installation easy or hard?

thanks in advance.

Big D · Post by **Big D** » Wed Mar 28, 2012 7:55 pm

Torcan, he's talking about the following:

http://www.pertronix.com/

There are a few different manufacturers on the market. Easy install. What you need to realize is that these conversions do nothing to remedy problems like wear and tear in the distributor itself. If the hardware is worn, you will still get eratic ignition behavior. For a small budget these work great for the money. I've had them for years; first generation, trouble free, and never have to worry about points or condenser again. Just don't waste your money installing it on a worn out distributor.

Last I saw was about $130 CND just for the distributor kit but you may also want to consider some that suggest an ugrade to a better coil.

Torcan · Post by **Torcan** » Wed Mar 28, 2012 8:01 pm

Thanks BigD
I am going to look into that.

What I have is good, no problems, not missing. Runs smooth.
He just suggested I convert to make it "better" LOL

Big D · Post by **Big D** » Wed Mar 28, 2012 8:10 pm

Do you have an "internal resistance" coil or "external resistance" (ballast resister needed) coil?

k9th · Post by **k9th** » Wed Mar 28, 2012 8:18 pm

I have them on my Merc 255s and they work great.

Torcan · Post by **Torcan** » Wed Mar 28, 2012 8:23 pm

External??

Oh, BTW....things are disconnected because I changed out the Starboard Manifold. Looks great and runs well.

Big D · Post by **Big D** » Wed Mar 28, 2012 8:28 pm

Unless I'm just not seeing it, I don't see a ballast resister, so you have an "internal resisance" coil. Pretty straight forward install. You can continue using your current coil or upgrade to a better performance coil sold in some conversion kits; better output and some claim they've noticed a difference.

Big D · Post by **Big D** » Wed Mar 28, 2012 8:48 pm

Torcan, go here

http://www.pertronix.com/catalogs/ignition/default.aspx

click on "Electronic ignition conversions" It's a catalog so will take a while. Then keep scrolling down the pages until you get to the "Marine" section. And if you have questions, contact them by phone or email, they will tell you exactly the product number you need to take to the retailer. I would get the info off the tag on the distributor. Make, serial number etc. And read the footnotes associated with your model.

Torcan · Post by **Torcan** » Wed Mar 28, 2012 8:52 pm

Thanks guys!!!
MUCH appreciated

gumper · Post by **gumper** » Wed Mar 28, 2012 9:32 pm

I installed the pertronix kits last year. It made a measurable difference on starting and throttle response. I got them from my auto parts supplier, cheaper than going through a marine dealer.

Here is the link to the original post

http://www.trojanboats.net/wforum/viewt ... highlight=

k9th · Post by **k9th** » Wed Mar 28, 2012 10:18 pm

One thing you need to remember though is that you can't just turn the key on for more than a minute without going ahead and starting the engine - it will burn the unit out - at least with the ones I have. Unfortunately, that is the voice of experience.

Big D · Post by **Big D** » Wed Mar 28, 2012 10:45 pm

Gumper, is that unit for a marine application or just generic packaging - not a marine distributor - or is their part number the same for marine and auto?

jefflaw35 · Post by **jefflaw35** » Wed Mar 28, 2012 10:51 pm

Ohhh I miss my old Harley motors, so easy, so anything, so no marine word... I keep learning more every day here,

gumper · Post by **gumper** » Wed Mar 28, 2012 10:52 pm

those parts are from the marine catalog

jefflaw35 · Post by **jefflaw35** » Wed Mar 28, 2012 10:55 pm

Big D wrote:Gumper, is that unit for a marine application or just generic packaging - not a marine distributor - or is their part number the same for marine and auto?

that's a car kit I think D