Ignition Timing Curve

[Paul]

When I re-powered my boat, I kept the original distributor and re-biult it for installation in the new engine. This re-build included an electronic conversion kit, new shaft bushings, etc however I kept the original weights and springs. Although they are clean and free moving, they seem to lag. The engine runs smooth from idle to 1800 rpm, rough from 1900 rpm to 2900 rpm, then comes alive at 3000 rpm when I get full advance. Tightening up the curve should take care of this problem. My question is, does anyone know if there is an advance curve kit available for this distributor. Its a Mallory point distributor that can be found on '78 260 & 228 horse MerCruisers. (small block Chev) I've looked around on the net but have not found one.

[mikeandanne]

Hi Paul--I had a similar problem with a 220 hp crusader (305 chev), engine lagged just like yours,I got a kit with new plates ,weights and springs from Carver parts from the parts guys at Hamilton harbour commission and set up on machine i had at the time------those slots need to be just so or they will stick-----dont know if any of this helps but maybe a dealer could get something for you---have you called mallory, not sure who owns them now---Mike

[Brooks]

I'm a Chrysler guy - 360 (previous boat) and 318 x2 - current boat. I have been through heck with the distributors all these boats, all the springs eventually go bad, weights stick, etc. On the 360 I bought a Mallory YLM that I never quite got the right springs on, and thus always got out of the harbor only to return soon thereafter, or wouldn't cruise, etc..

On the 318s I knew I needed new distributors as neither would advance reliably. The thought of going through the YLM thing again, was unappealing. Then I read about and bought some Pertronix marine kits and have been pleased ever since.

http://www.pertronix.com/prod/ig/flame/ ... arine.aspx

at $250 each they have simplified my life and reduced my parts count(!). I've only had them two years or so, but they work great without tinkering. When the price of gas was $6 on the water, these things "paid for themselves" quickly.

Hope this helps - good luck
Brooks

[bjanakos]

My mercruisers needed a full rebuild of the dizzys, so I opted for something similar. It was a whole kit complete with the dizzy, cap, rotor, wires, and coil. I had it professionally timed and it's been great ever since.

[Paul]

Hi Paul--I had a similar problem with a 220 hp crusader (305 chev), engine lagged just like yours,I got a kit with new plates ,weights and springs from Carver parts from the parts guys at Hamilton harbour commission and set up on machine i had at the time------those slots need to be just so or they will stick-----dont know if any of this helps but maybe a dealer could get something for you---have you called mallory, not sure who owns them now---Mike

Hi Mike,

Haven't been able to find a spring and weight kit for this thing. The centrifugal assembly moves quite freely however it doesn't advance soon enough. I have some random springs from other distributors that I could try but I was hoping to find the proper kit. If I put the wrong combination in, I could end up with spark knock and the damage that follows.

I've also looked at an MSD distributor to replace the old Mallory as an option and Brooks has suggested a Pertronix which I haven't priced out yet but I'd prefer to simply modify the curve of the Mallory if possible.

[Big D]

... suggested a Pertronix.....

If it's the Pertronix conversion kit to replace the points and condensor, it will do nothing to correct the advance mechanism or any other distributor wear.

[Big D]

Did you try Keats? I find them expensive but they're pretty good for older odds and ends.

[Paul]

Did you try Keats? I find them expensive but they're pretty good for older odds and ends.

Good idea, I'll give them a call.

[mikeandanne]

The key to this whole thing is that darn distributor machine,I wish I had never given mine away------I actually had the advance graph for the crusaders and just made the dizzy match it---worked great the synchronizer came up dead even, both engines the same-----if you could get the graph for mercs, my guess is all the chev based engines are the same,they pretty much resemble a hot rod curve with way less total.

That pertronix stuff looks nice and the price seems reasonable,have an e mail into them now with some questions so we shall see,-----I have a pair of the mallory 579 points distributor or some number like that in now that work fine .Mike

[Big D]

Paul, I almost forgot; try Dick Patterson of Springfield Ignition, 705-325-4554. I send all my stuff to him and have been happy with his service. He should have springs but you'd be better off shipping him your distributor and he'll set it all up for you including any bushings that may need replacement. He's in the Lake Simcoe area and is one of the few left that still has a distributor machine. At least he still had one last time I dealt with him and I can't see him having parted with it. He's very reasonably priced too.