1969 85 hp Evinrude Ignition Question

[kmivens]

Hi: I have just obtained a 1969 85hp Evinrude (model 85993E). I was informed by the person that I got it from that it needed a distributor cap and rotor. I have been examining the engine and I am seeing something that does not make sense. This engine has no indication of having an ignition amplifier. There is an automotive style ignition coil at the back of the engine along with a condenser. It appears to be just a points/condenser system. Did they make some engines like this or has this been converted? If so, do you think that it would still be reliable? I do get a spark when it turns over.

[Monte1961]

your dead on!

[seahorse5]

Some folks have jury-rigged an auto coil on that type of ignition system to eliminate the amplifier that sometimes caused problems and was very expensive.

[F_R]

And I have yet to hear of a 100% satisfactory result from the conversion.

Expensive?? Wait till you have to replace those points that got worn out and burned up by running them with a car coil. They are no longer made and the ones that are left are getting higher priced every day. They do not burn when run with the amplifier system.

[emoney]

What everybody else has said. You might want to take a long, thorough look at your options here before you do anything.

[kmivens]

Thanks to everyone for your responses. My exact concern was that the points would burn up if used with a standard auto-type ignition system. Your responses seem to justify my concern. I may look around to see if I can find a cheap parts engine with a good ignition system. The engine seems to have good compression and the lower unit seems in good shape so it may well be worth it to try and get the proper ignition parts for it.

[ezmobee]

Yeah but then you've still got the whole electric shift situation going on....