pointless ignition 1954 Evinrude 15hp

[ancientmariner]

I have that engine and also a 1957 Evinrude 18HP. Toward a more maintenance free situation I want to convert the ignition along the same lines as I did for my 57 Chevy...using a Pertronix product to replace the contact points. Who makes a unit(s) for these Evinrudes? Thanks in advance, Jon

[bktheking]

I've often heard that unless you have a motorized starting system which I suspect the 18hp doesn't have, the conversion is a waste of time because the conversion systems out there require a lot of rpm to generate enough decent spark to fire up. Stick with the points, a good working points system will last years without the need for intervention plus they are cheap and reliable to service. Just my 2 cents. All the stuff on the Pertronix site is for marine distributor ignitions as well. The cost if something like that exists it would be quite expensive as well.

[jbjennings]

I've heard of a person or two converting them but I believe it to be "pointless" as well. What "maintenance" are you speaking of that you don't like to do? all you have to do to clean and set the points is pull the flywheel with a $10 harmonic balancer puller from autozone. You could have it done in 20 minutes and it's something you wouldn't have to do but about once every couple of years. I run about 60 gallons a year in my '57 18hp and have done so for a couple of years and I've not made any adjustments. It runs like a champ. I run my '56 fastwin less but still no problems. Actually, I've not had to worry about any of my 50's outboards once I got them fixed right to begin with. You're not going to get better gas mileage with the pointless ignition, either.
You can do a search on this forum and probably find some posts about this topic and how to do it. I remember reading about them.
JMO,
JBJ

[ancientmariner]

Wow, I sincerely appreciate the input. On the Chevy it was a matter of having the unit installed and then no further concerns about the timing getting out of whack. I thought the same process might be available for the Evinrudes. We are so darn spoiled these days with the transistorized electronic ignition systems. So I'll grab the tech book and set the points to the best of my ability and go out and chase fish. These older units, the 50s Evinrudes are what the Energizer Bunny are modeled after! Good boating to all, Jon

[Faztbullet]

I have installed at least 2 dozen of these kits and everyone loves them!! The engine usually starts on 2-3 pull, idles great and you dont have to worry about the sloppy armature plate. The system fires the plug twice so you get a clean burn. They are made by Magnatune and fit all 2 cylinder outboards without charging systems. Serria used to carry them under part number 18-5101 so iBoats may have them and price is around $50. They are easy to install by throwing away points and condenser, mounting module and grounding 1 module wire and hooking other to coil. The module fires as magnet passes coil that why sloppy plate has no effect on them.

[bktheking]

Slick, do they stand up though? I'd love to replace my 9.5 points and cond with this but are they reliable?

[samo_ott]

I'd still stick with the points. I've never had to re visit points once they were cleaned and gapped on any engine.

[Faztbullet]

I have some on duck hunters engines going on 6 years+, so I know they will last at least 6-7 years. This module is the same type design on the Briggs & Stratton,Kawasaki,John Deere riding mowers (IC ignitions) and a ton of chain saws.

[tx1961whaler]

They don't appear to be available on iboats, but Google "Sierra 18-5101" and they pop up everywhere. I think if they are in the Sierra catalog, you can get them (ordered) at NAPA auto parts

[Willyclay]

The link below is to a source for NOVA II electronic modules that was recommended by another forum member. I have not tried this brand. Also, other members who have made this conversion have reported that your coils and flywheel magnets should be in good condition. Good luck!

http://gardentractorpullingtips.com/a1elect.htm

[jay mendoza]

I have used the Nova modules on lawn mowers, a 2-stroke Toro, and on a 2-stroke Clinton Panther Kart engine. They work just fine. The Sierra Magnatune kit however is just for outboards, twins, so it look ideal for your application.