CDI, Sierra, Mallory, OEM? What is the best choice?

richardbrown67@yahoo.com

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Oct 31, 2010
Messages
37
1980 70hp Johnson 3 cyl.

I'm getting ready to buy a power pack and 3 ignition coils.

I've found four options for brands. CDI, Sierra, Mallory, or the actual Johnson-brand parts.

While I know this may start an unending debate, I'm curious if there is a consensus about the quality of the various brands before I buy.

Thanks

Richard
 

wilde1j

Vice Admiral
Joined
Apr 15, 2002
Messages
5,964
Re: CDI, Sierra, Mallory, OEM? What is the best choice?

I consider CDI and OEM approx =, followed by Sierra and Mallory, in that order of preference.
 

boobie

Supreme Mariner
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Nov 5, 2009
Messages
20,826
Re: CDI, Sierra, Mallory, OEM? What is the best choice?

Why are you buying a power pack and three ignition coils ? All go bad at one time ?
 

Faztbullet

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 2, 2008
Messages
15,589
Re: CDI, Sierra, Mallory, OEM? What is the best choice?

Well if you go to a dealer and purchase one your getting a CDI unit in a BRP box as CDI was suppling all the electrical parts for engines 1999 and earlier. I have heard that this has fell thru and electrical's are being supplied thru a South American company that does a lot of Sierra's production. You can buy the CDI unit cheaper than the OEM and Mallory and Sierra units are almost as good.
 

Sixmark

Master Chief Petty Officer
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Jul 11, 2010
Messages
890
Re: CDI, Sierra, Mallory, OEM? What is the best choice?

Would you care to guess what I found in some of my Sierra packages when I opened them over the last few months? Mallory ignition products!!!!

Now I always tried to stay away from Sierra unless I was in a bind, but after having some of their parts on my Evinrude and having no failures I really can't knock them.

I still stick with OEM on internal parts and that's greatly due to force of habit and it is a habit that served me well.

After doing further research I did find that Mallory and Sierra are in cahoots together although it's not a widespread publicly discussed operation.

If people honestly think that the dealer uses OEM parts 100% of the time then you will be shocked to know that they don't. It's not uncommon at all for a dealer to use an aftermarket ignition component if they are out of stock at their location.
 

jay_merrill

Vice Admiral
Joined
Dec 5, 2007
Messages
5,653
Re: CDI, Sierra, Mallory, OEM? What is the best choice?

I agree with the others on BRP electronic parts being rebranded aftermarket parts. I try to buy parts from my local dealer when I can, but when the price differential is large (as it usually is when buying powerpacks, etc.), I just can't justify paying much more for the same part.



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