ESA adjustment

J

jc turtle

Seaman
Joined
Jul 23, 2011
Messages
67
I have a 1988 4 Winns 350 with an Ac Delco
distributor and an ESA set up. I have adjusted
the ESA as best as I can, but reverse is still giving
me a problem. When it shifts into reverse, it stalls
and comes out of gear into neutral hard. Would it be the
lower cable on the engine bracket, or the upper cable that
I should take 1 or 2 turns on the block on the cable, then try it?
Also, is it as simple as putting the 2 wires together that go to the
ESA to eliminate the system? The engine idles low, so I would like to try it
without the ESA .

Thank you, John:confused:
 
Howard Sterndrive

Howard Sterndrive

Rear Admiral
Joined
Nov 5, 2008
Messages
4,603
Re: ESA adjustment

to eliminate the ESA, simply unplug the module, but don't leave it like that beyond testing.
The factory original ESA module will not work properly with any type of electronic ignition, only points.

You need a Rapair CDI brand replacement module made for electronic ignition. They are about $90
 
J

jc turtle

Seaman
Joined
Jul 23, 2011
Messages
67
Re: ESA adjustment

bruceb58 said:
So what AC Delco distributor do you have? Have a picture? Is there a vacuum advance on it?
Click to expand...

It does not have the vac advance. The timing is set with a plug once it is installed and running.
John
 
bruceb58

bruceb58

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Messages
30,478
Re: ESA adjustment

jc turtle said:
It does not have the vac advance. The timing is set with a plug once it is installed and running.
John
Click to expand...
So sounds like its the Delco Voyager. That's good. CDI makes an ESA that will work with your distributor.

There is a diagram that I need to find that shows how this is hooked up to your distributor. I will try to locate the link. You can also contact CDI and they will have the info for you.
 
J

jc turtle

Seaman
Joined
Jul 23, 2011
Messages
67
Re: ESA adjustment

Hi Bruceb, if you go to google, and put in "Ac Delco Marine distributor"
and select the centerstate location, the wiring I used is on page 6, I think.
I ran the wires as follows:
1. dist single wire to interrupt switch
2. interrupt sw to 4 way wire junction
3. new purple wire from ignition sw to 4 way wire junction
4. 4 way wire junction back to coil
 
bruceb58

bruceb58

Supreme Mariner
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Messages
30,478
Re: ESA adjustment

Ok...so you bypassed the ESA. You no longer have an ESA and just have it wired using the interrupt switch like a Mercruiser style.

Didn't find the site you are referencing though. Post a link?
 
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