1966 mercury 1100 solid state distributor swap/conversion

Joined
Feb 21, 2013
Messages
14
so i did a little research on the solid state ignition swap on the old 1100. found this on ebay, it looks like the exact same lower part of the distributor that i have except i think its from the later 1250 that had the trigger hall sensor vs the breaker points, can anyone confirm that?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Kiekhaefer-...res-/221713277120?hash=item339f2420c0&vxp=mtr

if not what parts do i need? I'm sure that i need a switch box from a solid state merc also but i know the distributor is one of the things ill need to swap, modify. anybody know the details of the conversion?
 

emckelvy

Commander
Joined
Jan 16, 2004
Messages
2,506
The 1250 and 1000SS both have a similar-style distributor which will separate from the distributor drive, same as your 1100's dual-points distributor.

The body of the distributor is different, though. But still has the same 4-bolt pattern. The distributor in the eBay link isn't one of those, however. Looks to me it's just an old dual-points model. In the "SS" models the side coil wire on the cap is not used and has a blank plate over the hole.

You'd definitely have to use the later-style CDI switchbox and a compatible coil. I'd use the coil found in '72 and later models 'cause it's a lot smaller and easier to find a good mounting spot.

Here's a few dist parts I found, so you can get a rough idea of their appearance:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/220955022807

http://www.ebay.com/itm/220955019943

http://www.ebay.com/itm/220954958924

http://www.ebay.com/itm/290671202460

http://www.ebay.com/itm/220954992140

http://www.ebay.com/itm/290377616012

http://www.ebay.com/itm/221707555098

Couldn't find an intact distributor on eBay. You might have better luck trying to locate a parts motor on Craigslist. Distributor prices have gone up astronomically; I used to buy 'em for $25-$50 but those days are long gone! If I recall correctly, the last models of the 1000 had the later-style round distributor cap with a clamp. You'd need the entire distributor for that, as it's all one unit. You can probably find a parts motor for cheaper than buying a used dist. on eBay.

Note that you could turn your 1100 into a points-triggered CDI system by using the later-style CDI switchbox and coil. You'd jumper the brown and white terminals together on the distributor-side (port side of engines using the switchbox) of the switchbox, and then take the (2) points wires coming out of your distributor and connect both wires to the remaining black terminal. Delete the ballast resistors and all associated wiring including the 2 old coils. Connect the switched power lead that used to go to the ballast resistors to the Red terminal on the switchbox. Run a jumper wire from the "hot" battery terminal on the solenoid, to the White terminal that's on the same side of the switchbox as the Red terminal. Blank off the side electrode, as it's no longer needed.

That's just an overview, I may have forgotten something. You're basically replicating what Merc did to make the first points-fired C-D ignitions. These systems fire when the points close, and points life is increased dramatically due to much less current flowing thru the points. You could set 'em up and probably never have to touch 'em again!

Many Many Moons ago I adapted a 1150 distributor to an old 100hp and as I recall the rotor shaft was too long. Had to cut a bit off the top but it did work. Or maybe it was a 99-c.i. rotor in a 90-c.i. distributor! I guess you could do some measuring to see if a later-model 99-c.i. distributor would fit.

Well, there's a few ideas, HTH & have fun experimenting!!.............ed




1100ss & 950ss electrical.jpg
 
Last edited:
Joined
Feb 21, 2013
Messages
14
thank you, i really appreciate it, definitely appreciate the info. I'm going to look into what you mentioned with the points trigger style too.
 
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