3 trips out 2 ignition modules went bad

[glacierman]

I have an "85" 26' nordic AQ290 drive with 5.7L Gm. I replaced old points distributor with a new HEI electronic distributor. So far I have had to buy 2 ignition modules . There was a resistor for old distributor . I was told I dont need it anymore. Is that true? What else could it be. cant find anything on web about it needing a resistor . Any help?

 

[Scott Danforth]

What brand of distributor did you buy

 

[ta79pr]

Amazon specials, or ACDelco? I don't think the aftermarket units are sufficiently hardened for marine environments, nor do they necessarily have the correct timing curves. my 2 cents.

 

[QBhoy]

I think the only way you won’t still need the ballast resistor in line…is if you have replaced the whole ignition system entirely.

 

[itsathepete]

An HEI distributor will not need a ballast resistor. It is designed to run on full voltage. The ignition module should also get full voltage. The ignition module should have some thermal paste on the bottom where it mounts to a metal plate to conduct heat away from it. If there isn't paste, it will overheat and burn up