302 distributer

[Jakem]

I have an old 302 in my boat and the distributer has no vaccume advance. I want to change it and add a petronix system ...any suggestions

 

[achris]

Marine engines can't use a vacuum advance, so a MARINE distributor doesn't have it.

Add the petronix just as you would to a automobile distributor.

 

[Jakem]

Ahhh...ok thank you

 

[achris]

Just to expand on the 'marine engines can't use vacuum advance'.... The way vacuum advance works is by tapping into the manifold vacuum while the engine is running midrange, but under very light throttle/load. The light load enables the spark to be advanced without the risk of detonation (and piston destruction).

So, if you over-advance a marine engine, which is ALWAYS under significant load, the next sound you tune is 'pop goes the pistons'...
The second thing is that the advancing relies on a partial vacuum in the manifold under load... That NEVER happens in a marine engine. You back the throttle off (as you would in a car once it's 'up to speed') and you slow down!

I've read various analogies, but the common one is that the load on your boat engine at midrange (3000-4500) is the same as a car climbing a 30% gradient, at 80mph!

Chris......

 

[Scott Danforth]

wood of caution. I have never had a set of points fail. I have had 3 pertronix conversions fail (that is 0-3 for pertronix), and I have had an ignition trigger fail on the mercruiser and 2 on the mallory distributor.

I would keep the points myself. and just set the dwell every spring.

 

[achris]

wood of caution. I have never had a set of points fail.

Interestingly, I have. 2 sets, both with broken springs. One I had to tow the ex back from the city, and she was crap at being towed! That was a torturous 20km.
I've also had plenty enough burnt points due to capacitors failing.
Which I guess just proves the point that anything can fail, including points.

Go with the electronic conversion, and if you're concerned, keep a set of points in the toolbox. (I wouldn't be. I've had boat engines with electronic ignition in one form or another for the last 33 years, including one system I built myself). Also, when I was a marine dealer and fixing engines for a living, for every failed electronic system, I'd have replaced around 300 sets of point.

Chris...

 

[kenny nunez]

There are 4 different distributors used on the Ford 302-351.
Mallory, Pertronics, Ford & Holley. Most common are Petronics & Mallory.
Post a picture of the points and then we can tell which one you have.

 

[Scott Danforth]

anything can fail,

if its man-made, it will fail

just had the transmission on the truck eat itself, a VVT sprocket on a new engine fail and a brand new door lock actuator on the VW become non-responsive.

 

[Jakem]

There are 4 different distributors used on the Ford 302-351.
Mallory, Pertronics, Ford & Holley. Most common are Petronics & Mallory.
Post a picture of the points and then we can tell which one you have.

 

[kenny nunez]

That is a Holley. One way to tell is the small split in the base of the mounting plate near the contact points. You might have to contact Petronics as I could not find a Holley kit listed in the Sierra catalog.

 

[Jakem]

That is a Holley. One way to tell is the small split in the base of the mounting plate near the contact points. You might have to contact Petronics as I could not find a Holley kit listed in the Sierra catalog.

When I got the points and condenser the guy told me it was a prestolight

 

[achris]

That is a Holley.

... told me it was a prestolight

Both wrong. It's a 'Mercury Marine' distributor.

Merc never used a Holley distributor (carburetor yes, distributor no), and the relative locations of the points and capacitor are wrong for the Pestolite/Autolite... Also, your dissy has a screw down cap, only used on the MM dissy. And the part number on the dissy cap is only use on MM dissies. Pictures of each below.

This from the Merc parts catalog...


Chris............

 

[achris]

I have an old 302 in my boat and the distributer has no vaccume advance. I want to change it and add a petronix system ...any suggestions

Here's the Petronix application chart. Based on your dissy being MM, then it looks like kit# 9MC-181 is the one you're looking for....

PerTronix 9MC-181 Ignitor® II Mercury Marine Electronic Ignition Conversion Kit

Electronic Ignition Conversion Kits to replace original mechanical points & troublesome factory ignition. Dependable, maintenance free, and easy to install. Never Replace Points Again. Ignitor II provides increased starting voltage with adaptive dwell control.

pertronixbrands.com

 

[kenny nunez]

Chris , I stand corrected on the MM distributor application. I am glad you was able to find the application. I did not know that MM made distributors, the reason I described them was from the Holley distributors used in the fleet of International Harvester trucks that we serviced at my Dad’s truck and auto shop. Primarily they were the type that worked in coordination with governed Holley carburetors.
At least if someone has that style of distributor they can go to a NAPA store or similar down under and say that the points and condenser are for a International Harvester truck and will not have to order them. Otherwise when you tell the parts guy it is for a boat they give the famous 1000 yard stare.

 

[Jakem]

Awsome thanks for the help

 

[Jakem]

Now does that mean my points and condenser are not right

 

[achris]

Now does that mean my points and condenser are not right

They fit in the distributor, so they are right.

 

[Jakem]

All has been changed....I now for some reason had my starter solenoid get really hot and no start. Coil is new as well. I changed solenoid....still no power to coil..any suggestions...it's all hooked back up the same as when it ran