Broken spring weights in distributor

[Wet Wonder]

I'm curious as to an opinion on loss of power caused by broken spring weights.

I've had a problem getting up to top rpms and have been checking one thing at a time trying to solve this. This past weekend I was installing a Pertronix electronic ignition, and when I pulled the plate off the distributor, I found that the springs were rusted out and in pieces. The timing is set to idle at 10degrees or so, but I can only presume it is not advancing. I'm awaiting delivery of a new distributor and hope this will finally solve the power problem.

What would your guess be as to the power loss if the spark wasn't advancing at all? Or stated another way, how much of a power increase should be realized by having the spark advance correctly? It's a Mercruiser 233hp 351 right-hand to single screw w/ 2 bbl carb.

Thanks . . . WW

 

[danond]

Re: Broken spring weights in distributor

I'd imagine it's a fair amount of power you're losing. Spark timing is critical and very touchy.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Broken spring weights in distributor

I have the same engine as you and will be going to the pertronix in a few weeks. Let me know what part numbers you used and how everything turns out. I don't expect to gain much from the conversion, but I am rebuilding a used 351 that was reportedly around 300HP from a mid-90's seaswirl that should give me some more oomph than the orignial 233.

 

[MikDee]

Re: Broken spring weights in distributor

I'm curious as to an opinion on loss of power caused by broken spring weights.

I've had a problem getting up to top rpms and have been checking one thing at a time trying to solve this. This past weekend I was installing a Pertronix electronic ignition, and when I pulled the plate off the distributor, I found that the springs were rusted out and in pieces. The timing is set to idle at 10degrees or so, but I can only presume it is not advancing. I'm awaiting delivery of a new distributor and hope this will finally solve the power problem.

What would your guess be as to the power loss if the spark wasn't advancing at all? Or stated another way, how much of a power increase should be realized by having the spark advance correctly? It's a Mercruiser 233hp 351 right-hand to single screw w/ 2 bbl carb.

Thanks . . . WW

No advance at all? You'd lose a lot of power

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Broken spring weights in distributor

No advance at all? You'd lose a lot of power

Agreed. Anyone think the jump from the Ignitor to the Ignitor II is worth it? It advances the dwell with the Ignitor II, but I didn't know if that was worth it. Not trying to threadjack, but it's related.

 

[Wet Wonder]

Re: Broken spring weights in distributor

The Pertronix distributor, which has the ignitor II installed in it, is part D231800 for my Merc 351 Windsor. www.carshopinc.com has the best price on it at $223. The flamethrower coil that is supposed to be installed with it is about $30.