Changing points?how ?

[TooTired]

I have a 1986 3.0 mercruser and i want to change the points and condenser. How to I go about doing this and make sure they are properly adjusted.

 

[Rhadley]

Re: Changing points?how ?

You will need a timing light and feeler guage. You simply replace the existing points and condenser, installing the new ones in the same place as the old. Then rotate the engine until the cam lobe opens the points as far as it will. Loosen the point lock-down screw and move the points until the gap between the contacts is exactly what it is supposed to be (probably .022"). Tighten down screw, and recheck the gap. Once it is correct, you start the engine and check the timimg.

 

[Wart T]

Re: Changing points?how ?

Buy a manual, buy a feeler guage set.

 

[hoot]

Re: Changing points?how ?

remove distributor cap. you should be able to set it out of the way without removing any of the wires. remove rotor from shaft. bump engine around with key until points open. turn key off. remove wire from points that comes from the coil and condensor. remove small screw that holds down points. cuss as screw falls into bilge. remove small screw that holds condersor bracket. cuss as screw falls into bilge. put in new points. put in new condensor. you did get the correct ones?? attach coil and condensor wire to points terminal. use point gap gage to set gap to correct gap. you will notice that the gap changes as you tighten the points screw. reinstall cap. cuss because boat won't start because you forgot to install the rotor! remove cap, install rotor, replace cap. start boat. check/set timing with the above mentioned timing light. consider converting to electronic system, which i haven't done because i like fiddling with points & condensor better.

 

[csanna]

Re: Changing points?how ?

That is so funny! "cuss as screw falls into bilge" This has happend alot to me lately.<br />Especialy the little ones!

 

[kcole683]

Re: Changing points?how ?

You forgot a couple steps that applied to me last time.<br /><br />Cuss when screw falls into bilge<br />Cuss when old screw is so worn out it won't tighten up.<br />Cuss while finding short replacement screw.<br />Then retap hole for the next bigger size bacause threads are worn out to.<br />Find new screw for new size hole<br /><br />LOL

 

[Rhadley]

Re: Changing points?how ?

Don't get too scared by these guys' negative (but funny) waves. It isn't hard and usually your hardware is not an issue! This assumes you have some mechanical aptitude........<br /><br />Do get a manual, though.