Chevy est distributors

[scr350]

i have a 1995 marine power 350 with the est distributor, it runs bad and smells of gas when idling. top in not good either and fouls the plugs. i have set the timing right and have the plug in wire to set it but it still runs really bad, i took a unilite distributor out of one of my other motors and now the boat is running perfect. do they make and aftermarket module for the est dist. or what could possibly be wrong with that dist. i did replace coil as well when installing the unilite dist.

 

[Don S]

Re: Chevy est distributors

Yes, they make aftermarket modules, but how do you know it's the module and not the coil, or the pickup coil, or maybe a faulty cap or rotor?

Ignition Module for Volvo Penta, Mercruiser, Crusader, OMC Sterndrive Cobra - Sierra 18-5107-1 - iboats

 

[scr350]

Re: Chevy est distributors

Yes, they make aftermarket modules, but how do you know it's the module and not the coil, or the pickup coil, or maybe a faulty cap or rotor?

Ignition Module for Volvo Penta, Mercruiser, Crusader, OMC Sterndrive Cobra - Sierra 18-5107-1 - iboats

well i have bought a new cap and wires, didnt think about the pick up, but i have used a coil off my suburban. when i put the unilite dist. in there was a night and day difference.

 

[Don S]

Re: Chevy est distributors

I have no idea what a unilite distributor or coil is or what it looks like, but an EST takes a coil completely different than anything else.

Here is some information from a Volvo manual on troubleshooting the EST ignition system.

View attachment EST.pdf

 

[scr350]

Re: Chevy est distributors

thanks Don, my suburban has the same kind of est system, not sure they have the same module but the coils are the same. i will trouble shoot this thing and see whats up. i do hear good things about the system, just don't know whats up with mine. by the way my unilite distributor is made by mallory and has a photo eye instead of the magnet pickup. its not made for the marine industry so i want to fix what was suppose to be on that engine instead of using a non marine piece ......... thanks again

 

[Don S]

Re: Chevy est distributors

I've never seen the module fail like that, usually they fail to advance or no spark, one or the other. Never just a rough running condition.
Might check the connectors, corrosion can do some funny things.
Have seen the center pin come out of a cap once that made for rough running, also a really rusty coil can do it.