Distributor rotor button stuck

[cj8mule]

The motor is a 1978 120hp. I expected to change points and condensor but found this when I pulled the cap off:





It looks to me that a PO has done a conversion kit or something. Can anyone tell me what kit was used? The rotor button is stuck and will not pull off easily. Any suggestions on getting that button off???

Thanks,
--Dave

 

[RogersJetboat454]

Re: Distributor rotor button stuck

It's a Pertronix ignitor conversion. Should work fine for you as long as the weights and springs for the mechanical advance are not fouled up. From your picture, the rotor looks like it's in decent shape. If there are no screws holding it to the shaft, pull hard up on the rotor. If that doesn't work, pull harder...

 

[Bondo]

Re: Distributor rotor button stuck

It's a Pertronix ignitor conversion. Should work fine for you as long as the weights and springs for the mechanical advance are not fouled up. From your picture, the rotor looks like it's in decent shape. If there are no screws holding it to the shaft, pull hard up on the rotor. If that doesn't work, pull harder...

Ayuh,.... I know That 1 ain't Oem, but Mercruiser is known for Gluin' the rotor button on,....

Ya gotta Bust it up, to get it off....

Maybe the Op read 'bout that on the internet, 'n did the same thing.....

I'd have a Replacement, In hand, before I pulled Too darn hard.....

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Distributor rotor button stuck

If it runs, why not just leave it? I see no need to pull it off (no points to get to).

 

[cj8mule]

Re: Distributor rotor button stuck

If it runs, why not just leave it? I see no need to pull it off (no points to get to).

The motor is new to me. I have had it running while laying on the garage floor, but it was missing a little. Now that it is in the boat, it won't hardly run. Lots-of burping and backfiring through the carb. I put new plugs, wires, and cap on today (I usually change the button at the same time)

I also rebuilt the 2 barrel Rochester today but used the wrong measurements to set the float. The rebuild kit had different measurements than the merc service manual. I'll get that changed and she'll probably pure like a kitten.

Thanks for the help!
--dave

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Distributor rotor button stuck

Do you have a full 12 volts going to the red wire on the electronic module? What do you have for a coil?

 

[cj8mule]

Re: Distributor rotor button stuck

Do you have a full 12 volts going to the red wire on the electronic module? What do you have for a coil?

I've not checked yet Terry, but there is a resistor so I suspect around 9V. The coil is just a stocker.

 

[dingdongs]

Re: Distributor rotor button stuck

the timing will still have to be checked at the stated rpm and you may have a compression and /or valve problem as in valve still open whilst firing or exhausting.if its the same as before putting new electrical sevice parts on i would be looking at a compression test after setting timing.

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Distributor rotor button stuck

OK the Petronix needs the full 12 volts, and the coil needs the resistor in the circuit, so 9V for the coil should be about right. If the red wire is attached to the coil +, you should remove it and find a 12V source when the ignition is on that you can splice into. Perhaps the coil wire before the resistor. That will let your electronic module work at peak efficiency. No need to worry about dwell, just set the proper timing.

 

[cj8mule]

Re: Distributor rotor button stuck

OK the Petronix needs the full 12 volts, and the coil needs the resistor in the circuit, so 9V for the coil should be about right. If the red wire is attached to the coil +, you should remove it and find a 12V source when the ignition is on that you can splice into. Perhaps the coil wire before the resistor. That will let your electronic module work at peak efficiency. No need to worry about dwell, just set the proper timing.

Thanks Terry. That's how the Petronix is wired.

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Distributor rotor button stuck

Great, so you should be all set. One note, on that older model ignitor, you want to make sure that you don't leave the ignition on for an extended time without the engine running, it can burn out the module. If it ever fails, you would want to upgrade to the Ignitor II and Flamethrower II coil. Last thing, I wouldn't worry too much about replacing the rotor, especially if have a good blue spark from the plug wires.

 

[cj8mule]

Re: Distributor rotor button stuck

Great, so you should be all set. One note, on that older model ignitor, you want to make sure that you don't leave the ignition on for an extended time without the engine running, it can burn out the module. If it ever fails, you would want to upgrade to the Ignitor II and Flamethrower II coil. Last thing, I wouldn't worry too much about replacing the rotor, especially if have a good blue spark from the plug wires.

Thanks for the info Terry! I finally have it running good now. The PO had the distributor at around 20 degree advanced instead of 8.