Electronic ignition conversion question

[Doug Hensley]

Last weekend I switched out the original Prestolite single point for a new Prestolite electronic ignition distributor. I figured the original was worn out and in need of a new technology upgrade. 1976 20' Searay OMC 235 HP Ford 351. The question is should I use different plugs and a wider gap, keep the same plugs and just widen the gap or keep everything the same. It started up immediately and ran fine but sitting in the sideyard at idle isn't much of a test. From my auto experience electronic ignitions stronger spark takes a wider gap, say .045 - .055. Does that hold true for a boat? Any advice/opinions welcomed.<br /><br />ShipRec

 

[Lakeguy]

Re: Electronic ignition conversion question

After you put the boat in the water did it run OK? I put a new Prestolite distributor in my 233 Merc and the advance curve did not match the original at all. The engine wouldn't go above 2200. I reconfigured the springs and slot length in the plate and now it's perfect. The springs in the new distributor looked like they came from a shock absorber!