Electronic Ignition part number and Non-Resistance spark plugs

hawkhunter8

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Does anyone have the part number for just the electronic ignition for a 1973 mercruiser 120? the 1146a will not work. 1142? Perused the Petronix site but it seems a bit vague. Also any part numbers for a non-resistance spark plug
 

alldodge

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Welcome
Does anyone have the part number for just the electronic ignition for a 1973 mercruiser 120?
Folks have had a lot of problems from Pertronix so I would not recommend them for marine applications. I would suggest Delco EST Kit

Delco EST

You don't need non-resistor plugs, you won't get any benefit from them other then the coil drawing more current and burn out sooner
 

alldodge

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My bad, forgot to end with contact Petronix and ask them, they are on the web
Don't know of non-resistor plugs
 

matt167

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1146 is the number for a Delco distributor in a 120. 1142 fits some tractors albeit also Delco. It’s the base plate that is a little different but module is the same.

If you want just the trigger because it’s not working ( common ) then call Pertronix for service.. there is a reason pertronix isn’t recommended here
 

hawkhunter8

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1146 is the number for a Delco distributor in a 120. 1142 fits some tractors albeit also Delco. It’s the base plate that is a little different but module is the same.

If you want just the trigger because it’s not working ( common ) then call Pertronix for service.. there is a reason pertronix isn’t recommended here
Actually an 1146 does not work on a (my) 1973 Mercruiser 120, the ring is too small to properly fit over the distributor shaft. It appears 72-73 may be unique in some way.
 

matt167

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Actually an 1146 does not work on a (my) 1973 Mercruiser 120, the ring is too small to properly fit over the distributor shaft. It appears 72-73 may be unique in some way.
the Delco distributors used never changed. Unless you don’t have a Delco. The ring goes down tight. You really have to press on it. Or it’s out of the box defective
 

hawkhunter8

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Thanks, I reefed on it pretty good. I was wondering if the distributor was swapped out or, as you mentioned a defective ring. Thanks for your help.....maybe I'll stick with points lol.
 

Scott Danforth

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Personally I would stick with points vs ever considering Pertronix again
 

hawkhunter8

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I've had good luck with Pertronix on 'land based' vehicles in the past. Wonder if quality has dropped off that poorly since I last bought one.
 

matt167

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I've had good luck with Pertronix on 'land based' vehicles in the past. Wonder if quality has dropped off that poorly since I last bought one.
They are not well regarded in the marine side of things. Known for burning out and burning coils out
 

Scott Danforth

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I've had good luck with Pertronix on 'land based' vehicles in the past. Wonder if quality has dropped off that poorly since I last bought one.
Then you have had better luck than I have

Mine failed in everything. Didn't matter if it was a car or boat
 

Pmt133

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I used one in a car and it was a hot pile of s***. I'll dumpster dive for points before they ever get my money again...
 

tango13

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I've ran Pertonix ignitor kits in my old ford F100 and two older mercruiser V8s (228 and a 260), and personally I've never had issues. All motors started/ran instantly better after installing the kit & coil.

Like anything, I'm sure they have had their issues but personally I wouldn't hesitate throw them at anything with points. Had to use their support line for my last boat as I decided to go with the ignitor 2 system, and they were super helpful as I had to bypass the factory wiring.

Sorry, I dont have a part number either but I believe they have an online catalog that includes the merc stuff and it was always easy to figure out what's needed for each application.
 

Scott06

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They are not well regarded in the marine side of things. Known for burning out and burning coils out
Same in the classic car /GTO forum I am on as well. if the op wants electronic ignition for a 120 get a genuine Delco EST (aka not a knock off) and you have an OEM quality system
 

hawkhunter8

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I've ran Pertonix ignitor kits in my old ford F100 and two older mercruiser V8s (228 and a 260), and personally I've never had issues. All motors started/ran instantly better after installing the kit & coil.

Like anything, I'm sure they have had their issues but personally I wouldn't hesitate throw them at anything with points. Had to use their support line for my last boat as I decided to go with the ignitor 2 system, and they were super helpful as I had to bypass the factory wiring.

Sorry, I dont have a part number either but I believe they have an online catalog that includes the merc stuff and it was always easy to figure out what's needed for each application.
Thanks for the input. I contacted pertronix And they need the distributor number to give me a part number. Unfortunately the boat is at my other place so it'll have to wait. I know pertronix sells tons of these and have for decades.
 
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