electronic ignitions for 170 hp?

[socunnin]

I have a 1986 170 hp mercruiser 4 cyl. Does any one make a electronic ignition conversion kit? And will it make my engine start easier? I have problems with hard starts while in the lake. It seems to not turn over with out several attempts.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: electronic ignitions for 170 hp?

if it wont turn over why would you suspect an ignition problem? I would suspect a starting circuit problem but not an ign one.<br /> the points work and work well. there are some conversion kits avalible but it wont solve a wiring or overheating/binding problem.<br /> you will need a voltmeter and the engine wiring diagram. a bit of reading on how and why the starting circuit does what it does would also be very beneficial.

 

[socunnin]

Re: electronic ignitions for 170 hp?

I'm thinking it is a timing issue? It starts fine when cold, but when I shut it off to load and unload skiers, It sometimes won't turn over until I try it 4 or 5 times. It also doesn't want to shut off immediately at times. Other than this the boat takes off and runs great.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: electronic ignitions for 170 hp?

When you say "it won't turn over" do you mean that when you turn your key to crank the engine, that you do not hear the engine being rotated by the starter?<br /><br />Sorry I have to put it this way but I had one guy say that his engine wouldn't turn over but what he really meant the engine wouldn't start.

 

[socunnin]

Re: electronic ignitions for 170 hp?

It is like it has too much compression to spin the engine. If I bump it several times it will eventually spin and start right up.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: electronic ignitions for 170 hp?

It is either your starter, cables or batter. <br /><br />Make sure all the cable connections are clean including the negative connection at the block.

 

[paulie0735]

Re: electronic ignitions for 170 hp?

Put a timing light on it and check it, if its advanced you can get 'exactly' the symptoms you describe when the engine is hot. If you don't have a light get one, don't just play with the distributor!!! An electronic conversion will not help with this issue and on that engine (in my opinion) is no better than a well maintained set of points but if your not inclined to check and adjust them regularly than yeah a conversion could be ideal for you.

 

[MrBill]

Re: electronic ignitions for 170 hp?

Stace:<br /><br />The 3.7L has always been a tough start...lots of cubes for a 4cyl. Check all the battery connections, cables, etc. that the others have suggested. You don't have non-marine cables do you? If so get rid of them and make sure they're the shortest distance poossible, 2 or at most 4 gauge. Sounds like some carburater adjustments might help too. Mine floods and is hard starting when hot due to some float and valve wear, and choke related issues.<br /><br />The Pertronix electronic ignition that I installed (your engine would take the same one) helps starting somewhat and makes a lot of difference in over-all performance, but won't solve your hard start issue. Part of that is inherent in the engine, may be wear related (check compression), caused by carb, or electrical related. Start with the easy cheap stuff...clean connections and cables, then progress as indicated, including starter brushes.

 

[socunnin]

Re: electronic ignitions for 170 hp?

I checked the timing and it shows to be around .6 . The setting is suppose to be .8 according to the valve cover specs. It starts so good when it's cold, and runs great getting out of the hole and wide open, even when it's hot. I would think if the timing was the problem it would show up in how it runs? I may try to bump it to .8 and see how it does.

 

[Don S]

Re: electronic ignitions for 170 hp?

when I shut it off to load and unload skiers, It sometimes won't turn over until I try it 4 or 5 times

If the engine won't turn over, I would bet you are just coming up to a skier and shutting the engine off. Then the wake catches up with you and up the exhaust pipe and into the cylinders or the engine diesels to a stop sucking some water in. After a few attempts at cranking the water clears and it starts and runs rough for a few seconds till you clear it out..... Right?<br />Slow down and go to neutral ahead of the skier and let the engine run till the wake passes you and the engine cools down and idles for a minute before you shut it off. Then it won't diesel or water get up the exhaust and into the engine.<br />Unless a skier is injured, they should have flotation on and be able to wait for that long.