HEI No Spark

[1sttimeboater]

I have a 1997 Rinker with a Mercruiser 5.7L and have replaced the Thunderbolt Ignition with a HEI. The problem that I have been having is that sometimes I do not have any spark. I replace the module and get the spark back, so I originally thought the problem was a bad module. After further investigating, the modules are still good. This weekend I disconnected the tack to make sure it was not the problem, but the problem persisted.

I have a white/green wire that comes from the shift detent? wired to the tach output on the HEI, is this correct? If it is not hooked up this way, the boat will not shift out of gear back to neutral.

The last time I had no spark I simply removed the wire from the module to the pick up coil, plugged it back in and the boat started. Could the problem be in the pick up coil?

I am lost and very frustrated in having to pull the cap to get the boat to start.

Thanks for any help

 

[Scottaye]

Re: HEI No Spark

Yes, the pick up coil is most likely the problem.

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: HEI No Spark

Did you know that the GM HEI distributors are not spark protected marine distributors and can blow your boat up? ! ! ! KABOOM ! ! !

 

[wire2]

Re: HEI No Spark

I also am running an HEI for the improved spark and performance.

Mine is 100% reliable but I don't have a neutral enable connection, so that may be the difference.

Yes, Reel Poor, I know it may go Kaboom! But not likely, I've removed the vacuum advance linkage and molded a urethane seal to completely close it.

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: HEI No Spark

I also am running an HEI for the improved spark and performance.

Yes, Reel Poor, I know it may go Kaboom! But not likely,

So you can load your wife, kids, friends, in your boat, park next to other boats loaded with their family and friends with piece of mind because it's, "NOT LIKELY" that your boat will blow up but not because you took every precaution to prevent it?

 

[Bondo]

Re: HEI No Spark

I also am running an HEI for the improved spark and performance.

Ayuh,........ And I Doubt it's Any Better than a Good running T-Bolt IV......

 

[wire2]

Re: HEI No Spark

Ayuh,........ And I Doubt it's Any Better than a Good running T-Bolt IV......

Possibly not. IF I had a T-Bolt IV on there I probably would have left it alone. But an '84 OMC came with a very simple points/condenser setup that was somewhat finicky.

 

[1sttimeboater]

Re: HEI No Spark

Reel Poor

I appreciate the advice and even if it a slight chance, I do want to be safe.

So where do I go from here?
Purchase a new Thunderbolt? and where is the best place to get it?


Thanks for everyones response.

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: HEI No Spark

If you shop around on the internet you can find the Delco EST Systems. Here is a pic of a complete conversion kit that I found at Aftermarket Marine for 200 dollars.

 

[Bondo]

Re: HEI No Spark

Ayuh,...... That's a Better Choice,......

It would probably be a Pain in the A-- to install a Mercruiser T-Bolt IV in an OMC..............

 

[1sttimeboater]

Re: HEI No Spark

Reel Poor,

Thanks for the info on a new dist. Looks like a good unit and the price is responable.

After I get the new set up, what do I do with the white/green wire?
Where should it be hooked up to?

Is there another problem with the boat not shifting back to neutral, or is this wire the key to the problem?


Thanks again for the help.

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: HEI No Spark

The kit should come with wiring instructions for the different applications.

If the lower shift cable is good (not stiff) and it's adjusted properly, connecting the switch should solve your problem.