Ignition swap

[Poohbair]

I have a 1991 Reinell with a Mercruiser 4.3

Took it out, ran great... After running around a bit it wouldn't start. No spark.

Got towed back, still no start.

After I got home ( few hours later) it fired right up.

I'm thinking it is that ignition module.

Does anyone have any info on converting this over to a standard HEI setup? Any advantages or downsides to doing this?

Thanks!

 

[LagunaBlue]

Re: Ignition swap

What exactly do you mean by "standard HEI"? Are you inferring that you currently have the Delco EST and want to switch to something else? Or that you have standard points / condensor and want to upgrade to digital ignition?

 

[Poohbair]

Re: Ignition swap

What exactly do you mean by "standard HEI"? Are you inferring that you currently have the Delco EST and want to switch to something else? Or that you have standard points / condensor and want to upgrade to digital ignition?

I dont know whatnits called that I have. It has a standard distributor (no points) with an external coil, and then it plugs into this "module" that says Mercruiser Thunderbolt IV.

I was thinking of trying to go to just a GM HEI distributor with a built in coil and a MSD box ...

 

[Don S]

Re: Ignition swap

DO NOT try to use a GM automotive distributor. They are not ignition protected (Explosion Hazard) and they are not set up to marine specs.

The Delco EST is often used as a replacement since it has been marine rated.
Here is an example: 4.3L Delco Voyager EST Marine Electronic Distributor Kit

There is also plenty of marine information on the EST for timing, using with a shift interrupt system and troubleshooting should you need it.

Having said all that, are you just attempting to change everything in hopes you cure the problem, or have you tested things and found it was the ignition system? (aka Throwing Parts at it.)

 

[Poohbair]

Re: Ignition swap

DO NOT try to use a GM automotive distributor. They are not ignition protected (Explosion Hazard) and they are not set up to marine specs.

The Delco EST is often used as a replacement since it has been marine rated.
Here is an example: 4.3L Delco Voyager EST Marine Electronic Distributor Kit

There is also plenty of marine information on the EST for timing, using with a shift interrupt system and troubleshooting should you need it.

Having said all that, are you just attempting to change everything in hopes you cure the problem, or have you tested things and found it was the ignition system? (aka Throwing Parts at it.)

Just ordered the Delco Voyager kit that you suggested.

Thanks!

 

[Bondo]

Re: Ignition swap

DO NOT try to use a GM automotive distributor. They are not ignition protected (Explosion Hazard) and they are not set up to marine specs.

The Delco EST is often used as a replacement since it has been marine rated.
Here is an example: 4.3L Delco Voyager EST Marine Electronic Distributor Kit

There is also plenty of marine information on the EST for timing, using with a shift interrupt system and troubleshooting should you need it.

Having said all that, are you just attempting to change everything in hopes you cure the problem, or have you tested things and found it was the ignition system? (aka Throwing Parts at it.)

Ayuh,... I'll take that as a "Just throwin' money at it",....

 

[Poohbair]

Re: Ignition swap

Ayuh,... I'll take that as a "Just throwin' money at it",....

Not really. Talked to several mechanics and boat shops, and they all said with the symptoms I am having it is almost certainly the Thunderbolt IV ignition module. This module is expensive to just end up with what appears to be a troublesome setup anyways, so for $290 bucks shipped to my door, this seems like a great alternative that will be something I can get parts for, and should cure my current problem.

 

[Don S]

Re: Ignition swap

Not really. Talked to several mechanics and boat shops, and they all said with the symptoms I am having it is almost certainly the Thunderbolt IV ignition module. This module is expensive to just end up with what appears to be a troublesome setup anyways, so for $290 bucks shipped to my door, this seems like a great alternative that will be something I can get parts for, and should cure my current problem.

Talking to and actually troubleshooting is two different things. If the shops just gave you free advise over the phone without even troubleshooting the problem, then don't expect a lot. They don't stay in business telling people how to fix their own boats for free.

 

[Poohbair]

Re: Ignition swap

Not trying to argue, but it only didn't work when it was HOT. Makes it pretty hard to troubleshoot. I did all of the coil, and ignition tests that I could find and everything tested find and EVERYTHING tested fine, at home... in my driveway, when it was cold and the boat ran just fine. For the $290 bucks, and a day of pretty entertaining work, it isn't worth my time and headache to take it back out on the river, to run it around to get it HOT until it doesn't work again, and then bust out my test meter to see if it is the coil or the Thunderbolt ignition, to then get towed back to the boat lauch to get the exact part I need, to save a dollar or two. It is much better piece of mind to just replace it all and hopefully it is reliable. If I replace it all, and then it doesn't start next time I take it out, then I guess I am out $290 bucks and will move on to the next step.....

I have VERY limited boat experience, but from the little experience I do have, $290 bucks isn't ***** when it comes to boat repairs So I guess I better just get used to it. At least I don't have to pay labor to have it done

 

[djmakko]

Re: Ignition swap

so with this new EST there's no need for a module anymore?

 

[Poohbair]

Re: Ignition swap

so with this new EST there's no need for a module anymore?

That is the way that I understand it...

 

[Don S]

Re: Ignition swap

Nope, no external module on the EST, only the one inside the distributor.

 

[Poohbair]

Re: Ignition swap

So I got the EST ignition swap done, and it works flawlessly and runs fantastic. Super easy install. Did the swap in a few hours on Satuday, and took the boat out on Sunday and it runs great!

1 problem.

Before the swap, everything was fine... Now, it will not go into neutral when the engine is running??? In the directions there is an instruction for a Shift Interupt Switch for an OMC. I thought this was for a different outdrive setup since I have the Mercruiser outdrive. Does this wire splice, etc..

Is this my problem? Did I miss something??

Thanks

 

[Bondo]

Re: Ignition swap

So I got the EST ignition swap done, and it works flawlessly and runs fantastic. Super easy install. Did the swap in a few hours on Satuday, and took the boat out on Sunday and it runs great!

1 problem.

Before the swap, everything was fine... Now, it will not go into neutral when the engine is running??? In the directions there is an instruction for a Shift Interupt Switch for an OMC. I thought this was for a different outdrive setup since I have the Mercruiser outdrive. Does this wire splice, etc..

Is this my problem? Did I miss something??

Thanks

Ayuh,... It is,.... There's a Shift Switch of a Mercruiser Alpha that needs to be hooked up,...

 

[Don S]

Re: Ignition swap

You do need to have the shift interrupt switch hooked up. Is this the instructions you have for the shift interrupt? If not, scan and post what you have.

 

[Poohbair]

Re: Ignition swap

You do need to have the shift interrupt switch hooked up. Is this the instructions you have for the shift interrupt? If not, scan and post what you have.

View attachment 201076

Sweet! That is what I am missing! My instructions must be missing that page....

Thanks a ton, I will get on adding that before my trip on the 4th!

 

[Don S]

Re: Ignition swap

Just make sure you do not have either wire going to that terminal block on the shift plate if you have it. Use bullet connectors on both so you can set timing properly.

 

[Poohbair]

Re: Ignition swap

Just make sure you do not have either wire going to that terminal block on the shift plate if you have it. Use bullet connectors on both so you can set timing properly.

So your saying unkook the shift interupt swich for timing? Im not sure I am following you here...

 

[Don S]

Re: Ignition swap

Here is info for a 3.0L with an alpha drive. DO NOT use the timing specs for a 4.3, but do follow the procedures for going into base timing mode, setting timing, and getting back out of base timing mode after you set the timing.

View attachment 3.0 EST timing.pdf

 

[Poohbair]

Re: Ignition swap

Thanks!