Installing a new distributor cap in my mercruiser.

[ScAndal]

I was wondering if there are any faq's on how to install a new distributor cap.<br /><br />I have the basic idea, but would like some detailed descriptions.<br /><br />Any special tools needed?<br /><br />Kevin

 

[QC]

Re: Installing a new distributor cap in my mercruiser.

What year, model etc.? I have some personal experience with a 2001 that will not make you real happy . . .

 

[Don S]

Re: Installing a new distributor cap in my mercruiser.

Remove screws holding cap onto distributor.<br />Move old cap to the side with wires attached.<br />Install new cap.<br />Move wires one at a time to new cap making sure they are in the same location on the new cap.

 

[ScAndal]

Re: Installing a new distributor cap in my mercruiser.

It is a 1990 Mercruiser 4 cylinder.<br /><br />I believe it's an alpha 3.0.<br /><br />Would I need to do anything about the timing?<br /><br />The service shop says they charge 120$ for this.<br /><br />ScAndal

 

[Don S]

Re: Installing a new distributor cap in my mercruiser.

The service shop says they charge 120$ for this.<br />

Is that for a complete tuneup, or just to replace the cap and set the timing? Do you have the conventional ignition (points) or the EST distributor?<br /><br />Changing a cap does not require resetting the timing, but there really isn't any reason to "Just replace the cap". It should be done a part of a full tuneup and done yearly at the beginning of the boating season.

 

[ScAndal]

Re: Installing a new distributor cap in my mercruiser.

Don,<br />I appreciate you response.<br /><br />The cap does have points. I just want get the boat started this weekend. I can replace the plugs/wires later. <br /><br />I know it needs a cap because the shop installed one without telling me and got it started. Then they told me the cap + installation would be $120. I said hell no, so they put back on the old cap.<br /><br />I remember cleaning the points last year with my father and that is how we got it started one time. <br /><br />I just want to be able to use the boat this weekend...<br /><br />Thanks for the help guys/gals,<br /><br />ScAndal

 

[QC]

Re: Installing a new distributor cap in my mercruiser.

DonS and Scandal,<br /><br />I am sure Don will have some experience with this, but my comment was in regards to the rotor. My 2001 6.2 required a torch to break locktite loose that Merc uses on the shaft. Blew my mind, but it is right there in the service manual, and it wouldn't budge without the heat. Didn't seem right to me considering the proximity to fuel lines, but that's the deal. I have no idea how widespread that type of rotor install is.

 

[ScAndal]

Re: Installing a new distributor cap in my mercruiser.

When you buy a distributor cap, does it come with the rotor?<br /><br />ScAndal

 

[Don S]

Re: Installing a new distributor cap in my mercruiser.

double post

 

[Don S]

Re: Installing a new distributor cap in my mercruiser.

I know it needs a cap because the shop installed one without telling me and got it started. Then they told me the cap + installation would be $120. I said hell no, so they put back on the old cap.<br />

Oh, I see....... It wouldn't start, they troubleshoot a "No Start" condition, find the cap is bad, replace it, get it running for you and you don't want to pay it. I would have put the old cap back on too.<br />They wouldn't have been able to tell for certain the cap was bad without installing a new one to find out. That cap alone lists for $25.<br />Did you expect the troubleshooting part to be free?

 

[ScAndal]

Re: Installing a new distributor cap in my mercruiser.

120$ for a cap + installation on top of the $50 starting it fee. All without telling me! If you would paid that, you are have less concern about money than me.

 

[Don S]

Re: Installing a new distributor cap in my mercruiser.

I'd sure like to know "The Rest of the Story"<br />Did they do a service call to your boat while it was in the water or did you take it to their shop on a trailer?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Installing a new distributor cap in my mercruiser.

Ayuh,...............<br />I'd like to know Too...........<br /><br />What Exactly were Your Instructions to the Shop, When you called/saw/contacted the shop to look at your boat ???????

 

[bomar76]

Re: Installing a new distributor cap in my mercruiser.

Originally posted by ScAndal:<br /> 120$ for a cap + installation on top of the $50 starting it fee. All without telling me! If you would paid that, you are have less concern about money than me.

You need to find a new hobby...boating's too expensive for you.<br />You had a shop diagonse and repair a problem YOU couldn't fix, then once they did pizzed and moaned about the cost.<br />I hope they put you on the Bozo list of customers to never schedule again.

 

[chrisg]

Re: Installing a new distributor cap in my mercruiser.

Ha! That is why I'm going to buy the service manual and do simple things myself (replace plugs, rotor and wires. Anything not requireing internal stuff)<br /><br />Anything else, ya, you have to expect the cost, but at least you get it working (But find a GOOD place to fix it!) <br /><br />And - I will be replacing the cap on mine also!

 

[ScAndal]

Re: Installing a new distributor cap in my mercruiser.

Originally posted by bomar76:<br />

Originally posted by ScAndal:<br /> 120$ for a cap + installation on top of the $50 starting it fee. All without telling me! If you would paid that, you are have less concern about money than me.

You need to find a new hobby...boating's too expensive for you.<br />You had a shop diagonse and repair a problem YOU couldn't fix, then once they did pizzed and moaned about the cost.<br />I hope they put you on the Bozo list of customers to never schedule again.

"You had a shop diagnose and repair a problem". If you read above, I did NOT have a shop do anything. The did it on their own without letting me know.<br /><br />I put the boat in storage over the winter with a spring run-up for the following year. I go to pick it up and found out they 'conveniently' put $120 labor into my boat with asking me. <br /><br />I picked up the distributor cap, $14.32 and installed it in 2 minutes tonight.<br /><br />Thanks for all the help to those that were actually helpful.<br /><br />ScAndal

 

[Bondo]

Re: Installing a new distributor cap in my mercruiser.

I put the boat in storage over the winter with a spring run-up for the following year .

You Ordered the Work,........................<br /><br />Good Luck,........ You're going to Need It.......................

 

[Don S]

Re: Installing a new distributor cap in my mercruiser.

I put the boat in storage over the winter with a spring run-up for the following year. I go to pick it up and found out they 'conveniently' put $120 labor into my boat with asking me. <br /><br />I picked up the distributor cap, $14.32 and installed it in 2 minutes tonight.

If the engine won't start for the spring runup, and all it takes is a cap, you got off lucky. They couldn't run it up without the cap. BFDeal.<br /><br />Basically you got all the troubleshooting for free and got to find a cap at the lowest possible price. <br />What a guy....... I'll remember your name, for the next time you want some free advise.

 

[86bayliner]

Re: Installing a new distributor cap in my mercruiser.

wow, i cant believe that, dime and nickel man he his, people work to hard to have there time wasted by a cheapskate, it takes years to learn technical engine knowledge like that. And just to give it away is amazing and great in itself. Dont take your boat to the shop unless you understand completly that if they look at it, your gonna cough some bucks up, regardless. Unless your lucky enough to have a best friend thats a mechanic whos willing to help your cheap sorry ... out. cheap/greedy people stink. And dont abuse these good folks responding to the many posts ive been reading, such awesome information which has gotten me alot closer to figuring out my own problems with my boat, hoping Don S. or one of these other good ones Will be the one to straighten me out. I think god it is free. Couldnt enjoy my boat without forums like this. but i will waste no mechanics time at his shop.<br />i just made my first post its titled distributor cap information Volvo Penta Aq225e on 07/17 i imagine that i will await the replies there than bring it up here too. <br />thanks very much <br />86bayliner

 

[ScAndal]

Re: Installing a new distributor cap in my mercruiser.

86bayliner,<br /><br />I assure you I am not trying to screw anyone out of time or money.<br /><br />Around here, you make a curtosy call when you are about to do something for their boat that costs that much money.<br /><br />It takes 2 minutes to make a phone call, so to me there is no excuse around not doing so.<br /><br />I realize it takes years to learn technical engine knowledge. I think they should be compensated fairly for their work, this is not the issue at hand. I have paid many good techs what they diserve when they apply an 'approved' service.<br /><br />..putting the thread to rest. Have a great summer everyone..