Mallory dist. replacement on '89 2.3l Ford (OMC Cobra)

[bezerk1]

Re: Mallory dist. replacement on '89 2.3l Ford (OMC Cobra)

The Pertronix part number (9ML-141) that I provided earlier includes both the coil and ignition module. Pertronix confirmed that grounding the coil was the proper way to shut down the engine if I was not going to use the ESA. I've been running this setup for several years with no ill effects to any part of my engine or boat. Grounding the coil is common practice on many ignition systems to turn an engine off. This is nothing new, its been done for decades.

Can anybody confirm that some Mercruiser drives did in fact ground the ignition to facilitate a smooth disengagement of the gearset? I sort of remember reading a post on this board about it but, I can no longer find it. Maybe it was deleted.

 

[Dtruedog]

Re: Mallory dist. replacement on '89 2.3l Ford (OMC Cobra)

I checked a Mercruiser wiring diagram; the shift interrupter switch does drain the - coil terminal directly to ground when activated by the shift swivel bracket on the throttle/shift mount.

I haven't had a reply from Pertronix since inquiring four days ago. I think I'm a bit confused. Assuming I get the 9ML-141 (coil included, or not), I'll still need the "diode fix" for the Pertronix kit, OR the CDI ESA (or OMC equivalent)??

 

[bezerk1]

Re: Mallory dist. replacement on '89 2.3l Ford (OMC Cobra)

9ML-141 includes the coil. Yes, you will still need the diode fix, CDI ESA, or another way to kill the engine momentarily. Without it you will have great difficulty pulling the gear box out of gear.

 

[Bulbash]

Re: Mallory dist. replacement on '89 2.3l Ford (OMC Cobra)

I'm having temptation to switch to electronic ignition as well.... So to summarize what was said here, please correct me if I'm wrong,
1. Will require upgrading ESA module, either CDI module or Sierra (P/N 018-58900 or OMC P/N 987740, if anyone have CDI ESA P/N please post it)
2.Will require Pertronix ignition kit P/N 9ML-141

Also, how complicated is installation? Pertronix website says it takes 30 min to install... For those who did it, is it true? Does anyone have pictures of the install?

In my understanding I will have to pull out old points, condenser etc... than place whats provided in the kit inside of distributor, set the timing and connect new ESA module... Am I right?

 

[Bulbash]

Re: Mallory dist. replacement on '89 2.3l Ford (OMC Cobra)

As for the cost, Sierra ESA module costs $114from my supplier, is CDI module any cheaper? Plus the conversion kit is around $140... Is it all or should I account for other parts as well?

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Mallory dist. replacement on '89 2.3l Ford (OMC Cobra)

Personally, I would stick with points before I installed the Pertronix kit. If it was a Chevy 6 or 8 cylinder, I would go with a Delco EST but you don't have that option with your engine.

Again, I would also stick with the ESA and not go with the Mercruiser style shifting. Mercruiser dose not have the lower shift cable issues that OMC Cobras had and that is why you want to stick with the ESA setup.

The newer ESAs have timers in them that don't use the overstroke switch. With the ESA method, way less chance of having the engine stall out if you don't do a crisp shift in a critical situation.

 

[bezerk1]

Re: Mallory dist. replacement on '89 2.3l Ford (OMC Cobra)

The Pertronix kit includes everything you need. You remove the rotor, points, condenser, and the plate in the distributor that everything was fastened to. Save all the old parts in case you become criminally insane and want to reinstall the points. The new ignition module bolts right in. The new rotor slips over the distributer shaft. Once installed you need to reset the timing. I think it is set to something like 10 degrees at 800 RPM. Make sure the fly weights in your distributor move freely while you are in there. The install take about 30 minutes and is very simple.

Here is the link to the install instructions. Read up on it before installing.
http://www.pertronix.com/support/manuals/pdf/ignitor12vneg.pdf

 

[Bulbash]

Re: Mallory dist. replacement on '89 2.3l Ford (OMC Cobra)

Personally, I would stick with points before I installed the Pertronix kit. If it was a Chevy 6 or 8 cylinder, I would go with a Delco EST but you don't have that option with your engine.

I understand your point regarding ESA module, but why would you want to stick with the points? Are these kits not reliable? i tought that this kit is created to improve reability and create a smoother power curve...

Again, I would also stick with the ESA and not go with the Mercruiser style shifting. Mercruiser dose not have the lower shift cable issues that OMC Cobras had and that is why you want to stick with the ESA setup.

For those who maintain their shift cable system annually it should not be an issue... i just replace that cable every few years, it isn't that pricey to risk your outdrive...

 

[Bulbash]

Re: Mallory dist. replacement on '89 2.3l Ford (OMC Cobra)

The Pertronix kit includes everything you need. You remove the rotor, points, condenser, and the plate in the distributor that everything was fastened to. Save all the old parts in case you become criminally insane and want to reinstall the points. The new ignition module bolts right in. The new rotor slips over the distributer shaft. Once installed you need to reset the timing. I think it is set to something like 10 degrees at 800 RPM. Make sure the fly weights in your distributor move freely while you are in there. The install take about 30 minutes and is very simple.

I will give it a try in the spring... Sounds like a good upgrade...

Now What about ESA? What is the CDI P/N for the ESA module? My new Sierra Catalog shows that they making a Shift Assist Module and Harness P/N 018-58900 that will work on OMC 2.3 Cobra...

Tey even have a picture of it...

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Mallory dist. replacement on '89 2.3l Ford (OMC Cobra)

I understand your point regarding ESA module, but why would you want to stick with the points? Are these kits not reliable?

You gain no performance switching from points.

 

[Bulbash]

Re: Mallory dist. replacement on '89 2.3l Ford (OMC Cobra)

You gain no performance switching from points.

Yes you are right, but if you think the other way that Dwell meter cost more than the upgrade to electronic ignition... That might be a decision factor for many people. As for me I have a friend who owns a Dwell meter that I can borrow, however I like the idea of electronic ignition more as I'm not super comfortable adjusting points. Everytime I work on my ignition I hope I did not make it worst...

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Mallory dist. replacement on '89 2.3l Ford (OMC Cobra)

Yes you are right, but if you think the other way that Dwell meter cost more than the upgrade to electronic ignition...

Actron CP7605 Dwell/Tachometer/Voltmeter Analyzer : Amazon.com : Automotive

 

[Bulbash]

Re: Mallory dist. replacement on '89 2.3l Ford (OMC Cobra)

Actron CP7605 Dwell/Tachometer/Voltmeter Analyzer : Amazon.com : Automotive

Hmmm makes me wanna order one for such a low price... Probably a nice thing to have...

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Mallory dist. replacement on '89 2.3l Ford (OMC Cobra)

I used to carry mine in the boat in case I had a no start condition just so I could check the points.

 

[icyveins]

Re: Mallory dist. replacement on '89 2.3l Ford (OMC Cobra)

I don't think a lot of us are going for performance from that small of an engine, pretty sure its just for less failure rate as the electronic ignition is a lot more reliable

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Mallory dist. replacement on '89 2.3l Ford (OMC Cobra)

I don't think a lot of us are going for performance from that small of an engine, pretty sure its just for less failure rate as the electronic ignition is a lot more reliable

If you change your points every other year, I doubt you will have any failures from points.

 

[bezerk1]

Re: Mallory dist. replacement on '89 2.3l Ford (OMC Cobra)

I agree with Icyveins on the reliability of the electronic ignition. Whenever I adjusted the points, I was never 100% sure that they were set up properly. With electronic ignition, it's a set it and forget it. I immediately noticed an improvement in starting (when hot or cold), and idle quality. Overall horsepower gain I would say was 0. The 2.3 is a respectable little engine, and they are no where near the end of their life cycle. Parts are readily available. There are quite a few companies still developing these engines. Youtube reveals quite a few videos of these things making over 500HP. There's even a few of them making over 1000HP. Turbo'd of course.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Mallory dist. replacement on '89 2.3l Ford (OMC Cobra)

Whenever I adjusted the points, I was never 100% sure that they were set up properly.

You use a dwell meter and you can see exactly how they are set. Not sure what the difficulty is! It would take me less than 10 minutes to set the dwell with a meter.

A Pertronix is not going to make your engine start faster. The Pertronix is just an electronic switch that does the exact same thing that points do. Nothing more.