Merc 170 points to electronics conversion

[dpatzari]

Anyone have any luck with an points to electronic conversion?
Pros, cons. Any Brand better, Mallory?Sierra?

Thanks Dave

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Merc 170 points to electronics conversion

I've done a couple - always used the Pertronix conversion.

The "pros" - more consistency... less maintenance.

The "cons" - cost.

Don't let people convince you of much more.

Some will say a "pro" is increased power. I haven't noticed anything like that.

Some say that a "con" is getting stuck out on the water with electronic. It usually goes something like this...
"With my points, if they ever fail I can simply change them out while on the water and be on my way."

Fair enough... but how many times have you found yourself having to change points while on the water? Also - if that is a concern, with the pertronix you simply replace the point plate with the new one. You can always throw the old point plate and points in a baggie and keep them in the boat... just for those occasions where you need to change them on the water.

 

[centuty7000]

Re: Merc 170 points to electronics conversion

I switched to a mallory e-spark on my mercruiser 260 and it never ran better,for two months, module went out, rewired for 12v with resister coil,fried coil, replaced coil,overheated that one, took whole thing out and installed delco est ignition,so far so good. Not fun when the boat dies 8 miles from shore, keep a spare module on board.

 

[jeremy67r]

Re: Merc 170 points to electronics conversion

I have the merc 470, tried to install the pertronix kit.As soon as i turned on the key the module fried. nice burnt spot on the side. Does any one know either if there is a way to get just the module with out buying the whole kit, or any ideas why it fried so quick. The cheapest price for the kit i can find is a place in Louisiana for 69. But I hate burning up the money and risk frieing another. Any ideas or suggestions will be helpful, thanks

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Merc 170 points to electronics conversion

As soon as i turned on the key the module fried. nice burnt spot on the side.

That happened with my dad's boat - it turns out he had connected his battery backwards when he re-installed it. If you have had the battery out for any reason, it would be a good idea to double check that.