Mercruiser 160 mystery electronic ignition

[gregg_a_g]

So I got a Mercruiser 160 engine and outdrive for $200 from a salvager. Looks to be
in very nice shape - it was in a boat in a garage for quite a few years. So I want to use it to replace a 165 with a cracked block. I want to get it running before I install it in the boat.
I need just a couple of parts to get the cooling system complete, and then a bit of wiring.
The carb looks very clean - no grease or grime on the engine.

Most of the wiring looks pretty straight forward, but the ignition looks unfamiliar to me.
It appears that quite a few years ago the points/condenser were replaced with an electronic ignition. The newer kits I've seen have two wires that come out of the module in the distributor and connect to the coil. This module has two wires coming out, but they go right past the coil and continue to a plug (don't know what was on the other side of the plug). Does anyone know what this module might be?

I guess if I can't figure it out I'll just install a Hot Spark or Pertronix, but I'd like to minimize expense until I'm sure it will run. The points/condenser on the 165 are pretty cruddy, so I don't think I want to install those even temporarily.

 

[kenny nunez]

It looks like a Mallory Unilite. The conversion may be around 30 + years old. It appears the owner took really took good care of the engine. If it is a Mallory you may not be able to get replacement components. You can always update to the newer Mallory version or a Prestolite.

 

[gregg_a_g]

It looks like a Mallory Unilite. The conversion may be around 30 + years old. It appears the owner took really took good care of the engine. If it is a Mallory you may not be able to get replacement components. You can always update to the newer Mallory version or a Prestolite.

Hi, Kenny - Thanks for the info! It looks like I only have half of the system.
When the salvager pulled the engine from the boat, there were a couple of parts that got left with the boat. It looks like the Mallory uses a separate ignition contoller (not like the Pertronics where everything is in the little box in the distributor). I'm guessing the Mallory was an early generation when all things electronic were larger.

The other part that "went with the boat" is the main male wiring plug. It's too bad, because the pin arrangement on the 160 (67-69) is different from the 165 (70-78 I think). The salvager is looking for the plug, so maybe I'll get it. Either way I need to do some wire splicing.

Anyway, I guess I'll take the distributor plate off the 165 to use in the 160 with a new set of points and condenser. Have you had any luck with the Pertronix or other electronic ignitions? I've heard mixed reviews. Evidently the Pertronix works well - until it dies all at once. The points/condenser may have some drawbacks, but they don't seem to give up the ghost all at once.

 

[kenny nunez]

The one advantage the Petronics or any other conversion has is it is more tolerable to slightly worn distributor bushings. The main thing to do now is to have a machine shop add a lower bushing, replace the upper and make sure the centrifugal advance is in good condition. That way the points will hold a steady dwell angle and timing.
Just be sure to get good quality points and condenser.