Mercruiser 165 distributor breaker plate

[gregg_a_g]

The breaker plate on my salvage Mercruiser 165 (Chevy 250 Inline 6) is looking pretty crummy. The Mercury part is 33665 but is NLA everywhere I've looked. Would an automotive Chevy 250 breaker plate be acceptable? I know that the "marine" distributor is different from the "automotive" distributor, but I don't know what exactly is different. Maybe the Chevy 250 plate wouldn't even fit?

 

[Scott Danforth]

no, not even the same manufacturer.

most likely you have a prestolite distributor, the automotive distributor was an AC Delco

clean up what you have, use oxalic acid to remove rust

 

[Scott06]

If the aforementioned oxalic acid doesnt work might consider upgrading to the delco EST for reduced maintenace

 

[kenny nunez]

While the breaker plate is removed make sure that the fly weights and springs are in good condition and the rotor shaft does not have excessive play causing the points to not hold a steady dwell angle.

 

[Lou C]

The Prestolite usually had a wick in the top of the distributor shaft, just a few drops of oil each year would keep the weights/springs from corroding. I'm still running mine, I don't find the points to be a problem really, I usually get 4-5 seasons out of them, but always check for pitting at the beginning of each season. I thought of converting to the Petronix but heard mixed reviews of them, so still using 60s tech lol. Points and a Quadrajet!

 

[gregg_a_g]

I have a "new for me" 160 in really good shape. The distributor had a really old electronic ignition (maybe Mallory autolite) but no control module. My 165 had a cracked block. So I'm planning to use the breaker plate from the 165 on the 160. The distributor on the 160 looks new (weights, spring rotor shaft very smooth). I'll clean up the plate and install new points, condenser. I know it's old school, but I like the idea of using points, at least until I have the engine running and reinstalled.

Thanks for all the info!

 

[Scott Danforth]

If the aforementioned oxalic acid doesnt work might consider upgrading to the delco EST for reduced maintenace

dont think they have an EST dizzy for the in-line

DUI may have one

Mallory has the YLM676AV (p/n 9-26309)

Pertronix has the D206810

 

[Scott Danforth]

but I like the idea of using points, at least until I have the engine running and reinstalled.

Thanks for all the info!

Nothing wrong with points, with a very little bit of maintenance (file, screw driver and a dwell meter), a set can last years if not decades.

 

[Scott06]

dont think they have an EST dizzy for the in-line

DUI may have one

Mallory has the YLM676AV (p/n 9-26309)

Pertronix has the D206810

you may be right but they list a 250 engine in the instruction manual, may no longer be made due to age of GM straight six engines ...