Need condensor/points/igniton info (1964 Merc 850)

[Outboarder]

Greetings iBoaters. I've been reading the archives for several months and have had great success so far. However, I'm at the point where I could use some personal assistance on an issue.

On my 1964 Merc 850 (6-cylinder), I have a direct short hiding in the ignition system within the 12v lines. I've traced it back to the distributor and opened it up to find a pair of condensers and a Breaker/Points assembly.

Things that I could use some help with:
1. Is there a Sierra part number for the condensers (Merc # 1283) so I can buy them locally? (Napa, etc) If no, what would you recommend using?
2. Is there something else in the distributor that could be causing the short?
3. What, if anything, should I do with the points assembly? I'm very competent with fuel injection repairs, but this is a bit beyond my area of expertise. Is annual adjustment required, are these typically good for the life of the motor, or some level of service in-between? (Michigan, fresh water environment)

Lastly, if you've had experience with this motor before, how difficult is the water pump impeller change? (that's next on the agenda after she fires up)

Thanks for any help you can offer and God bless.

 

[Laddies]

Re: Need condensor/points/igniton info (1964 Merc 850)

Those parts must be purchaced through a Mercury dealer, here's a link http://www.eastcoastmarineservice.com/ignsys.html
As far as any thing else in the dist causing a short there is not, just remember that 1 set of points are closed at all times and would show up as a short.

 

[Outboarder]

Re: Need condensor/points/igniton info (1964 Merc 850)

Thanks for the help, I appreciate it!

Regarding the points, just to confirm how this works: Of the two wires entering the distributor, one will be grounded, the other open, and then they reverse states as the shaft rotates. Yes? -And the condenser is just a capacitor to help with pushing enough current through the coil for a proper spark?

Thanks again for the help and for your patience, -and for passing your knowledge to the next generation.

 

[aganser]

Re: Need condensor/points/igniton info (1964 Merc 850)

Try these guys?

http://www.pfs-ware.com/phpBB3/

Bob G

 

[Laddies]

Re: Need condensor/points/igniton info (1964 Merc 850)

Yes, thats they way it functions, there is a slight overlap with the points and it's possable for a condenser to short to ground.