OMC 190 Stringer: upgrading the ignition

[SeanMcl]

I'm pretty ignorant about ignition systems, so if anyone has experience in this, I'd appreciate a whack from the clue stick.

I've got a 1974 Gulfstream with a OMC 190 Sterndrive, Ford 302 motor. It has a Prestolite distributor in it, and since they are out of business I can't get new parts for it. It needs at least a new cap and rotor, I did not get down into the points.

I'd like to replace it with a new points-less distributor, and Mallory makes a marine unit that looks like a drop in replacement, number YLM512CV. I would replace the coil and plug wires at the same time.

3 Questions.
1. Are there any more parts I need to make the swap, are is the new distributor, coil and plugs enough?

2. How do I adjust the timing and advance, or do I not need to do that anymore?

3. Will my old tach still work? The manual hasn't much to say about it.

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[WizeOne]

Re: OMC 190 Stringer: upgrading the ignition

I'm pretty ignorant about ignition systems, so if anyone has experience in this, I'd appreciate a whack from the clue stick.

I've got a 1974 Gulfstream with a OMC 190 Sterndrive, Ford 302 motor. It has a Prestolite distributor in it, and since they are out of business I can't get new parts for it. It needs at least a new cap and rotor, I did not get down into the points.

I'd like to replace it with a new points-less distributor, and Mallory makes a marine unit that looks like a drop in replacement, number YLM512CV. I would replace the coil and plug wires at the same time.

3 Questions.
1. Are there any more parts I need to make the swap, are is the new distributor, coil and plugs enough?

2. How do I adjust the timing and advance, or do I not need to do that anymore?

3. Will my old tach still work? The manual hasn't much to say about it.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Napa should have all the parts you should need. If you have an OEM cap and rotor, save it. I would want to do some measurement comparisons between the OEM and the Napa Parts.

As for the Mallory, I have no clue as to the timing curve that is built into it or if it adjustable. You need to ask first. The Seloc or Factory manual for your setup will have a chart with the advance curve you should have.

You would still need to set your intitial advance the old fashioned way. As for your tach, I would ask about that also. If you have an original tach it may be an 'analogue' tach and I understand that all tachs have now been digital for some time.