OMC Cobra 2.3L Breakerless Distributor Installation Concerns

[Dtruedog]

I am considering replacing the old, original distributor on my 1989 Cobra 2.3l (Ford) with a Mallory mag. breakerless distributor, MAA_YLM621CV. My concern is compatability, or mods necessary, to run with the shift assist module.

Does anyone have successful experience in making this conversion? Other than this particular Mallory distributor, do you know of other options other than replacing with a new Mallory distributor with points?

 

[bruceb58]

Re: OMC Cobra 2.3L Breakerless Distributor Installation Concerns

Get yours rebuilt if there is anyone that does that in your area. These days, they are becoming harder to find though.

 

[bezerk1]

Re: OMC Cobra 2.3L Breakerless Distributor Installation Concerns

I have a Pertronixs Ignitor 2 in my 2.3, and it was the best upgrade I ever did. Easy install too. Just drop it in, check the gap for the Hall effect sensor, and set the timing. I noticed easier starting, better idle, better slow speed cruise, and just an overall engine smoothness. I removed my ESA and installed a relay connected to the existing ESA micro switches to momentarily ground out the coil when ESA would have been activated. The boat shifts flawless with no effort. This setup works way better than the ESA ever did.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: OMC Cobra 2.3L Breakerless Distributor Installation Concerns

If you can possibly keep the ESA, I would do it. The problem with just using the micro switches is that once the lower shift cable starts to bind a little bit, you are going to be screwed.

Despite what people may think, if your points are in good shape, the Pertronix will give no improvement. It will only save you on maintenance. Sounds like your distributor has other issues which a Pertronix will NOT help.

CDI makes an ESA that will work with most electronic distributors if you go that route.

 

[bezerk1]

Re: OMC Cobra 2.3L Breakerless Distributor Installation Concerns

If your shift cable starts to bind a little bit on an OMC Cobra it should be changed immediately.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: OMC Cobra 2.3L Breakerless Distributor Installation Concerns

If your shift cable starts to bind a little bit on an OMC Cobra it should be changed immediately.

Very true but if you are out somewhere and you can't get back because shifting causes your boat to stall, you are stuck. Having an ESA system in there will keep you from getting stuck.

By the way, a faulty shift cable isn't the only reason it may bind. Having deposits in the bellcrank area will also cause that and will be solved by pulling the drive and cleaning up that area.

 

[bezerk1]

Re: OMC Cobra 2.3L Breakerless Distributor Installation Concerns

I can't imagine a boat getting to far with a stuck micro-switch holding the ESA on. With a relay the boater could easily unplug it to continue operation of the boat. Same with the ESA module. A boater competent enough to change a OMC Cobra shift cable will check for smooth movement an lubricate the bellcrank as per the OMC service manual.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: OMC Cobra 2.3L Breakerless Distributor Installation Concerns

I can't imagine a boat getting to far with a stuck micro-switch holding the ESA on. With a relay the boater could easily unplug it to continue operation of the boat. Same with the ESA module. A boater competent enough to change a OMC Cobra shift cable will check for smooth movement an lubricate the bellcrank as per the OMC service manual.

The newer ESA modules have a timer that only allow it to work for a few seconds. After that it times out. The older ESA's relied on the overstroke switch. Hopefully, you are still using that.

Its not the lubrication of the bellcrank when you install it which is the issue, its the water deposits that form in there.

So how long have you had your Cobra?

 

[bezerk1]

Re: OMC Cobra 2.3L Breakerless Distributor Installation Concerns

I've had my Cobra for a little over a year. Yes, I am still using the overstroke switch. I did not know that the newer ESA's had a timer built into them.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: OMC Cobra 2.3L Breakerless Distributor Installation Concerns

Its good you have the overstroke switch in your circuit. It may keep you from completely stalling when your shift cable starts sticking someday.

 

[Dtruedog]

Re: OMC Cobra 2.3L Breakerless Distributor Installation Concerns

Bruce58,

when you refer to "newer ESA modules", do you know what the part number(s) are and are they plug in replacements for the original minus the overstroke switch in my '89? Also, is there any wiring modification for the cutout switch?
In light of the many great responses I've received to my original post, I think I will keep the ESA in the circuit.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: OMC Cobra 2.3L Breakerless Distributor Installation Concerns

No, you just plug it in. The plug and its wiring itself removes the overstroke switch. You should also consider going to the CDI brand ESA if you did ever want to put in a pertronix, it works fine with them.

The newer OMC ESA came our in the early 90s. I replaced the one on my boat with one around that time frame.

 

[Dtruedog]

Re: OMC Cobra 2.3L Breakerless Distributor Installation Concerns

Thanks for the info. I checked CDI and the replacement ESA seems reasonably priced and a direct plug in as you said. I particularly like the idea of one less Cherry switch setting to worry about if it becomes necessary to troubleshoot the electron flow in he future!