Question About Distributors

[betayv]

Hi There Guys And Happy Holidays For Everybody On The Forums, I Have A 1979 Mercruiser 228 With A Distributor My Distributor Use Point And Condenser, If I Change My Dist To A Electronic Distributor What Will Be The Difference I Will Get Better Performance, And I See Some Brands Like Mallory Or Pertronic Are They Good Brands, By The Way My Boat Start Right Up Is Not Like I Having Ignition Prblems But You Guys Will Recommend Replace It Or Leave It Like Is Now Thanks Again.

 

[bugman1964]

Re: Question About Distributors

I am a firm beleiver if it ain't broke don't fix it. The motor is a 1979 and you may find that some of the nuts, bolts, screws may be a little corroded or difficult to remove. If there is no problems with the ignition why change it.

 

[chiefalen]

Re: Question About Distributors

Happy holiday back to you and everyone else that reads this.

Points are simple easy, and have been around forever, maybe even longer,than Don s maybe not.

Leave it ALONE.

P.s if anyone want to put me on the gift list i see a dandy cordless 28 volt drill, in home depot that i can make room for, Rigid, if a battery don't ever charge they wil give you another one, forever.

 

[180shabah]

Re: Question About Distributors

Vote #5 for leave it alone.

 

[ziggy]

Re: Question About Distributors

me too..... i still got points with no intention of modifying it...
vote #6.....

 

[Bondo]

Re: Question About Distributors

Ayuh,....

There's but 1 reason for swapping,...
You'll Never have to set or adjust the Points again....
That's It,.... No performance gains....

And,...
If changing the Points is enough to push you to swap it out,...
Find a good used Mercruiser T-Bolt IV system to upgrade too...

 

[betayv]

Re: Question About Distributors

thanks for the response I will leave it like is now like I sain dont have any problems yet thanks again and happy holidays.

 

[twostroke87]

Re: Question About Distributors

Also, just something to think about. If you keep spare parts on your boat and you have points, and the system fails, you will get home. Whereas with electronic ignition, chances are you won't have the parts you need with you.

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Question About Distributors

Also, just something to think about. If you keep spare parts on your boat and you have points, and the system fails, you will get home. Whereas with electronic ignition, chances are you won't have the parts you need with you.

Personally I like the Pertronix kit because it is easy and reliable. No more changing or adjusting points again for me. For those concerned about breaking down with electronic I would make a few "points" ...

... First - the chances are good the elctronic ignition will not break down while you are on the water.

... Second - how many times have you had to change points while you are on the water anyway?

... Thirdly - With the pertronix kit you replace the plate that the original points sit on. If it makes you feel better, you can simply put the original points assembly in a baggie and keep them with you on the boat for those "emergency" situations.

... Fourth - Seatow is a better emergency solution anyway!

 

[180shabah]

Re: Question About Distributors

... Fourth - Seatow is a better emergency solution anyway!

Gotta agree with that.

Just how often does the ignition module go bad anyway?

 

[chiefalen]

Re: Question About Distributors

At the start of the season you should always check, points, plugs, wires.etc.

I clean the plugs and gap check each one. Same with the points.

I also check the cap real, real good for cracks, and good contacts, rotor also.

I also check to see if there is any wiggle in my shaft. And that the weights are moving free.

Some say to do a full tune up and replace all, but the wires.

But with that said, i keep a set of points on board, also 2-3 spark plugs, never needed them though.

 

[abj87]

Re: Question About Distributors

Points MIGHT need adjustment every 250hrs. Save you money and spend it gas for the boat instead.