Spitfire to points type distibutor ignition conversion

[sam60]

I want to eliminate the spitfire ignition on my engine. If the crank sensor fails, I am dead in the water. I would rather the timing ring just be along for the ride.

For those of you who have done this, what products did you use, how was the tech support and how do you reconnect the circuits that enter and exit the spitfire module when you eliminate it? I've looked at the posts in the library and really don't see a complete explanation on how this is done.

Thanks

 

[Don S]

Re: Spitfire to points type distibutor ignition conversion

Before you go doing something silly like going backwards to a points distributor, (Not sure you will even find one)
Might want to think about the Delco EST distributor. All electronic and parts easily available.
http://www.michiganmotorz.com/delco-voyager-marine-electronic-distributor-p-142.html
The can also be used with the ESA (shift interrupt) system needed for dog clutch drives.

 

[sam60]

Re: Spitfire to points type distibutor ignition conversion

Might want to think about the Delco EST distributor. All electronic and parts easily available.

Thanks Don. I'll need to find more info on what to do with the spitfire module wiring. I'll contact Michigan Motorz and see what they can tell me.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Spitfire to points type distibutor ignition conversion

Before you go doing something silly like going backwards to a points distributor, (Not sure you will even find one)
Might want to think about the Delco EST distributor. All electronic and parts easily available.
http://www.michiganmotorz.com/delco-voyager-marine-electronic-distributor-p-142.html
The can also be used with the ESA (shift interrupt) system needed for dog clutch drives.

But that might not help him though. He doesn't have a dog clutch.

You also might be able to just get an MSD or Mallory Marine dist to replace the Spitfire.....I don't think they have models that use a knock sensor. It's not the end of the world if you don't have a knock sensor. It just means that you cannot run as advanced as you previously did (which probably means that you must experiment a tad with timing)

Or maybe get a complete Thunderbolt IV or V and use the knock sensor for it.

 

[Don S]

Re: Spitfire to points type distibutor ignition conversion

But that might not help him though. He doesn't have a dog clutch.

Then that makes it even easier. I didn't bother looking up what he had, and I sure wouldn't recommend spending a grand to put a Thunderbolt system in.
Personally, if it has the name Mallory on it, I wouldn't allow it on my boat. Their stuff is just junk.

Thanks Don. I'll need to find more info on what to do with the spitfire module wiring. I'll contact Michigan Motorz and see what they can tell me.

It's just a matter of removing the Spitfire stuff. The only thing you will need for the EST is the purple wire.

I'll find a wiring diagram and show you what I mean.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Spitfire to points type distibutor ignition conversion

Then that makes it even easier. I didn't bother looking up what he had, and I sure wouldn't recommend spending a grand to put a Thunderbolt system in.
Personally, if it has the name Mallory on it, I wouldn't allow it on my boat. Their stuff is just junk.

You're probably right, I don't know anything about Mallory. I just know it's one of the available ignition systems.


I have seen complete TB distributors for sale (with and without the modules) used for a LOT less than $1k.

(.....I just LOVE the internet....and ebay---> Here's one) I don't think it includes the knock and/ECM modules though......but looking at the picture maybe it does. I'll bet the actual knock sensor is not included though) It's Michigan Motors. You would need to call and ask them what it includes....

That would allow the use of the knock sensor........ I don't think the EST uses a sensor does it?

In the grand scheme of things, the knock sensor probably doesn't matter. You'll probably not notice the slight difference in power by having to retard the timing the little bit you would have to go not having knock sensing.......

The guy that bought my 460 (1987 points type) distributor used it to replace the one on his 1990 (Spitfire equipped) 460 King Cobra. It also had a knock sensor. He said it ran "ok" with the "regular" dist but he had to time it like an 87 model.

 

[sam60]

Re: Spitfire to points type distibutor ignition conversion

It's just a matter of removing the Spitfire stuff. The only thing you will need for the EST is the purple wire.

I'll find a wiring diagram and show you what I mean.

Don-

I am interested in your help on this. I want to see what you think on the wiring before I order the setup. I WILL follow your directions this time.

Thanks

 

[stackz]

Re: Spitfire to points type distibutor ignition conversion

just curious whats stopping him from just keeping a spare crank sensor with him and the tools needed to replace it? is it buried inside the timing cover or something? I mean if the ring is on the outside, the sensor will be on the outside, they normally only have like two 7mm or so bolts holding them in place. are they obsolete or something?

 

[Don S]

Re: Spitfire to points type distibutor ignition conversion

just curious whats stopping him from just keeping a spare crank sensor with him and the tools needed to replace it?

That part and a couple other items in the system are no longer available (NLA). Other than that, no problem.

I want to see what you think on the wiring before I order the setup.

I have no porblems helping you, Most of the wiring can just be removed. There will be a few that will have to be re-routed and hooked in different places. Nothing major. Biggest problem is me not being able to see it.
When I say something like disconnect the purple/black wire from the 12.5A breaker, you have to be able to locate it and do the job, because I am just looking at a wiring diagram, not your engine.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Spitfire to points type distibutor ignition conversion

are they obsolete or something?

Just about ALL the major "showstopper" parts for the 90+ OMC Spitfire and EFI engines are NLA. (unless you can find something still used by VP or it's collecting dust on the shelves of a former OMC dealer)

Just about anything OMC is becoming pretty much "obsolete"

 

[Don S]

Re: Spitfire to points type distibutor ignition conversion

Ok, here is the wiring diagram as your engine should be

Here is the drawing with the items marked that you have to deal with.

Here is what you need to do with each of the marked items.


A- Gray wire. This is for the tachometer and can be cut close to the connector on the module. It will be hooked up to the EST coil.
B- Tan/black wire. Used for the alarm buzzer on the helm. Cut it off to, tape the end and fold it back to the harness neatly out of the way, it will not be used, your alarm will still work.
C-White wire. Used for shift interrupt, cut off at connector, it will hook to the the EST distributor.
D-Purple/Black. Disconnet from the circuit breaker and discard with module. No longer needed.
E-12-1/2 amp breaker will no longer be used. The purple wire from the EST coil will hook to the 2 purple wires on the breaker.
F-Shift interrupt connector. The switch will be hooked different for the EST distributor. The W wire will go to the distributor (see diagram with EST distributor, and the B wire will become purple to the distributor itself.
G- Tan/Black (oops, already have that wire covered, see B above).
H- Black wire to module, Cut off and tape back. Not used anymore.
J- Green/black wire to knock module. Disconnect from knock sensor and discard. Sensor will not be needed any longer

Here is how the new EST distributor and coil are wired in. Will get into it a bit more when you have the new one in your hand and can see what the connectors are.

 

[sam60]

Re: Spitfire to points type distibutor ignition conversion

Don-

Thank you very much for your help! You are very good at PDF editing also. I will get the stuff ordered by the end of the month and do the once-over with some pics before we get started.

I suppose the circuitry on the Spitfire is probably different for every OMC engine model number, so I might not have much luck getting the spitfire sold, or will I? I also have a new knock sensor (986323) in the OMC box that I can get rid of.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Spitfire to points type distibutor ignition conversion

I might not have much luck getting the spitfire sold, or will I?

Au contraire! I think you can probably put the entire system on EBAY and get a fair amount of money for it as long as everything works!

 

[sam60]

Re: Spitfire to points type distibutor ignition conversion

Au contraire! I think you can probably put the entire system on EBAY and get a fair amount of money for it as long as everything works!

It all worked on the first and only outing and I can hit the key now and it will fire right up.

I will keep selling it in mind while removing.

One can also get all of the engine parts here: ...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/OMC-King-Co...lock-Complete-Drop-Engine-Motor-/260892094917

But that's a lot 'O money

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Spitfire to points type distibutor ignition conversion

EBAY is a great place to sell stuff! There's MANY people that buy things that do not do their homework! Some will pay more for something on EBAY that can be had for retail at "regular" shops and stores!........

This guy will probably get someone to buy it at that ridiculous price!!...........Then the dude will show up here asking where he can buy "parts" for it!!

Ahh....."The circle of life"!!!

 

[sam60]

Re: Spitfire to points type distibutor ignition conversion

[QUOTEI will get the stuff ordered by the end of the month and do the once-over with some pics before we get started.[/QUOTE]

The company that I work for is all of sudden on COD with our vendors and my commission check is late.:facepalm:

Won't be ordering distributor until I know what's up.

Not good.

 

[skippy jim]

Re: Spitfire to points type distibutor ignition conversion

hello new to this site: I'm the proud owner of a '77 Skip jack 24 fly bridge the boats in excellent shape. I'm the second owner of this jewell. the previous owner had her repowered in the mid 90's with a 7.4 king cobra it's a 94 model. it only has 166 hrs on it. the boat runs beautifuly. we use it to cruise out to the channel islands here in so.cal.
OK let me get to the point. I'm concerned about the splitfire iginition (althought I've had no issues yet) but the last thing I need is to be out 30 or 40 miles and have a problem thats not repairable out there. I'm pretty handy with engines and electrical systems. and carry a very well stocked assortment of tools...( this isn't my first rodeo with boats).
My thoughts where to do an ignition conversion to an MSD 6AL box. is the current distributor compatable with this ign.box? I've read all the threads on this subject here, and was pouring over the wire schematics..thank you they are very helpful. but am still alittle confused about the install. has any one done a conversion to the MSD system ? what about a pertronix system with out the knock sensor or the crank trigger and keep it very basic. I ran one of those on my last boat and it lasted for years with out a single problem. just trying to figure this out. I'm a true believer in the K.I.S.S. philosophy. any thoughts would be great. Jim

 

[Don S]

Re: Spitfire to points type distibutor ignition conversion

Welcome to iboats Jim. You need to start a new thread of your own instead of posting on someone elses thread with your question. Perhaps you missed the Announcement at the top of this forum. http://forums.iboats.com/announcement.php?f=444

 

[sam60]

Re: Spitfire to points type distibutor ignition conversion

[QUOTEI will get the stuff ordered by the end of the month and do the once-over with some pics before we get started.

The company that I work for is all of sudden on COD with our vendors and my commission check is late.:facepalm:

Won't be ordering distributor until I know what's up.

Not good.[/QUOTE]

Was trying to sell a Suzuki for boat cash, but that didn't work as planned,...purchase from Michigan Motors still in the delay mode.

 

[sam60]

Re: Spitfire to points type distibutor ignition conversion

It's Ordered...WOO HOO! Weather is too nice here to not have the boat ready to go.