Wanted; Opinions and feedback on pointless ignition.

[projecthog]

Hello folks,

I have been messing with points and timing on an inline four Mercruiser/120.

I finally came to the point of wanting to omit the points all together and install a generic pointless ignition kit.

I went to the local CarQuest supplier and spent a good hour to finally come up with "one only" available item at a cost of something to the effect of a 180 something bucks.

The price seems a little steep to me as I thought they were maybe around 80 dollars at the most.

I know Canadian prices are a bit higher but they're not usually THAT bad.

Anyway, are there any pros or cons about changing ignition breaker methods?
I would like to hear a few results and stuff if that's possible.

I am doing a Merc 120, but it shouldn't matter what engine you use, I just want some feedback on the idea.

Thanks,
John.

UPDATE,
As soon as I put it out here I found a source, so that's not a problem anymore, but I would still like to have a few comments, so I can make a decision.

Thanks,
John.

 

[FunInDuhSun]

Re: Wanted; Opinions and feedback on pointless ignition.

I've put Prestolite ignitions on 2 boats. Never had any problem with either of them.
Biggest advantage is that they will never wear out. Go for it.

 

[projecthog]

Re: Wanted; Opinions and feedback on pointless ignition.

Thanks,

Those are the kind of comments I am looking for, like customer feed backs .

I had installed a set on a chevvy car one time for someone, he'd bought it and asked if I could install it, but never had the opportunity to find out how it lasted or how it performed after a while.

I appreciate the reply, thanks, John.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Wanted; Opinions and feedback on pointless ignition.

John, I/O ignition systems are not always the same as the automotive version of that motor. I would repost this in the I/O forum and lte those experts help you.

 

[Boatist]

Re: Wanted; Opinions and feedback on pointless ignition.

I know many think the pointless is better. I will keep my points.
My 1980 OMC 140 HP I have changed the points twice.
I will admit the second time was out in the ocean about 5 miles from port.
Started the kicker and put the wife on the wheel to head in.
Troubleshot the motor and found no spark.
Pulled the distributer Cap and points looked bad.
Could have just cleaned with a burnishing tool but instead just changed.
Took 10 minutes and we were back underway to our fishing spot.

One thing for sure do not get the Pentronics I model because if you leave the key on with the motor stopped for just a few minutes it burns up.

The Pentronics II model they corrected the problem.

From my point of view my points have been very reliable and very cheap and easy to repair at home or on the water.

Current electronics ingition system also very good but some of the add on system like the printronics I will leave you dead in the water.

If your having a lot of problems with points it is usually because of an inbalance.
Points, Condenser, and coil need to be matched.
I find factory componets are very solid but if someone add and different high voltage coil or changes the ballast resistor it can throw things out of balance and you will have problems until it get back to normal.

Also for myself I like to be able to fix anything on the water.
Boating with my boats since 1967 and never been towed in.
My offshore boat I do have a 15 hp kicker just in case but never came in with it.