Electronic ignition for Mercruiser 170 (1985)?

scook

scook

God
My distributor shaft is pretty sloppy and a supplier out here (pacific northwest) says electronic ignition will really boost performance. Since I need to fix it anyway I thought this might be a good time to do it right.

Any comments on whether electronic ignition is worthwhile and if so recommendations on what to get? I'm figuring on gettting a high voltage coil, etc.

A motorhead friend is suggesting a local ignition shop that does all kinds of engines but the supplier seems to have a lot of experience with 170's - I'm looking for a little more input.

I really want to be ready this year - supposed to be a record Salmon run - want to be in good shape for that.
 
Pertronix 2 w/Flamethrower 2 coil and 8mm plug wires. I also opened plug gaps to .045. Good starts and will idle smoothly at 500 to 550 rpm.
 
pertronix is the way to go, but if your distributor shaft is sloppy, it may create new problems, see if you can get the slop out of the shaft before you add to the issue. Is it in the shaft to housing fit? Or is it in the upper shaft to lower? Remember you can use a distributor for a 3.0L/2.5L 120/130/140 as a parts distributor if you can't find a 3.7L. The electronic ignition will help with the slop because there's no side load from the points, but it could lead to erratic timing if the there is enough play.
 
Yep! The Pertronix ignition and the Flamethrower coil are definately the way to go!! Changed my 170 over years ago when I rebuilt the motor and it was a really good upgrade. Starts alot faster and runs 100% better. Keep your old points and condenser just in case.
 
Thanks - I love it when everybody agrees. I need to dig into my manual about the upper/lower shaft thing and poke around the distributor to get the problem narrowed down. I'll get back with more questions when I understand what I don't understand better.
 
The pertronix ignition module is really easy to install, Also I was told never leave your switch on when not running it could damage the module. I think Mallory makes a simular unit but havent heard anything about.
 
cfelton ...you are correct about leaving the switch on with the pertronix 1, but the pertronix 2 is supposedly (smarter) and will shut down to protect itself also on low and high voltage.
 
twhrider2 said:
cfelton ...you are correct about leaving the switch on with the pertronix 1, but the pertronix 2 is supposedly (smarter) and will shut down to protect itself also on low and high voltage.
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Don't tell that to the model t guys. A common conversion on the model T is to add on a VW distributor, and many have added in the PERTRONIX 2 and had them melt down. One guy had an actual fire from it and did quite a bit of damage.
 
We, my brother and I own an 87 V20 and we just had the ignition upgraded to an electronic unit. Do not know what brand, but we were assured a faster starting engine and slower trolling speed as we would be able to idle the engine down much lower than before. Haven't had it on the water yet, but we are expecting good things. Make the change, I'm sure you will be pleased. Have a safe boating season!
 
Thanks for all the great replies - I'm hoping this boating season will be a little LESS safe for the fish swiming near my V than last year:). I'll post progress and results.
 
Petronix

I installed the Petronix ignition last year and for the money, it was one of the best upgrades I did. Super fast starts and smooth running. I cannot comment on fuel economy because I did not take a baseline prior to the installation but I am sure I am doing better than points.
 
I picked up the rebuilt distributor with Pertronix kit in it and Flame Thrower coil today. The old shaft was gauled badly and I can only imagine how bad the bushings were worn - no more side play and I'm pawing the ground to get the new stuff installed. Hopefully this weekend - we'll see if work cuts me a little slack.
 
Well, no continuity in my existing wires - planning to get some bulk MSD spiral core wire and make up a set. Any comments or warnings before I order the wire? Also, on a boat the size of a V-20 is there a requirement that the wire be USCG approved? MSD sold their marine business, but says there's no difference in the insulation on the marine and the automotive product.
 
Are the wires completely open circuit? Spark plug wires could be up to 1200 ohms per foot . It would be unusual if they are all open circuit.
 
They have that carbon??? kind of core - Looking at the coil wire, I could see the open circuit at one end. I checked the coil and one plug wire with my best, auto-ranging meter and got the same reading I get when I hold the probes 3' apart:) - I think they're open. I could probably take off the end connectors and re install them. Do you think it's worth messing with or just do the new wires - any reason not to use the spiral core?
 
get new wires, oem wires aren't carbon core. I sell Megamag marine wires, they are decent. for my own personal use, I get the Moroso spiral core
 
I got MSD bulk spiral core wire and multi-angle plug connectors. My son (mechanic) and I almost got hernias getting one of the boots over the wire and then back down over the connector. We slathered it with dielectric grease but it was still really hard to get it on and then couldn't twist the wire in the boot to align the MSD logo so it will be where I want it when I bend the connector.

Any tips would be appreciated. Thanks
 
scook said:
I got MSD bulk spiral core wire and multi-angle plug connectors. My son (mechanic) and I almost got hernias getting one of the boots over the wire and then back down over the connector. We slathered it with dielectric grease but it was still really hard to get it on and then couldn't twist the wire in the boot to align the MSD logo so it will be where I want it when I bend the connector.

Any tips would be appreciated. Thanks
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Silicone spray lube and the boots will slide right on. Just keep in mind once the spray dries, the boot will be locked in place.
 
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