Distributor Conversion - What are the benefits

brentm77 · **Posted:** Thu Jun 11, 2015 5:26 pm

As I discussed in a previous threat, I paid to have my entire distributor on my 1987 170 Horizon converted to a marine distributor (when I bought it, it had an automotive distributor installed when the engine was rebuilt).

The labor on the invoice was good, it was the conversion kit that was crazy - nearly $600. It says it is an electronic conversion kit. I believe the original part would have been a points distributor.

Not knowing much about distributors, my question is whether there are pros or cons to converting to an electronic system.

Thanks,
Brent

LouC · **Posted:** Thu Jun 11, 2015 8:22 pm

Well yes because then you don't have to maintain points that need to be replaced every 3-4 seasons. But they have to use a different ESA module that will work with the electronic dist. The ESA it came with was designed to work with points a.

rpengr · **Posted:** Fri Jun 12, 2015 7:24 am

...and the points distributor will also have degraded performance as the points get old (not as smooth idle, misfires). The Electronic ignition is far superior.

GottWhat · **Posted:** Fri Jun 12, 2015 8:27 am

Exactly, the only downside is the initial cost.

brentm77 · **Posted:** Fri Jun 12, 2015 9:11 am

Thanks- I feel a little better about the money spent now. I was on the fence since there appeared to be a debate over whether it mattered if I kept the auto distributor on or changed it for the marine distributor.

The guy that installed the steering cable (different place than where the distributor was installed) put this on the invoice: WARNING, AUTO DISTRIBUTOR ON MOTOR COULD CAUSE FIRE OR SMALL EXPLOSION

brentm77 · **Posted:** Fri Jun 12, 2015 9:12 am

PS - someone on the other thread asked me to take pictures of both distributors for comparison purposes. I am told he left the old one in the boat, so I will try to do that this weekend.

usje141 · **Joined:** Sat Apr 24, 2010 9:22 am **Posts:** 78

Okay, I'm going to expose my mechanical ignorance by posing this question: I have a 2006 4.3 carb VP 190 Hp engine in which I have not touched the distributor cap, let alone changed the points. Still runs great up through last season (hasn't see the water yet this year). Should I be changing the distributor cap? Should I be considering a conversion like brentm77? Hmm...

LouC · **Posted:** Fri Jun 12, 2015 7:04 pm

Ahh...you already HAVE electronic ignition...you probably should replace the cap and rotor if it has not been done for 3-4 seasons.
Marine dist differences:
Ignition protected
Proper advance curve for constant load use
Mechanical or electronic spark advance no vaccum advance which works on cars not boats

Surface Interval · **Posted:** Sun Jun 14, 2015 10:06 am

Advantages of electronic ignition.
1. Hotter more consistent spark.
2. More dependable and consistent for years of trouble free operation.
3. Sealed components in an electronic system are less suseptible to moisture. Long periods of inactivity can cause points to oxidize and not make contact so engine may not run.
4. Cheaper in the long run due to less maintenance costs. Don't have to re-time distributor or change and adjust points due to points or cam follower wear.

For perspective, how often do you have ignition problems with your car?

Disadvantages:
1. If electronic ignition is installed, a rare failure usually requires replacement parts. A mechanic can sometimes repair a points system on the water, but you don't always have a good mechanic on board..... ;-)

2. You might not be the most frequent customer at the repair shop, and may not get as many invitations to their Xmas party.

LouC · **Posted:** Sun Jun 14, 2015 4:19 pm

One advantage of the old school points system as all you have are the points, condenser and ignition coil. All of which are available in the aftermarket as well as OE. What happens with older boats is that certain specialized parts like electronic ignition modules become No Longer Available...like EFI parts...
Whereas...I can always get points...or a 4bbl carb....

brentm77 · **Posted:** Mon Jun 15, 2015 11:43 am

Great information, as always.

For the user who asked for photos of the old and new distributor, here they are (I can't get the images to show in my posts, so links will need to do for now):

https://goo.gl/photos/qxum7foawztUsdzB7

https://goo.gl/photos/8Pd5ppy7tNc8vVB28

https://goo.gl/photos/gxDP9NtrQdGGieRy5

https://goo.gl/photos/Lvt35y7k2vs2Sr6S9

https://goo.gl/photos/iDPW7ogWpyTJK9aj7

https://goo.gl/photos/5zaq9WCT3EHxJw9G8

www.iFourWinns.com

Distributor Conversion - What are the benefits

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