Electronic ignition for Mercruiser 170 (1985)?

[scook]

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.

[dan4836]

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.

[scook]

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.

[scook]

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.

[Liam]

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.

[spareparts]

Originally Posted by Liam

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.

what he said, make sure you have the ohm meter in the correct range

[scook]

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?