Electronic ignition for Mercruiser 170 (1985)?

[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?

[spareparts]

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

[scook]

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

[THEFERMANATOR]

Originally Posted by scook

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

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.

[spareparts]

mercury power tune sprayed on the boots will make them jump on in place. Its so slippery, I don't bother putting the boots on before I crimp the terminals. It dries up quickly. Works real good on exhaust hose and shift cable bellows

[scook]

I finally got the Pertronix ignition installed and I have no spark.

• There is just short of 12 volts at both sides of the coil, so there's power and the primary has continuity.
• The secondary has continuity - I think it was around 12000 Ohms resistance - I can re-check that if it becomes important.
• Tried #1 spark plug laying on ground and also put a metal extension on the end of the coil wire and held near ground cranked it plenty long for something to happen - nothing.

I'm thinking it's either the ignition module or something wrong with the primary wiring (which I put back the way it was).

Any diagnostic suggestions will be appreciated (I'm a little above my pay grade as far as really understanding the system).

[Striper80]

I'm not 100% familiar with your previous ignition, but if it was a points ignition they usually have a resistor to step the voltage down. I have no idea where it would be on your engine but I know in cars points run on a lower voltage.