Electronic ignition for Mercruiser 170 (1985)?

[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.

[twhrider2]

Scook, Sorry to hear about your troubles.. but a couple of things come to mind.
What type of coil do you have..if new then it is probably internally resisted so do away with purple resistor wire as per pertronix instructions.
My engine was starting and running great then suddenly would not fire. Checked, tested, pulled jumpers made phone calls..nothing. Turned out to be my "rebuilt" starter. Even though it was spinning and sounded good it was dragging enough to pull voltage down and the pertronix 2 was shutting down on low voltage. New starter and bingo!!!! (Thanks for the tip Spare).
These engines really put a load on starters and the pertronix will protect itself with high or low voltage shut down. Also might try pulling a jumper from battery+ to coil + and see what happens. Not a mech. by any means just some areas I have already delt with.
Good luck and I'm sure Spare and Ferm will be along shortly with more ideas.