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?

[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.