How to convert points to electronic

[redfisher2003]

I want to convert a 1975 evinrude 25 hp from points to electronic. I bought the kit but it did not come with the instructions. I once did it on a big old weedeater and it worked great. Can anybody guide me.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: How to convert points to electronic

Requirements: The elect needs to be powered somehow (+12V) , offer a ground to the ignition coil on demand, and has to be grounded.

Most switches are activated by a "Hall Effect" device which requires a moving magnet (to pass by the coil mounted in the unit) which is mounted on the dist. shaft under the rotor.....be careful when lining up the key and push gently.

Now we have the basics, lets put them in place.

Power is whereever you can get it and is the red wire off the module. Usually you get power from a wire coming from the ignition switch when it's on. The + side of the ignition coil is just such a place, but if you have a ballast resistor in series with it you willl need to get on the supply side of that resistor to get adequate voltage. I doubt that OB's have external ballast resistors like older cars, trucks, and tractors. Easy to tell, with your engine running if you have 12v on the supply side (+) of the coil you are good to go. If a lot less then look for the resistor.

Now we have power.

Next, we need to switch current through the ignition coil so the black wire is the "switched" connection so it connects to the - terminal of the coil......the one that is connected to the distributor coming from the points (which you will be removing).

Now out with the points and rotor and in with the module. Attached, there is your ground.

Now all we have to do is put the magnetic "hootus" on the dist shaft, put the rotor and cap back on and set the timing.

I have done installations on farm tractors where you didn't need to set the timing.

On an OB engine I have no idea as to how to do it since the linkage is different and more complicated due to the back drag function when you come off full throttle.

Maybe someone will pick this up and explain that.

Best I can do.

Mark

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: How to convert points to electronic

Are you talking about the "Magnatune" electronic point replacement kit from Sierra?

 

[redfisher2003]

Re: How to convert points to electronic

Yes I bought the magnatune kit but the installation instructions were left out when they sent the parts.

 

[steelespike]

Re: How to convert points to electronic

I would contact the seller and ask for the instructions.
Maybe they can scan and email.
I don't understand changing over a system that still has
all parts readily available is proven over 50+ years and is based on a successful system from the early 1900s.I don't think you will feel any difference in performance and you may have a diagnostic nightmare if you have a failure.

 

[redfisher2003]

Re: How to convert points to electronic

Latest word, Sierra faxed me the instructions. I will update one last time when I get the top seal. But to make a long story short basically it seems all I have to do is fix open the points, remove the condensor and wire in the two modules to the stop switch line at one end and then ground the modules to the motor with the included bracket. If your motor does not have a shut off switch you remove the points and condensor and use the bracket to replace the points on the armature plate. You do need the instructions. I have to wait for a seal so I will not report on the performance until I get the seal in San Antonio and install the modules. Two weeks at least because the dealer is taking this week off.
RedFisher out.

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: How to convert points to electronic

I'm anxious to see what you think of them!

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: How to convert points to electronic

I installed something similar to this about 30 years ago on a 3.5hp Westbend. It still works flawlessly!

 

[Texasmark]

Re: How to convert points to electronic

Sounds like you are on your way......great.

Steele, for the record, the problem I found with conventional ignitions in farm tractors, is that the points will develop a greenish moldy film over time and it insulates the points requiring cleaning to get the engine operational. Electronic ignitions don't have that problem.

Only had a problem with one and it was not it's fault. I was trouble shooting another problem and accidentally damamged it.

Now, for the record, what about ignition timing when you are finished. No one mentioned that.

Mark

 

[redfisher2003]

Re: How to convert points to electronic

TMark,
I am still waiting for the seal but on the timing issue: on these two cylinder magneto systems timing is a linkage adjustment and that has not been the problem. I will get back to you when I finish but when I have replaced the points before it was much like a lawnmower motor where there is no timing adjustment other than the armature plate advancement.
Red

 

[steelespike]

Re: How to convert points to electronic

Sounds like you are on your way......great.

Steele, for the record, the problem I found with conventional ignitions in farm tractors, is that the points will develop a greenish moldy film over time and it insulates the points requiring cleaning to get the engine operational. Electronic ignitions don't have that problem.

Only had a problem with one and it was not it's fault. I was trouble shooting another problem and accidentally damamged it.

Now, for the record, what about ignition timing when you are finished. No one mentioned that.

Mark

It does appear that the Magnatune conversion is pretty reliable.Especially for systems that may be out of production.
I think the OMC point systems are very reliable.
If I recall correctly we had a 61 18 Evinrude and never touched the points in 6 years.Our 67 40 hp.I think we tuned once in 20 years.Don't remember replacing the coils in that time but with their record we probably had to.
Anyway good luck with the instalation Red.

 

[Laddies]

Re: How to convert points to electronic

Magnatune is great on small engines but will not work with a under flywheel charging system, the extra magnets in the flywheel confuse it

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: How to convert points to electronic

Magnatune works, but takes one helluva yank compared to points. Your motor, no biggie. My old 40Hp, I switched back to points.

 

[Willyclay]

Re: How to convert points to electronic

The electronic ignition is the way to go but your coils and flywheel magnets have to be good. Did it on my 1973 Evinrude 6hp and it works great! Believe they have the same points, condensor and coils as your 25.

 

[redfisher2003]

Re: How to convert points to electronic

Guys I am about to do the job maybe this weekend. But it is in the mid 30's. I have the seal and the instructions. I am still concerned about the those charging magnets because I have not looked under that flywheel in a while though I have clear recollections that it was weird that I did not have the charging system. I do have electric start but no battery charging that I know of. I am trying this job to correct the the armature plate wiggle that makes the points hard to set and keep set. I will get back to you guys cause there are some questions to be answered. One guy said the motor should idle after the seal is replaced. I will get back soon. Redfish

 

[redfisher2003]

Re: How to convert points to electronic

The conversion is a success. Easy to start, good low idle speed now and no points to set with the armature plate problem. It took until Christmas break to find the time to take the motor apart, but it was a simple conversion. I removed the movable side of the points and then spliced in the module to the wire connected to the cut off switch from each cylinder. You can have a look the module mounted on the motor at this address: http://new.photos.yahoo.com/fmhawley/albums (you can also see the little clamming skiff I use this motor on. It is a John Gardner designed Traditional Boat built in an untraditional manner out of plywood and epoxy. The only frames in the boat are the platform supports. They just got in the way of cleaning on the sides and the bottom. I went with wood strips glued to the bottom in the hull for extra strength where it was needed most.)

 

[JasonJ]

Re: How to convert points to electronic

It would be a good idea to carry your points and associated hardware in a baggy somewhere safe in the boat. That way if the module dies, or you mysteriously experience an EMP pulse while fishing (it could happen ), you can put the points back in and get home....

 

[redfisher2003]

Re: How to convert points to electronic

Thanks for the thought, I do carry backup. The boat just made a gulf coast fishing trip today (one good keeper trout, many under sized) and it is by far a better tuned motor with the modules. I wanted it to idle as slow as possible so I can use down rigger and it purrs like a kitten. If you still want to reach me with a question or something, use fmhawley@yahoo.com, this mission has been completed. Redfisher is signing out.

 

[Willyclay]

Re: How to convert points to electronic

Glad you like the results. Better living through modern technology!

 

[Saskatoon2005]

Re: How to convert points to electronic

I was thinking of putting this kit on my 1961 Johnson 40HP outboard. I use the electric start because I don't have a pull starter (it was removed before I bought it) and now I would like to get the motor to idle perfectly while trolling. Mine does not cut out, but it does sputter like it wants to some times. I wonder if this kit would fix my problem.