Convert "points" system???

[Xesvuli420]

I hear I can buy a kit that will replace the "points" system on my boat over to electronic ignition, is this true? If so can some one help me find some information on this please. I keep forgetting to turn my key of, and dont want to have to worry about the thing burning up on the lake.

it is a 3.0 OMC/Cobra from a 1987 Dixie Bandit 170
It is a 4cyl GM engine and thats all I know so far. I have another thread trying to find out what kind of Engine exactly it is, but as for now, I don't know.

Thanks everyone

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Convert "points" system???

Most people use the Pertronix system. I know they make one for your set up, but the OMC is a little different I believe... others will chime in.

If you do get the Pertronix unit - be sure to get the newer "Ignitor II" - not the original "Ignitor." The biggest differrence is that you can burn up the original "Ignitor" model if you leave the key on - that was supposedly fixed with the "Ignitor II."

Be ready for many to post that it is not necessary, but for me, I am glad to go with the consistency of electronic ignition instead of points. If there is a fear of being stranded, it is very easy to keep the original points in a zip lock baggie and do the emergency change over on the water. Good luck!

 

[Lou C]

Re: Convert "points" system???

The main issue is making the OMC Electronic Shift Assist system work with the electronic ignition...this is necessary to get the dog clutch to release when you shift to neutral....there was a fix to make it work with the Petronix system but you have to make sure this is done right or else you will have shifting problems...I have kept the points and they do require some maintenance but not much....when I started working on cars all of our cars had points...yes it's an ancient system but works OK....

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Convert "points" system???

Leaving the key "ON" will burn any system. How is it that your forgetting to turn the motor off?You don`t have an accessory wired to the ign. circuit. Do you?

 

[windsors03cobra]

Re: Convert "points" system???

Yes wire the accessory side of your ignition switch to play the radio if you wanna listen to some tunes.
Leaving the key in RUN is kinda odd, you turn the engine off then beck on after it stops turning ?

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Convert "points" system???

Unless I missed it, have never seen the "accessory position" on a switch.It`s Off-Run-Start

 

[ErieRon]

Re: Convert "points" system???

Back of switch...terminal marked "A".

 

[KRH1326]

Re: Convert "points" system???

Don S. taught me a good lesson awhile back, don't "modernize" to fix existing problems.

Points systems, mechanical fuel pumps, carbs etc. have been around for a LONG time and they work.

I had grand visions of upgrading the heck out of my rig, but in a one word question from Don, "Why?".

Just another opinion.

 

[dubs283]

Re: Convert "points" system???

i agree with KRH, why upgrade a system that works fine

sounds to me like your problem is forgetfulness, not a mechanical issue

 

[WizeOne]

Re: Convert "points" system???

Pertronix works better. A lot less fussing and a hotter spark. Plain and simple.

 

[Xesvuli420]

Re: Convert "points" system???

Most people use the Pertronix system. I know they make one for your set up, but the OMC is a little different I believe... others will chime in.

If you do get the Pertronix unit - be sure to get the newer "Ignitor II" - not the original "Ignitor." The biggest differrence is that you can burn up the original "Ignitor" model if you leave the key on - that was supposedly fixed with the "Ignitor II."

Be ready for many to post that it is not necessary, but for me, I am glad to go with the consistency of electronic ignition instead of points. If there is a fear of being stranded, it is very easy to keep the original points in a zip lock baggie and do the emergency change over on the water. Good luck!

The main issue is making the OMC Electronic Shift Assist system work with the electronic ignition...this is necessary to get the dog clutch to release when you shift to neutral....there was a fix to make it work with the Petronix system but you have to make sure this is done right or else you will have shifting problems...I have kept the points and they do require some maintenance but not much....when I started working on cars all of our cars had points...yes it's an ancient system but works OK....

Pertronix works better. A lot less fussing and a hotter spark. Plain and simple.

Than you I will look into it!

 

[mcleaves]

Re: Convert "points" system???

Just posted this in another thread ans see it applies here too.

Points fail more often than electronic do, but if they do it's easy to have a spare set. Having an extra electronic replacement is cost prohibitive. But that is what you pay for annual tow insurance.

Personally I hear stories about the problem of electronic failing, but I have yet to meet someone who can tell me it happened to them or friend. I think it's a lot more of a theoretical problem than a real world one.

That said here is my opinion FWIW. If you are going to electronic to replace the hassle of replacing and periodically adjusting points it is without a doubt a purchase you will not regret. I did it on my old AQ125 and never looked back. Ran more evenly longer as the electronic doesn't wear with use.

BUT, if you are going electronic to solve some problem with how it presently runs you are still going to have the same problem after you covert to electronic until you fix it. I see people wanting to go to electronic to solve a million unrelated problems and then wonder why it's not better after the conversion. Until you can set your engine up to run properly on points it's a waste of money to go electronic.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Convert "points" system???

Pertronix works better. A lot less fussing and a hotter spark. Plain and simple.

Please explain how you think the pertronix system will give you a hotter spark!

 

[zbnutcase]

Re: Convert "points" system???

I have "uninstalled" more than one failed Pertronix I units and can't say I'm a fan of them. 'nutcase

 

[myoldboat2]

Re: Convert "points" system???

My Merc 140 was converted to Pertronix about 8 or 9 years ago. Love it. I keep points onboard in a ziplock along with tools and a manual.

My ignition switch is:

Acc - Off - Run - Start

i.e. left one click to run accessories without energizing the ignition. My stereo booster amp, bilge pump and fresh water pump (for the sink) are hardwired to a battery source with switches on the helm; the key doesn't have to be on for them.

 

[WizeOne]

Re: Convert "points" system???

Please explain how you think the pertronix system will give you a hotter spark!

Unless they lie, this is off the Pertronix website:

"Test results show the Ignitor delivers twice the voltage to the spark plugs, increasing horsepower, fuel economy and plug life. A 2:1 improvement over point type systems in current fall time for increased coil output. System is designed for use with most point-type coils"

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Convert "points" system???

I guess that is possible. What they are saying is that the switch is electronic vs mechanical that the field can collapse faster and the voltage would be higher. Of course one could argue that it is better to have the field collapse slower and have a longer duration spark.

 

[ErieRon]

Re: Convert "points" system???

I switched over last spring and have had no problems at all. My engine seems to start faster and stronger, and I've been very happy with the performance. I'm convinced it's the cool red and orange flame sticker on the coil that makes the difference...

 

[WizeOne]

Re: Convert "points" system???

.....Of course one could argue that it is better to have the field collapse slower and have a longer duration spark.

Maybe that is why I am running a multiple spark MSD as well.

But, I do have a Pertronix II as a stand alone unit on my '65 Mustang. There is no doubt that it starts way quicker and runs way smoother, especially on a cold start where the car has been sitting for long periods of time.

 

[justchange]

Re: Convert "points" system???

I've concidered changing my point system to electronic as well. At this point [no pun] I'm not so sure. The points are an antiquated system, However, if they get burnt, they still work. Havn't seen that happen when anything goes bad on the electronic.

Just something to concider. You may want to replace that ignition switch with one that has an accessory position.