Ignition system comparison

[jopes]

Looking stuff over, and reading. Is there any gains or losses to change ignition systems on a 88 Mercruiser to something newer?

Thunderbolt IV
http://www.michiganmotorz.com/delco-voyager-marine-electronic-distributor-p-119.html
http://www.iboats.com/Complete-Igni...695529--session_id.830703473--view_id.1095775

Do voltage outputs matter between 35k and 50+ on a boat motor turning less than 5000 rpms?

 

[alldodge]

Looking stuff over, and reading. Is there any gains or losses to change ignition systems on a 88 Mercruiser to something newer?

Thunderbolt IV
http://www.michiganmotorz.com/delco-voyager-marine-electronic-distributor-p-119.html
http://www.iboats.com/Complete-Igni...695529--**********.830703473--view_id.1095775

Do voltage outputs matter between 35k and 50+ on a boat motor turning less than 5000 rpms?

Voltage makes little noticeable difference, but going from points to electronics is a good move. No worries of points move or wear, solid starts in most all cases.

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,.... The T-Bolt IV is one of the finest marine ignitions, if yer's is still workin', No, no reason to swap anything,.....

If it burns up, 'n needs replacin', go with the Delco Voyager,....

 

[jopes]

Could the wrong ignition coil damage the Thunderbolt IV ignition?

When I got the boat someone decided it was cheaper for what ever reason to replace the ignition coil with one designed for a auto engine with points ignition.

 

[DaboatnutinWA]

My boat is an 88 like yours and has the T.B IV ignition. Automotive coils aren't designed for marine environments or for the Thunderbolt ignition system. Don't know if the automotive coil will damage anything (probably not) Just get a new Mercruiser coil and it should work fine. Also a good opportunity to change the cap and rotor if you haven't already done so. As mentioned above, the Delco Voyager is a nice upgrade but if the original ignition system is still working, no reason to mess with it.
Sometimes OEM stuff costs a bit more but in the long run might save you time and a whole lot of grief. ( I borrowed that from someone one on here)

 

[Bondo]

Could the wrong ignition coil damage the Thunderbolt IV ignition?

When I got the boat someone decided it was cheaper for what ever reason to replace the ignition coil with one designed for a auto engine with points ignition.

Ayuh,..... Millions of perfectly good ignition coils are thrown away by Boaters, All the time,.....

They donno what's wrong, 'n the coil is Easy to change,.....

When that don't work,....
They show up here,.....

 

[thumpar]

Ayuh,.... The T-Bolt IV is one of the finest marine ignitions, if yer's is still workin', No, no reason to swap anything,.....

If it burns up, 'n needs replacin', go with the Delco Voyager,....

I believe that was Don's choice too but I would leave it alone unless you have a problem.

 

[jopes]

Ayuh,..... Millions of perfectly good ignition coils are thrown away by Boaters, All the time,.....

They donno what's wrong, 'n the coil is Easy to change,.....

When that don't work,....
They show up here,.....

I can't answer why they did it. But I replaced the auto points designed coil a few years back with the proper Merc coil for the Thunderbolt IV.

 

[jopes]

With the voyager, what is the spark plug gap recommendation on them?

 

[achris]

same as TB-IV