1970 60 HP ignition UPGRADE ?

[Bumpa53]

Hi Forum,

The ignition system on my 3 cylinder engine (Points W/amplifier, 1 coil and distributor) has reached the end of its life. Is it possible to upgrade to the more robust mid 70's configuration (no points, true CD ignition and 3 coils) ? I can buy used components for a reasonable price.

I would need to remove the breaker plate, rotor and distributor and replace with the CD ignition trigger. Does this require a different crankshaft to fire the trigger ? Will the trigger fit in the available height under the flywheel ?

My backup plan is to trade up to a complete 70 HP model since I could probably find one for close to the cost of rebuilding my current system.

Thanks

Bumpa53

 

[R.Johnson]

Re: 1970 60 HP ignition UPGRADE ?

The problem would start right off with a crankshaft problem. The trouble was that the point's were not really the problem with this system.

 

[jay_merrill]

Re: 1970 60 HP ignition UPGRADE ?

I think I remember another thread here on this subject. I think the crank is, indeed, the issue. In order to make the conversion to a magneto CD ignition, you have to be able to mount a timer base in place of the distributor. I don't think you can do that on your motor. You also have to mount the correct stator, which you may or may not be able to do.

If this swap could be done easily, I would say go for it, but I'm not sure it can. If anything, I think I would be more inclined to find an entire powerhead with mag CD ignition and mount that on the rest of the motor.



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[Bumpa53]

Re: 1970 60 HP ignition UPGRADE ?

Guys,

Thanks for the quick responses.

Sounds like a longshot and I will pursue plan "B"; another powerhead or complete motor with a bad "foot" as I've heard it called.

Bumpa53

 

[jay_merrill]

Re: 1970 60 HP ignition UPGRADE ?

Doing a gearbox change on another motor with a failed hydro-electric system is one possibility. If you have never removed a hydro-electric gearbox before, be very carefull of letting it fall, once the last bolt is removed. Doing so will rip the wiring "pigtails" from the midsection harness, making it useless. Since the midsection harness is an NLA item, that will definately cause problems!



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[tashasdaddy]

Re: 1970 60 HP ignition UPGRADE ?

i would put the $$ toward a newer motor. part out what you have, it is worth more in parts than the whole.

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: 1970 60 HP ignition UPGRADE ?

I think the "killer" on the conversion would be the crankshaft height. The points based igntion had a cam on the crank, which made the crankshaft a fair bit taller than the later ones. The flywheel on the later ones had a magnet on the hub that would rotate within the trigger. The taller crank would move it outside of the trigger...