1970 distributor

[deernrams]

I have a 1970 115hp in-line 6 direct charge outboard. There are 3 wires that come from the switchbox that go into the distributor(dissy). One of the wires is broken right at the dissy housing. The dissy is out of the motor. I pulled the shaft and rotor out. Above the rotor disc is some rubber that goes half-way around the diisy housing. The wires are in there. Questions, what is the function of the rubber(insulator? Can the rubber be pulled out and used again? If I could get the rubber out I could replace the wires and put the rubber back in. Can I use RTV or form- a- gasket or something similar when puting the dissy back together again? Last question, how would you fix this wire problem? These wires sure do like to rot after 39 years. Thx in advance for the help!!!!!!

 

[jbrown270]

Re: 1970 distributor

I was able to reuse that rubber piece. I think it is just to keep moisture out of the distributor. A friend of mine's 1969 merc had the same problem and I had to solder new wires to the magnets inside the distributor.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: 1970 distributor

Deer, I do not know if the repair you suggest is possible, however, you do not have too much to lose, at this point, since the wire is broken.

A new dissy trigger and housing is availible on the web for $200+, should your repair fail.

 

[deernrams]

Re: 1970 distributor

Thank you very much for your replies. Chris, I looked on the housing and there was an ink stamp of some date. Of course the last number is not legible. 197???. There is a circle with Kiekhafer on the housing and the number 380 circled. Also it looks like someone tried to scratch a number onto it in 2 places. Looked like a dremel tool was used. one set is 395-J736R the other is 44109. Should I use these #'s when ordering and with whom should I buy my parts from? I believe I read that I could buy an after-market shaft housing. On Crowley Marine they call it a Body Assy-Dist and none are available Once again, thank you for your time.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: 1970 distributor

There are cheaper places. Try oldmercs.com and do a search for the CDI website. They make aftermarket OB electronics.