3.0L Mercuiser Points to Electronic Ignition

[Roadblock007]

Looking at ditching my old points system on my 1991 Bayliner 3.0L but all the kits I find are $900-$1000. Seems pricey for a distributor and coil.

Anyone know do it yourself parts or a cheaper kit?

 

[harringtondav]

There are alternatives to the Merc Thunderbolt systems. I can't recall the details. Some of the gray beard experts on this forum have mentioned them. Bt Doctur ? Scott Danforth ?

 

[Roadblock007]

I should add that I am in Canada. So US stuff would be subject to duty, exchange rate, and shipping.

 

[Mechmagcn]

Use a pertronix unit , available on ebay.

 

[Scott Danforth]

for the cost, stick with points. service once a year, replace once every 2 decades.

Pertronix is ok, however I have never had luck with them (I have had failures)

the Delco EST is about $350

https://www.iboats.com/shop/sierra-distributor-18-5475.html (does not come with wires)

https://www.michiganmotorz.com/delco-voyager-marine-electronic-distributor-p-120.html (comes with wires, etc)

 

[wrench 3]

You could go this way https://www.iboats.com/shop/sierra-e...t-18-5297.html
Also you should be able to order Sierra parts from your local marina.

 

[thumpar]

I put the Pertronix kit on my 2.5l and it was great. Make sure to get the Ignitor II if you do it. With the first version you couldn't leave the key on or it would burn it up.

 

[bruceb58]

for the cost, stick with points. service once a year, replace once every 2 decades.

Pertronix is ok, however I have never had luck with them (I have had failures)

the Delco EST is about $350

https://www.iboats.com/shop/sierra-d...r-18-5475.html (does not come with wires)

https://www.michiganmotorz.com/delco...tor-p-120.html (comes with wires, etc)

I second the Delco EST. Later Mercruisers came with it as the OEM distributor. Volvo as well.

Using the Pertronix would be a poor choice in my opinion. You still have your old worn out 28 year old distributor and a system that isn't as reliable.

 

[havoc_squad]

I also recommend Delco EST, as mercruiser service manual #26 I believe has a detailed troubleshooting section that anybody with a multimeter and a spark gap tester should be able to diagnose the issue.

Sometimes a timing light helps as well.

It was reliable for my 3.0L for as long as I had it. Everything breaks down eventually.

If I was to own an GM distributor equipped inboard engine again and it had points, I would put Delco EST in.

 

[Roadblock007]

I ordered one. My cost is $489... Holy CRAP!

 

[Scott Danforth]

you should have drove across the boarder to Michigan and picked it up for $355, had lunch, then drove back.

 

[Roadblock007]

I am picking it up in the store. That's how much it cost after exchange to Canadian dollars.