89 Merc 3.0, $ of Distributor cap is too much

[Boat Show addict]

I just came from my boat parts guy and tried to get a distributor cap. He's telling me the cost of a new OEM distributor cap is $51+. My engine Serial # is OD442947, with a points system. Does anyone know if an aftermarket cap is available or perhaps a comparable auto cap? Can I go to my auto parts dealer and have them cross reference my engine serial #?

 

[ErieRon]

Re: 89 Merc 3.0, $ of Distributor cap is too much

How about right here at iboats

http://www.iboats.com/Mercruiser_Di...2590539--**********.696687173--view_id.270263

 

[JustJason]

Re: 89 Merc 3.0, $ of Distributor cap is too much

Are you sure its points? Your serial ## says it should be EST ignition. If it is...

Cap part number is 811635T3 list price 12 bucks and 40 cents...

EDIT- nevermind... found it. If you have points its cap part #810827T and it is 51.20

 

[Lodgepole]

Re: 89 Merc 3.0, $ of Distributor cap is too much

I was able to find a cap for my 92 OMC 3.0 at an auto parts store for a low price. Give it a try, you just have to find a parts man that is interested in helping.

 

[Boat Show addict]

Re: 89 Merc 3.0, $ of Distributor cap is too much

I was able to find a cap for my 92 OMC 3.0 at an auto parts store for a low price. Give it a try, you just have to find a parts man that is interested in helping.

You don't happen to know what the part# was or maybe who made it? How about the store you got it from?

 

[ziggy]

Re: 89 Merc 3.0, $ of Distributor cap is too much

ya might wanna be somewhat carefull about the cap.

i don't have the same engine as you. but last summer, i needed a cap. went to the napa store and got me what they claimed to be a marine cap for my rig..
other than them both being for my L6 engine. they don't look to be of the same quality by any means...

the one on the right is the aftermarket one... yes, it was much cheaper. but after having the two, i couldn't bring myself to use it in my marine engine...
it felt lighter, the contacts were not near as beefy as the oem cap. look close at the pics. the oem cap has plastic all around the 6 individual contacts, the aftermarket has none. just the contacts sticking up...

just looked lame to me... i even wondered if it was a auto cap.... never found out. all i knew was they (napa) claimed it to be the marine cap..

just food for thought. ya may get what ya pay for in this case...

yep, mine was right up there in the $50 range too... gonna have another next year too. i R&R it as reg. yearly pm....

 

[Boat Show addict]

Re: 89 Merc 3.0, $ of Distributor cap is too much

Good idea, but I don't see my engine and serial # on the list.

 

[borakid]

Re: 89 Merc 3.0, $ of Distributor cap is too much

I'd just spend the $$$ for the OEM one and forget about it.

 

[Boat Show addict]

Re: 89 Merc 3.0, $ of Distributor cap is too much

Thanks Ziggy. The pics you sent really tell the story. I may have to pay the price.

 

[Lodgepole]

Re: 89 Merc 3.0, $ of Distributor cap is too much

I don't have the numbers for the cap and I am in CO. I got the part from Main Street Auto Parts (independent) in Sand Springs OK. (where the boat is)

 

[Lodgepole]

Re: 89 Merc 3.0, $ of Distributor cap is too much

P. S. The cap looked the same on the inside as the one that came off. I don't know if it had been replaced or not. 1992 OMC 3.HO ( electronic egnition)

 

[havasuboatman]

Re: 89 Merc 3.0, $ of Distributor cap is too much

There is a reason the marine caps are heavier; the last thing you want is a crack or carbon allowing an errant spark in your engine compartment. Also, notice that gasket? It keeps your points from rusting from all that salty moisture.
It's a boat. They are expensive. You are going to have to get used to that.

 

[zbnutcase]

Re: 89 Merc 3.0, $ of Distributor cap is too much

The 3.0L points dist doesn't use a gasket. 'nutcase

 

[ziggy]

Re: 89 Merc 3.0, $ of Distributor cap is too much

that pic on the mercruiser cap is deceiving hbm. there is no gasket in place. it's just the texture of the surface of the cap.. granted, it looks like a gasket in the pic...