Auto tune-up parts in my Chevy 250, 165hp?

[nieuwBoater]

Hi All,

I did take several hours and read through the posts here...at least as many as I could find.

First, let me say I don't mean to ask a stupid or repetitive question if it's already been covered..I just couldn't find the answer!

Second, I'm a new boater, but not new to automotive repair. I've learned a lot tonight about not using non-marine starters, alternators, and carburetors, but I'm really confused about simple tune-up parts can I safely use the following parts, available at my local NAPA or Schuck's? The engine is in a 1973 Fiberform with OMC outdrive.

1) Spark plugs
2) Plug wires
3) Distributor cap
4) Rotor
5) Points
6) Condenser


Also have a question about the wire that goes from the points to the coil... is this a special "reisistor" wire? I had to jury-rig a jumper today while on the lake, as the wire was completely stripped of insulation (rotted off) with just a regular wire.

Also, can I use an automotive coil?

I'm sorry...I'm just a bit confused over all this... I want to be safe, but if the tune-up parts are the same (and coil?), it would be great.

Thanks so much for your assistance helping a new boater who wants to be safe, but also get her boat going! (it ran like CRAP today, and I had to adjust the points out on the water...the boat had set for 4 or 5 years before I got it... ).

Best,

Tiffany

 

[wildways1976]

Re: Auto tune-up parts in my Chevy 250, 165hp?

As far as tune up parts go I used auto ignition parts in my 1968 Glastron 160 Mercruiser and it runs great... I have also used automotive gaskets and seals and havn't had any issues as of yet.

 

[nieuwBoater]

Re: Auto tune-up parts in my Chevy 250, 165hp?

Thanks, Wildways!

I was worried about spark from a non-marine distributor cap or maybe from non-marine plug wires? Anyone know if there is a difference?

Thanks!

Tiffany

 

[frank246]

Re: Auto tune-up parts in my Chevy 250, 165hp?

Marine cap, there is a gasket in between the housing and the cap.
Non marine cables, imagine they cross fire......
I know, as long you have no fuel leaks and exelent engine bay ventilation nothing happens, fuel fumes build up in the bilge though.

 

[system-f]

Re: Auto tune-up parts in my Chevy 250, 165hp?

I have auto spark plugs and wires in my 250 with no problems. I have heard you can run auto points, but I would get the marine version because some of the gurus on here recommend them (good enough for me). I think the previous owner put on an auto cap and I haven't had a problem with it...yet. You must run a marine thermostat unless you can find one in the same temp range. I couldn't find an auto thermostat at 140 degrees, but the marine part was the same price and in stock so of course I used it. I have also *GASP* put an auto head gasket and auto intake/exhaust gasket on my 250. I WOULD NOT run an auto head gasket as the marine version isn't that expensive and has stainless steel in it. I needed to make sure my boat was worth keeping and plan on tearing the engine apart this winter to do a valve job anyways. As for starter, alternator, and carb; these all need to be marine parts. Marine starter/alternator has spark shields on them and the marine carb is designed to drain gas into the intake instead of on the outside of the body.

I still wonder if we can run an auto mechanical fuel pump as long as we have another water/fuel seperator on our 250s.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Auto tune-up parts in my Chevy 250, 165hp?

I still wonder if we can run an auto mechanical fuel pump as long as we have another water/fuel seperator on our 250s.

Nope,.. Because a marine mechanical fuel pump is supposed to be vented to the intake....
Automotive fuel pumps would Vent to the Bilge,.... BOOM....

1) Spark plugs
2) Plug wires
3) Distributor cap
4) Rotor
5) Points
6) Condenser

#1,... Sparkplugs don't really matter,... Except, if you're running ACs, the marine plugs are Alloy,+ Don't Rust in...
#2,... Quality plug wires, are Quality plug wires....
#3, #4, #5, #6,... If you're using the Marine distributer that you should be using,...
There are No automotive distributers that use the Same components....
So that's kinda a Moot Point....

 

[Maclin]

Re: Auto tune-up parts in my Chevy 250, 165hp?

"....Also have a question about the wire that goes from the points to the coil... is this a special "reisistor" wire? I had to jury-rig a jumper today while on the lake, as the wire was completely stripped of insulation (rotted off) with just a regular wire....."



The wire from the points to the NEGATIVE terminal of coil is NOT resistor wire.

 

[nieuwBoater]

Re: Auto tune-up parts in my Chevy 250, 165hp?

Thanks so much to all you guys!!!! This is really helping! It's a steep learning curve for me, but I'm getting there!

Tiffany

 

[system-f]

Re: Auto tune-up parts in my Chevy 250, 165hp?

Nope,.. Because a marine mechanical fuel pump is supposed to be vented to the intake....
Automotive fuel pumps would Vent to the Bilge,.... BOOM....

How does the fuel pump vent to the intake? Do you mean if the diaphram breaks it would vent to the crankcase? I guess I don't understand as there is only one hose from my fuel pump to the intake an that is the fuel line otherwise it is on the otherside of the motor and in no way connected to the intake.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Auto tune-up parts in my Chevy 250, 165hp?

Quote:
Nope,.. Because a marine mechanical fuel pump is supposed to be vented to the intake....
Automotive fuel pumps would Vent to the Bilge,.... BOOM....
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
How does the fuel pump vent to the intake? Do you mean if the diaphram breaks it would vent to the crankcase? I guess I don't understand as there is only one hose from my fuel pump to the intake an that is the fuel line otherwise it is on the otherside of the motor and in no way connected to the intake.

Ayuh,... This is Tiffany's thread,+ I know what her motor is,...
I'll gladly try to answer Your questions,...
But,...
I have No Idea what your motor is, nor Whom built by.....

 

[P 0 P E Y E]

Re: Auto tune-up parts in my Chevy 250, 165hp?

If your automotive store is run by an old timer*, Have him look in his books for your marine engine.....he probably can sell you the right parts.

*in this Case, OLD TIMER is defined by a 20 years or more in the business parts chaser. He will surprise you.

 

[nieuwBoater]

Re: Auto tune-up parts in my Chevy 250, 165hp?

Hey Popeye!

Thanks! I'll look for the "Parts Veteran"! : )

Best,

Tiffany

 

[ryendube]

Re: Auto tune-up parts in my Chevy 250, 165hp?

marine parts have flame aresstors, cap starter alt.

fuel pump has double diaphram so if it ruptures its fed back intstead of leaking onto the ground like an auto one, ground is fine but your ground is a puddle in your boat.

has to do with previnting your boat from going BOOM.

some take for granted cause alot of the engine parts ie head gasket valves etc are the same if you are building a performance engine. SS headgasket SS valves etc. stock auto components are not.