Changing distributor on an 888 Merc 302

[kfraser]

I want/need to replace the distributor on my 1975 Merc 888 Ford 302. It currently has the Mercury distributor part#64025A2 which is no longer available from Mercury. I did find one on "DougRussell.com" but $718.00 is a little out of my budget. Here is my question: Does anyone know of a replacement, and if so I thought it might be wise to make the switch over to electronic ignition. This is a counter rotation distributor. As always, Thanks in advance !

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Changing distributor on an 888 Merc 302

eewwww<br /> a very unpopular motor with no automotive use at all. the dist drive gear is different but other than that a standard rotation dist will work if you change the gear. whats wrong with the original?we used to rebush them all the time in years past. back when parts cost more than labor and moses did not have to conform to USCG, ABYC and worry about lawsuits.

 

[kfraser]

Re: Changing distributor on an 888 Merc 302

When I bought the boat the last owner had removed the dist and dropped it down in the bilge well under the motor. There it sat with the boat "uncovered" for the next 15 years. I was able to clean it up and have gotten the motor running, but the dist is pitted in places so bad, that where the cap sits, there are pieces gone.... The $700 on DougRussell.com should be able to but me a decent used MOTOR.

 

[ron7000]

Re: Changing distributor on an 888 Merc 302

I have a distributor from a '76 merc 233, which is the 351 motor. I can find out if it fits yours, if it does you can have it for shipping + a few bucks. I replaced that motor back in '93 so the old distributor just sits in a drawer in the basement. I even have a pertonix 1 ignitor (electronic module) that should fit it.<br />Otherwise, check pertronix.com or jegs, or mallory and msd. New distributors with electronic ignition should be half of doug russels price. Just have your old distributor # handy, is it a prestolite? And say it's a merc 888. Whatever you do don't buy a new distributor with points, that's just stupid. my email is my username with cg concatenated to it then at netzero.com

 

[kfraser]

Re: Changing distributor on an 888 Merc 302

Thanks Ron7000. I'll take you up on that offer in a hurry! Sent you an e-mail. Let me know what you'd need for it. Thanks again!

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: Changing distributor on an 888 Merc 302

The 351 distributor will not fit the 302. The oil pump drive shafts are different sizes. 1/4 vs 5/16 drive shafts.

 

[MrBill]

Re: Changing distributor on an 888 Merc 302

This might not be the exact answer you are looking for...but here's a brand new distributor from MercruiserParts.com for $325. If five minutes can cut the price in half...think about spending some time looking for a used one...<br /><br />That distributor is a left hand rotation, A3 suffix is the same distributor with right hand rotation.<br /><br />Here's a brand new one for $325<br /> http://www.mercruiserparts.com/partsByNumber.asp <br />I'm told some of new part number available.<br /><br />Try Google.com and other search engines, key in the part number and see how much info you get.<br /><br />Here's one from Google...<br /> http://216.37.204.206/Shorts/mercruiser_oem/Mercruiser.asp?Type=15&SubType=112&A=3&B=4

 

[kfraser]

Re: Changing distributor on an 888 Merc 302

Sorry Mr. Bill. The link you provided says quanity available NLA = "No Longer Available". I've found that under all sites I've visited over the course of several days. I tried e-bay and think I might have found a match?? I did have another question. Does anyone know the reasoning behind the "Counter Rotation"?

 

[kfraser]

Re: Changing distributor on an 888 Merc 302

Sorry again Mr. Bill. The second link says it's available but it's kinda pricy. I gonna stick with your advice and try to go with a used one. Thanks again! And if anyone has one.... krfraser65(at)msn.com