Converting from points to electronic

[rbezdon]

I got the below posting off of a similar thread but haven't gotten an answer to the following questions. Since I was not the orgiginal poster and the original thread is a bit lengthy, I decided to start a new thread. Sorry for the repetition but this way I can track the response easier. I hope some one else has had the pleasure of converting to Electronic ignition and can answer. In the recommended link there is a complete conversion kit including the distributor. I was wondering if anyone knows if this Prestolite distributor kit is based on the Pertronix module (Ignotor 1 or 2), is it compatible with the newer OMC ESA (the one which eliminates the over stroke and has a time out) and if this is compatible with the dash Tach or if some way to adapt it. <br />Here is the posting I used as reference for the link to the kit I am discussing. <br /><br />***Here is a link to the Prestolite electronic distributor. I put one in mine years ago to replace the points. Volvo used this setup for years. <br /><br /> http://marineengineparts.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/page82.html <br /><br />-------------------- Don S. Ketchikan, Alaska ***<br /><br />Any inputs on the subject of conversion would be appreciated.

 

[Olds Eddie]

Re: Converting from points to electronic

You don't mention the engine make or size but if its based on either a GM or Ford v8, MSD makes a nice ready to run marine distributer. Its marine pro-bilit ready to run series was a lifesaver when my new engine chucked a disrtibuter gear while on vacation. Jegs had it there the next day and it was easy to dial in and install.

 

[rbezdon]

Re: Converting from points to electronic

Thanks for the input Olds but was it compatible with an ESA?? I have a 1988 OMC 5.0 with a Prestolite distributor (points but looking to convert to Pertronics Ignitor 2) and the newer OMC ESA which I may need to replace as I think it is deffective. I just am not shure what to buy as I would like to replace the distributor, coil and wires and the like Don S gave gives the whole kit which is cheaper than the parts if I knew what ESA to put in with the kit.

 

[seahorse5]

Re: Converting from points to electronic

Vatter41,<br /><br />Why not just buy the Cobra conversion kit that includes the electronic ignition module that replaces the points and also includes a new shift interupter module for the system.<br /><br />Just see any Johnson/Evinrude dealer and the kit is listed in the stern drive section of the annual Parts and Accessories Catalog.

 

[rbezdon]

Re: Converting from points to electronic

I did know such a thing existed. I'll call my dealer. I expect there may be an issue of cost though. My dealer is not usually even in the ball park of the aftermarket stuff.

 

[olbuddyjack]

Re: Converting from points to electronic

I remember seahorse talking about this before and the cost was competative,(maybe ~$200-$250 for the works?) Check the net for a deal.

 

[Olds Eddie]

Re: Converting from points to electronic

I don't know OMC but if ESA stands for electronic spark advance you wouldn't need it as the MSD distributer has centrifugal advance. Shift interupter wire goes to neg side of coil on Merc.

 

[lakelivin]

Re: Converting from points to electronic

O.E.: ESA stands for Electronic Shift Assist, which intermittently grounds the distributor side of the coil to make the engine stumble when shifting to make it easier. <br /><br />v41: were you having trouble with your distributor? cause OMC lists one of the conditions that causes the ESA to not function properly as high resistence of breaker points or faulty condenser. I've seen posts where people found that the trouble they were having with their ESA was resolved when they tuned up their distributor. <br /><br />Just a thought, maybe your current ESA isn't bad after all. They list how to test both associated switches, and connections to the ESA, but not the ESA itself, so I don't know how you'd test this without tuning up your distributor (which I assume you wouldn't want to invest in doing if you're switching to electronic ignition).<br /><br />This is just what I've read, little experience myself, so I'll certainly defer to the more knowledgable posters here, but thought I'd point out the possibility.

 

[rbezdon]

Re: Converting from points to electronic

Lake, I get no spark at all no matter what the switches are set to do when the module is connected. Disconnect, spaks is OK but a little weak (typical for points I think). Start engine, plug in module instant kill of the engine. ESA is permanently grounding the coil, even with the ESA switched disconnected. Conclusion: bad ESA<br /><br />Thanks for the input though, I appreciate the ideas, they may help someone anyway. I didnt post the whole problem as I ried to limit the typing and reading for everyone. I successfully diagnosed the lack of spark on my own!! But now, what to buy to replace. I am considering the kit referenced by Don S in the above link with a CDI/Rapair 123-9898-P Shift Assist which is compatible with both points and Pertronix. The question is does the kit referenced in Don S's link have a Pertronics or compatible module?? Here is the link to the CVI/Rapair ESA http://www.go2marine.com/g2m/action/GoBPage/id/90470F/omc_shift_assist_module_cdirapair.html

 

[lakelivin]

Re: Converting from points to electronic

Beyond my scope of knowledge. This is the first time I've seen an OMC ESA that implies it can be used with a Pertronix electronic ignition without making the adapter mentioned by Pertronix and on Stuart Hastings site. But that really doesn't mean much, I'm a beginner, my only knowledge is what I read here.<br /><br />Still, if I were you I'd want confirmation that the ESA will work with the conversion kit without requiring the homemade adapter. If any doubt, the complete kit seahorse mentioned starts to sound pretty good.

 

[rbezdon]

Re: Converting from points to electronic

Don S:<br />Any comments?? I know you have tried the kit you recommended. Did you notice if the internal module in the distributor was a Pertronics??

 

[Don S]

Re: Converting from points to electronic

The distributor is Prestolite, so is the module, has nothing to do with Pertronics at all.<br />I've never tried to hook one up on any OMC ESA module, so can't help you out on that one.

 

[rbezdon]

Re: Converting from points to electronic

I guess there is not too much info out there on this topic. Seems the ESA compatibility issue is only with OMC ESA and Pertronics. Sierra claims no issue. I decided to get the CDI/Rapair ESA which claims compatibility with Pertronix and the Pertronix Ignitor 2 in the D200800 distributor. I will just keep the old distributor in the boat for emergencies. Anyone have any experience with the Pertronix Ignitor 2??

 

[lakelivin]

Re: Converting from points to electronic

There has been much more discussion on this board about converting OMC's with ESAs to electronic ignition than this post would indicate. Have you done a search using keywords like "ESA", "electronic ignition", "conversion", "cobra", etc?<br /><br />I'd be surprised if you didn't find some good info already in the archives....

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Converting from points to electronic

never tried it with a prestolite but with a bit of wiring and my knowledge of the system it would not be difficult. but to do it I would wire it so the ESA was removed, and rewire the micro switch to open the circit or ground the -side of the coil. but my choice if purchasing a system would be a delco EST. works great, easy to test and fix and is a easy job to install. plus with an EST you eliminate the ESA and wire it just like a merc . but if the [point type dist was in good shape I would just clean or replace the points annually and let her rip. raced many years and motored many miles,on land and sea, with a set of points. and points never left me sitting with a bad module . I personnaly like points. however points do require periodic maint. if its not done they become problematic.