Converting to electronic ignition on Mercruiser...what distributor model do I have?

[1980Coronado]

I purchased a Pertronix conversion kit and it wasn't the correct one. I'm sending it back to swap for a different kit. Originally purchased an Ignitor II part number 9MC-181. They are now sending me a 9ML-181 and I'm not confident this one is correct because I have not been able to provide them with the distributor model number.

Here is what I know.

Engine is a Mercruiser model MIE330 serial number 5652430. I believe it's a 1980 but could be an 1981....boat was manufactured in 1980 but is an 1981 model. It is a Mallory distributor but I do not know what model. There are no numbers on it that I can find and the Mercruiser service manual (#3) does not provide any information specific to the distributor model.

I have looked at the web sites that have parts break downs but cannot find the distributor model number. Does anyone have access to this information? I don't want them to send me the wrong kit again because it takes two weeks to get one replaced shipping to and from Indiana and California.

 

[1980Coronado]

Re: Converting to electronic ignition on Mercruiser...what distributor model do I hav

Working with Pertronix tech support they say "The 9ML-181 should work as long as it’s not a YL670AV Mallory distributor".
Can someone help me rule that Mallory model out?

 

[1980Coronado]

Re: Converting to electronic ignition on Mercruiser...what distributor model do I hav

I'll just have to hope the one they send fits. Was hoping somebody had access to more info than me.

 

[Don S]

Re: Converting to electronic ignition on Mercruiser...what distributor model do I hav

Those engines only came with 2 kinds of distributors according to the parts diagrams, one is the Mallory (Points) the other was the Thunderbolt (Electronic). So you must have the Mallory. But the manual does not give the Mallory model number.

 

[1980Coronado]

Re: Converting to electronic ignition on Mercruiser...what distributor model do I hav

Thanks Don....Yes...I have the Mercruiser manual (#3) showing the distributor and it is the Mallory (points) style ignition but no model is given. I was hoping someone might have access to more specific information than what was in the manual. I haven't taken the distributor out of the engine to see if there are any numbers on it. The part is on it's way so lets just hope it fits...chances are good that it will, I just hate not knowing and guessing.

My dad did the ordering the first time and I don't know what he told them....he knows it's a 454 but probably didn't know the model. According to the application chart, the one they sent was for a Mercruiser model 888 with the mercruiser ignition 64025, 64026....definitely not a match. Could have been a mistake in order entry too because the part numbers are the same except the letter L instead of a C...9ML-181 vs 9MC-181...

Anyway....the replacement will be here next week....fingers crossed it fits.