dist. performance

[dgp]

is there a performance advantage with electronic dist. over points and condensor. harder to fix on the water but are electronic dist unreliable? omc 5.7l chev motor mallory dist. my old dist needs to be replaced and i have access to both types.

 

[akriverrat]

Re: dist. performance

10 plus years with delco voyager marine system with just cap and rotor replacement thee times. this is marine version of gm hei coil not in cap.volvo is or has used it.

 

[McKenzie]

Re: dist. performance

Haven't had any trouble with my electronic distributor and it shows no signs of it in the future. Supposedly the electronic ones give more fuel efficiency, HP, speed, but I doubt it. The main advantage is no tune-ups for them. make sure you get a marinized one because an auto distributor isnt spark sealed.

 

[cpasseno03]

Re: dist. performance

I am in the exact same situation and hear wonderful things about the electronic HEIs. Only thing is I have no good source of getting them. I was going to convert the old mallory over for 75 bucks apiece, still uses same cap rotor and coil.<br />Craig

 

[flashback]

Re: dist. performance

You ask if there is a performance advantage, if there is, it is so slight you won,t notice it. Reliable, yes until it breaks. Guess you figured I like the points and condenser.. just carry an extra set for about 6 bucks..

 

[akriverrat]

Re: dist. performance

i sometimes operate FAR from help and have been carrying all the parts for my voyager with my spares all this time. i hope they are still good.

 

[Boatist]

Re: dist. performance

Dgp<br />I all for new electronics like EFI where makes a big difference. Where you can start motor and back off the trailer with no warm up, get a little more hp, and better fuel mileage.<br /><br />Electronic Distributor I do not see as a big advantage, maybe I am wrong. My 1980 OMC points and condenser have been changed one time just because I felt guilty. I carry that used set and a new set in my tool box. They fit in a box about the size of a spark plug. I know I can change in any weather and sea condition in 10 minutes with just a screw driver and be back under way. Sure should use a feeler guage or dwell meter but I done enough in my years can get it pretty close without either until get to shore. I guess you can also carry a spare electronic distributor parts as well but with the cost will you?? Outboard would be a different story as I do not think would attemp to replace points and condenser 10 miles off shore with a following sea. I would just use the kicker to get in. Carb or EFI again do not think would ever try and repair off shore. Points, condenser, spark plug, Coil wire and 1 spark plug wire I would just put the wife at the helm start the kicker, then go back and make the repairs. On my boat very easy access. If points and condenser failed twice a year and electronic never failed then I would try it, but in 23 year on this old 140HP OMC never had points or condenser fail.