Distributor Cap/Rotor Question (Spacer?)

[bds85466]

Greetings,

1982 mercruiser 898
mallory distributor, elec ignition

I'm replacing my cap and rotor and when I pulled out the mallory rotor it had a ring type spacer below it. It's 1/8" thick and fits the rotor base perfectly.



mallory cap: 9-29402
mallory rotor: 9-29207

Anyone know if:

a) this was supposed to be here? (never done cap/rotor before)
b) this will be needed if I replace with a quicksilver rotor

Or is this something I'll just have to find out on my own? Should I just look for the exact replacement?

Also, when doing this work is it recommended that you use dielectric grease or anything anywhere? Thanks in advance!

Brian

 

[mkast]

Re: Distributor Cap/Rotor Question (Spacer?)

Engine serial number?

 

[bds85466]

Re: Distributor Cap/Rotor Question (Spacer?)

Falls into the 1977-1982 range for 898's.

6021768

 

[greg82255]

Re: Distributor Cap/Rotor Question (Spacer?)

I have a 1982 898, never seen that before.

 

[bds85466]

Re: Distributor Cap/Rotor Question (Spacer?)

So I went in to the local marine parts shop. The parts guy there said he had seen this before. His theory (right or wrong) was that apparently when my vintage ignition was converted to electronic, this red mallory rotor was installed as well the spacer. The parts guy wasn't sure if the OEM/Quicksilver rotor would work properly with the cap. It is possible that the OEM/QS rotor does work (as it does appear the shaft length is shorter (hence maybe the need for the spacer)....at any rate, I didn't measure it, but since I know that the prior configuration worked well for me (red mallory rotor) I think I'll just stick with that and not risk screwing something up.

Not to be mistaken, the condition of the cap and rotor are still in usable shape (though at least 5+ years old) and worked well. I'm simply replacing it since I already have it apart after checking the condition.

He only had the Quicksilvers, but actually already had some on order for another guy so looks like I can pick one up tomorrow.

 

[bds85466]

Re: Distributor Cap/Rotor Question (Spacer?)

And when people do this replacement do you usually dab any sort of grease/dielectric anywhere? Comments appreciated, thank you.

 

[bds85466]

Re: Distributor Cap/Rotor Question (Spacer?)

I have a 1982 898, never seen that before.

Well looks like I'm in good company! It's a pleasure. Do you have points ignition or have you converted to electronic? Which rotor do you run?

 

[bds85466]

Re: Distributor Cap/Rotor Question (Spacer?)

follow up; I looked again and this 'spacer ring' actually does not engage or space the rotor off of the shaft. It's actually undersized so it's not actually acting as a spacer so to speak. Apparently there to look pretty.....

I'm still curious as to its belonging, but I'm still just going to stick with the mallory rotor -- and leave it as it is -- which I'm installing new tonight!