Do I need a distributor?

[jagilbert]

So I'm trying to set the dwell on my '73 Mercruiser 140 and it kinda jumps all over the place. Turns out the distributor shaft is so wobbly that I can wiggle it about 1/8th of an inch. So the point gap can vary from something like .022 +/- .125"! sigh.

Could this be why the thing runs kinda rough?

What would you do on a budget?
- find a used distributor?
- Get a new points distributor from iboats ($250)
- Get a solid state one ($350)
- Put a pointless conversion kit in ($75)

Something else?

Thanks,
Jeff

 

[Don S]

Re: Do I need a distributor?

Could this be why the thing runs kinda rough?

Uhhhhh, yeah.

You need a new distributor, the converion kit still uses the same distributor housing and using the conversion kit would probably make it not run at all.
Rather you go point or electronic distributor is up to you.

 

[bigred69]

Re: Do I need a distributor?

Rebuild the old one. As long as the shaft is not worn, the bushings should be replaceable.

 

[jtmarten]

Re: Do I need a distributor?

You *might* save a few pennies having the bushings R&R'd. I wouldn't spend any money repairing a dizzy. Search the web; you can probably find a good, low hour used one, or find the best pricing for a new one.

 

[zbnutcase]

Re: Do I need a distributor?

In that app I would stick with points. Simple and effective!

 

[jagilbert]

Re: Do I need a distributor?

Thanks guys.

I don't have a lot of money, but I have even less time. (someone remind me why did i buy a boat?!) so I think I'll skip trying to R&R the current one.

Checkin' out some distributors on ebay...

-Jeff

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Do I need a distributor?

I re-bushed both of mine, sometimes screwing a tap in will remove the old bushing. press the new one in a ream to size.

 

[bigred69]

Re: Do I need a distributor?

Ya bought a boat because it is FUN!

 

[jagilbert]

Re: Do I need a distributor?

You need a new distributor, the converion kit still uses the same distributor housing and using the conversion kit would probably make it not run at all.
Rather you go point or electronic distributor is up to you.

I spoke to Pertronix support. They said that their system is much more tolerant of wobble and run-out than points. hmm. So here's my plan:
I'll use the dwell meter and the timing light to see how wacked the dwell and timing is with the points that are in it now. Then I'll try installing a pertronix (my local dealer has one) and re-test. If it fixed the problem, hooray, otherwise I'll return it and put a tight dizzy in.
I'll post my results for the benefit of future generations of wobbly dizzy victims.

Your thoughts welcome.

Cheers,