ignition interchangeable?

[markh28]

This motor is a 1980 Clinton model K753 7.5hp. The ignition on this thing is the "electronic ignition" and has a coil but not a point or condenser. It is one cylinder. I ordered an electronic ignition for it, but luck just happened to be on my side and I found one on ebay. Other than that, those things are rare.

I know Clinton corp is non existant and I know that these arent the best things ever made, but in spite of all that, are these electronic ignitions shared with any other make and model of outboard? When I search for "clinton ignition" it comes up pretty blank. maybe an Eska or Sea King or something also used these at one time? Just in case I need to locate another one some day.

Also, is it possible to convert this thing back to the old point/condenser? If so what all is involved?

 

[Tom @ Buzzard Bluff]

Re: ignition interchangeable?

[QUOTE---are these electronic ignitions shared with any other make and model of outboard? When I search for "clinton ignition" it comes up pretty blank. maybe an Eska or Sea King or something also used these at one time? Just in case I need to locate another one some day.>

Not so far as I know. Should you find out differently please share!

<Also, is it possible to convert this thing back to the old point/condenser? If so what all is involved?[/QUOTE]

Again---not as far as I know. It has been hinted that the crankshaft on the CDI models has no keyway to drive a points cam. If so it would be possible to broach a keyway but unless you ARE a machinist with the necessary tooling and skills then it would be brutally expensive---certainly far more than the worth of the motor. The obvious alternative is to find a crankshaft that has the keyway and install it and the mag that goes with it on your existing engine.

Once again if you make ANY discoveries---pro OR con---please share with the many Eska/Clinton owners on this board. It is the absence of definitive fact that prevents many more of these 'problem children' from speaking once more. Tom

 

[CATransplant]

Re: ignition interchangeable?

That's a tough one. Here's the problem: That's a fairly recent Clinton you have there, as Clinton's go. When it was built, extra parts were made to handle repairs. But the company went out of business, and no more parts were ever made. So, when the NOS stuff is gone, it's gone forever.

If you're set on this outboard, you'll probably end up with a couple of more just like it to use as parts donors. Over time, you'll be able to accumulate a stock of parts you can use to keep yours going. Some parts are available, of course, from places like http://www.discount-marine-parts.com/ and others.

But, specialized parts that are unique to that maker are pretty much gone now, and there's no economical sense in making new ones for a 30 year old outboard.

It's a constant problem for owners of these older outboards. Personally, I think tinkering with old engines, etc. is a fun thing to do, and I've gotten some of those things running again. But I sell them when I do. If you like to tinker, you've got something to tinker on. If your goal is to go boating, though, you may want to rethink.