Ignition sensor under distributor cap not hermetically sealed

[poconojoe]

2003 Mercruiser 4.3, Thunderbolt V. I pulled the sensor out from under the distributor cap and it doesn't look like any of the replacements I see online. This thing has an exposed circuit board and it looks horrible. The new ones appear to be hermetically sealed. Does this all make sense or do I have some kind of oddball sensor?
Oh, it has the word "Cherry" printed on the circuit board and on the bottom the numbers 3462. It also has only two wires coming out of the distributor. The white/red and white/green. The newer ones have a third black which I assume is a ground.
Thanks,
Joe

 

[Scott Danforth]

yep, oem sensor is made by cherry and not potted. replacements are. replace it.

same issue on my SeaRay right after I got it.

yes, third wire is a ground.

 

[poconojoe]

Thanks for that info Scott. It's strange how that circuit board is not sealed! And yes, it's definitely getting replaced.

 

[Scott Danforth]

mine died out when I was 3 miles off shore. finally waved a fisherman down and paid him $75 for a tow. when I replaced it, couldnt believe that it wasnt potted.

 

[poconojoe]

mine died out when I was 3 miles off shore. finally waved a fisherman down and paid him $75 for a tow. when I replaced it, couldnt believe that it wasnt potted.

Then I find myself lucky since I was in my driveway when I discovered mine was the culprit for a no spark condition.
I give credit to member alldodge for the troubleshooting chart that helped me narrow it down.

 

[Lou C]

Lol. And I thought I was being a Luddite sticking with simple points & condenser ignition!

 

[Scott Danforth]

Lol. And I thought I was being a Luddite sticking with simple points & condenser ignition!

you can fix a points system with your wifes finger nail file and a matchbook cover or a piece of folded paper. helped a buddy get a 1946 chevrolet delux barn find running (in the barn) with a points file, feeler gauges and a coffee can of fuel hanging by a coat hanger