marine or automotive

vanillacc1

Recruit
Joined
May 29, 2008
Messages
2
I am upgrading my ignition system and the age old question arises can i use an automotive distributer as they have no spark as it is magnetic pickup therfore no risk from sparking causing an explotion.
i am also fitting a closed water cooling system so why couldnt i use automotive gaskets.
comments and sugestions please.
 

HT32BSX115

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 8, 2005
Messages
10,083
Re: marine or automotive

You can do anything you want......It will probably work.

It will be illegal though. (federal law) And if it goes kaboom, and someone is killed or severely injured your insurance might not even cover you if they find out.


Regards,


Rick
 

ziggy

Admiral
Joined
Jun 30, 2004
Messages
7,473
Re: marine or automotive

the age old answer is. no........ starting with do ya see a uscg approved label on it.... no...... auto parts make boats go kaboom...... it's the only fact we need to know...... shop at a marine store and get marine parts......
 

Robj

Lieutenant
Joined
Mar 22, 2007
Messages
1,441
Re: marine or automotive

I am upgrading my ignition system and the age old question arises can i use an automotive distributer as they have no spark as it is magnetic pickup therfore no risk from sparking causing an explotion.
i am also fitting a closed water cooling system so why couldnt i use automotive gaskets.
comments and sugestions please.

I do not know enough about the design and specifications of an automotive distributor like the one you are talking about compared to the marine version. Therefore, I cannot second guess and stick to the rules, so no to the automotive distributor, use marine. I would also use a marine head gasket, but automotive for some of the other gaskets. Could use an automotive coolant circulation pump since it will be closed cooling.

Have a great day,

Rob.
 

Bt Doctur

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Aug 29, 2004
Messages
19,480
Re: marine or automotive

IF the new cap you want to use is EXCACTLY the same as the one you removed,go ahead.you claim there is no spark, think about how the rotor contacts the posts in the cap.The rotor always has a spark and that`s why it`s ignition protected.Using auto parts in place of the proper marine one`s makes you a candidate for the "Darwin Awards" when you manage to blow yourself up.
 

marine4003

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Feb 3, 2008
Messages
1,119
Re: marine or automotive

ANY automotive electrical part in a boat....BOOM.
There is a large difference between the 2...marine electronics are shielded..and built to withstand the vigors of water,vibration..and extremely harsh conditions.Your not saving a dime buying automotive,your risking your's and anyone with your's lives.
 

Fishermark

Vice Admiral
Joined
Oct 19, 2003
Messages
5,617
Re: marine or automotive

I am upgrading my ignition system ...

What are you currently working with? If you have a points set up and would like to go electronic, there are kits available at a reasonable cost - I have done a couple of Pertronix brand swaps and they work great.

i am also fitting a closed water cooling system so why couldnt i use automotive gaskets.

Yes, you can use the automotive gasket set.
 

Fishermark

Vice Admiral
Joined
Oct 19, 2003
Messages
5,617
Re: marine or automotive

One more point on the closed cooling. If this is a salt water boat and the engine has had salt water raw cooling in the past, then you are wasting your time changing it over now. The damage is already done and the rust flakes can and will clog your closed cooling system.
 
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