omc distributor change from prestolite to delco EST

[cbriggs6]

I found my prestolite distributor was bad and after reading this forum and a post from 2004, I decided to switch to a Delco EST distributor. I would also like to bypass the ESA and wire it like a mercruiser. Could someone please send me a wiring diagram if they have one?? The post from 2004 mentioned how this could be done. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[bruceb58]

You can still do it with an ESA but it has to be a CDI ESA.

http://www.marine(space)engine.com/parts/technical_information/cdi_123-7566.pdf

In the above link, remove (space) to get the link to work.

 

[cbriggs6]

Thanks, but that ESA is a different model than mine. Will I need to buy a new ESA?

 

[bruceb58]

Is yours a CDI or an OMC? If it's OMC you would need to get a CDI. I would give CDI a call and ask them what they suggest.

 

[gottaboatnow]

What I found on mine is that bypassing the ESA completely works great IF your idle speed is around 500RPM. That seems to be slow enough for my V6 Sterndrive to shift without any grinding whatsoever. Mine will idle with the HEI at around 450RPM's with no issues whatsoever, if you give it a minute or two to warm up before taking off. Just my thoughts, if you want them...