Pertronics Electronic Ignition on 3.0 L 140

[JimS123]

Anybody ever installed one of these units? Anybody ever have one fail and need to replace it? Anybody ever replace theirs just for preventative maintenance?

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Pertronics Electronic Ignition on 3.0 L 140

The answer to all three questions is "Yes."


Now, if you let us know more specifically whose 3.0 liter it is, someone can give more details. (Like Mercruiser? OMC? What?)

 

[fishrdan]

Re: Pertronics Electronic Ignition on 3.0 L 140

The better question is...

Why would I want to spend $100 on an electronic module and still be stuck with the old mechanical advance distributor, wires, cap, rotor and coil,,, when I could replace all of that stuff for $200 with a new EST marine ignition for the 3.0L/140HP.

 

[zbnutcase]

Re: Pertronics Electronic Ignition on 3.0 L 140

I have removed about as many Pertronix units as I have installed, won't become a Facebook fan of that company anytime soon...

 

[JimS123]

Re: Pertronics Electronic Ignition on 3.0 L 140

I have removed about as many Pertronix units as I have installed, won't become a Facebook fan of that company anytime soon...

Well, that comment is about as useful as....well, you know.

Why did you remove them and why don't you like them?

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Pertronics Electronic Ignition on 3.0 L 140

There is no performance improvements vs a set of points that is properly adjusted and a lot less reliable. On the other hand, if you want to upgrade to the EST distributor, that would be the choice I would make.

 

[JimS123]

Re: Pertronics Electronic Ignition on 3.0 L 140

The answer to all three questions is "Yes."


Now, if you let us know more specifically whose 3.0 liter it is, someone can give more details. (Like Mercruiser? OMC? What?)

Its a Mercruiser MCM-140, 1984 model.

OK, here's the deal....I guess I posted a loaded question just to see if there were any negative comments. Usually, people post the bad but never take the time to say if something is good.

For years I had point issues, probably from corrosion from limited use. I read about the Pertronics and replaced them 15 years ago. The engine had run awesome for all these years. My little 3 liter just runs so well!!!

Now, since I'm quite anal about preventative maintenance, I was wondering if maybe I should replace the Pertonics unit with a brand new one. I replace the plugs when they are a couple of years old even though the engine runs fine. I change the water pump even though when I take it out it still looks like new. Get the point?

So, basically, my question was does the Pertronics unit last forever, or does it need replacing from time to time?

PS - I never heard of an EST marine ignition 15 years ago so that's why I didn't buy one.

 

[JimS123]

Re: Pertronics Electronic Ignition on 3.0 L 140

There is no performance improvements vs a set of points that is properly adjusted and a lot less reliable. On the other hand, if you want to upgrade to the EST distributor, that would be the choice I would make.

Humm.......read my last post. I was replacing points every 2 years because of idling problems, etc. The Pertronics has lasted for 15 years, with absolutely no problems and consistent performance year after year with no maintenance. In my book I call that reliable, and a huge performance improvement.

 

[JimS123]

Re: Pertronics Electronic Ignition on 3.0 L 140

Maybe I just need to restate the question.....

I'm happy with the Pertronics...it has performed well and the motor runs awesome. Maybe there is a better system out there, but this unit has met all of my requirements so I see no need to change.

I'm worried that after 15 years the unit may fail due to age.

So, do they wear out? Should I replace it now?

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Pertronics Electronic Ignition on 3.0 L 140

consistent performance year after year with no maintenance.

THAT'S the value. THAT'S the performance boost.

With points, they begin to wear from the time they are put in. They gradually decrease their effectiveness. The electronic ignition works the same every time.

I know there are those who have had problems with them, but I never have. I replaced the points years ago and never looked back.

I do not believe it is necessary to simply replace the ignitor simply as a preventative maintenance item. If it no longer works, then you can buy a new one.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Pertronics Electronic Ignition on 3.0 L 140

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=404535

Now does that answer your question?

 

[38special]

Re: Pertronics Electronic Ignition on 3.0 L 140

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=404535

Now does that answer your question?

I installed 3 before this, 1 in a backhoe 7 years ago and still going strong and 2 more in gas powered air compressors about 2 years ago and still no problems with them and the best part is no more messing with points.

This is the first problem i have ever had with the pertronix ignition and its one that can be solved either here or with pertronix being it's still under warrenty. I thought i wouldn try here first being i got home to late from the lake to call pertronix.

I would much rather have the pertronix than points. Like i say, there is a cure to this problem with out spending another dime.

 

[45Auto]

Re: Pertronics Electronic Ignition on 3.0 L 140

now, since i'm quite anal about preventative maintenance

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=402490&highlight=bellows

both my bellows are 26 years old. No leaks yet and no cracks either.

lmao!!!

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Pertronics Electronic Ignition on 3.0 L 140

No way...nobody would be foolish enough to not change bellows for 26 years! Must be a typo.

I was replacing points every 2 years because of idling problems, etc.

Regarding points and idling problems. If the points are causing an idling problem you are either setting them with a feeler gauge instead of a dwell meter or your distributor needs to be repaired if there is slop in the shaft. Had many boats with points and never ever had a problem with them. I would replace my points every year.

 

[JimS123]

Re: Pertronics Electronic Ignition on 3.0 L 140

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=404535

Now does that answer your question?

Not really. Obviously, anybody can get a bad part once in awhile. That's why i got rid of the points in the first place. I did my semi-annual tuneup and got a defective (brand new) condenser that died the first day and put me dead in the water.

Its just that I read a bunch of negative comments on here recently and I was curious whether this was a common thing.

 

[JimS123]

Re: Pertronics Electronic Ignition on 3.0 L 140

lmao!!!

Visual inspections are also a part of preventatve maintenance.

An electronic unit cannot truly be inspected. It may look OK on the outside, and it may test OK on a meter, but are the internal components half fried and ready to fail?

I drive my classic car only 100 miles a year, and yet after 10 years or so the sidewalls of the tires show cracking. That's when I replace them, even though there may be another 40,000 miles of tread left.

The bellows are rubber and easily inspected. Mine show no cracking and are soft and pliable. I do spray them with silicone once in awhile, the boat is garage kept and the drive unit is always down (except when on the highway), so I attribute the care to their longevity. My visual inspection tells me they don't need to be replaced.

If the ignition fails and I'm drifting 3 miles above Niagara Falls, I would not be happy....LOL. If the bellows fail in the same location, the pumps will go on and I may get wet feet, but the end result will not be catastrophic. IMHO, preventatve maintenance also takes into consideration the severity of a potential failure.