Pertronix Ignitor II installation-OMC sterndrive

[skiriver]

Who has installed the Ignitor II in an OMC Sterndrive? I've got the 1985 OMC 4.3L 175hp V-6, model 432SPMRCOM, in a 1987 Renken. I'm going to upgrade to the electronic ignition. Intend to use the Ignitor II with the II coil. Wondering about tips to make the installation go easier. Looks like a couple of extra things to do for the OMC system. I know somebody has tackled this problem before me. I would be interested in help from those who have done it. It's good to learn from the experience of others!

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: Pertronix Ignitor II installation-OMC sterndrive

Lots of input should be out there on this unit.<br />The only problem I have is how do you diagnos it ? Obviously not in the OMC manual.Are there gains other than replacing a point set once a year ?<br /><br />DHP

 

[KaGee]

Re: Pertronix Ignitor II installation-OMC sterndrive

I just installed an Ignitor and Flamethrower in my 3.8L (4.3's cousin). I also installed a new ESA from CDI that accepts the Ignitor (suspected my old one was not working).<br /><br />I could not believe the difference in the idle performance. Almost like a different engine.<br /><br />Just keep the plate with the points onboard as a spare just in case. I've heard of very few failures. <br /><br />You will have to add the diode fix for your ESA unless you buy the CDI replacement.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Pertronix Ignitor II installation-OMC sterndrive

Originally posted by KaGee:<br /> You will have to add the diode fix for your ESA unless you buy the CDI replacement.

Link, Link, Kagee! Give the poor guy a leg up.

 

[skiriver]

Re: Pertronix Ignitor II installation-OMC sterndrive

Hey Guys, thanks for the posts. I've also been doing alot of study on the matter. Most everyone I read on different forums agrees that the new ignition system is an improvement, especially the Pertronix II. I haven't had the chance to speak with anyone locally who has made the change to their boat. As far as I can tell the second model fixes a problem with the original and improves performance. Fortunately for me the process is one step simpler. I've got the post-1987 800 Series IO/OB which has the hydraulic mechanical shifter. This should get me out of the diode fix (which doesn't appear to difficult to implement), but not the ballast resistor, or resistor wire change. Must confess the biggest problem at this point is the wiring diagram. The Sealoc manual shows a different wiring diagram for my model than what I see in the boat. The book says my model has a ballast resistor. Once you look at the coil the attached wiring suggests a resistor wire. All this is compounded by how difficult it is to access the rear of the engine where most of the wiring resides. Although the IO/OB unit is a 1985 model (by OMC model number) the boat was put together in 1986, or 1987 as the serial number for the manufacturer lists it as an '87. This makes me suspect there will be differences between my boat and the Sealoc manual. A simple fix would be to refer to the wiring diagram provided by the manufacturer in the owner's manual as each manufacturer does it their own way. Alas, the ex-wife got her hands on my manual and it hasn't been heard from since. Does anyone have any wiring specifics on the Renken version of the 4.3L V-6?

 

[whywhyzed]

Re: Pertronix Ignitor II installation-OMC sterndrive

oops, double post

 

[whywhyzed]

Re: Pertronix Ignitor II installation-OMC sterndrive

Originally posted by skiriver:<br />I've got the post-1987 800 Series IO/OB which has the hydraulic mechanical shifter. This should get me out of the diode fix (which doesn't appear to difficult to implement), but not the ballast resistor, or resistor wire change. Must confess the biggest problem at this point is the wiring diagram.

something not right there, skiriver<br />The hydraulic 800's last year was 1981. 1982-1986 Model year 800's were straight mechanical 86-92 Cobras were all mechanical.<br />Unless you have a pre-1982 boat, you require the ESA and switches. <br />Renken would not touch the OMC wiring.<br />Doing the diode thing saves $57 for the Rapair ESA.. can't see bothering.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Pertronix Ignitor II installation-OMC sterndrive

Ditto Hystat, skirver has a transistion year mechanical shift 800 stringer. It uses the ESA. I'm curious about KaGees Solution but he seems to be playing hard to get for the information on it.

 

[KaGee]

Re: Pertronix Ignitor II installation-OMC sterndrive

Sounds like you have either a newer engine or somebody hung an older drive on your boat. No way did OMC ever do a 800 Hydro with a 4.3!<br />There were a few 4.3s with 800 Mech shift. Mid year they switched to Cobra.<br /><br />The resistor wire in my harness...'82... is purple/red. You have to hack it if your pertronix coil is 3 ohms (which it should be if you have the right one)<br /><br />Boomy... Pertronix has the diode mod in the instructions... at least they did in the set I bought. I have the original, I turn the key off!

 

[KaGee]

Re: Pertronix Ignitor II installation-OMC sterndrive

Since inquiring minds want to know:<br /><br />

 

[skiriver]

Re: Pertronix Ignitor II installation-OMC sterndrive

Hey Guys, thanks for the posts I'm just getting the chance to read. Computer is going back in the shop as it still isn't quite right.<br /><br />I installed the Pertronix II Ignitor, Coil II, new cap & rotor, wires, and plugs. KaGee's wire color hint put me onto a wiring diagram in Sealoc which solved the resistor problem. The ignition system now spits little lightening bolts. <br /><br />I can't wait to get in the water, but my Rochester 2BBl is off to Flying Fish for a rebuild. This will give me time to finish the "OMC shift interrupter fix".<br /><br />I stand corrected on the shift issue. A reread of Sealoc showed me where I was confused.<br /><br />Since I need to do the "shift interrupter fix" I have more questions. Where is the E.S.A. module physically located in the 4.3L ignition system? (The diagram that came with my Pertronix Ignitor II shows "To E.S.A. module" where its shows "To shift box" on KaGee's, all else is the same.) The wiring diagram I have in Sealoc shows one gray wire attached from the negative side of the coil to the module. The gray wire is where the "fix" in inserted. However, my boat has two gray wires on the negative terminal of the coil and I'm not recognizing this anywhere in Sealoc. Just want to hook up in the right place. Any ideas?

 

[JustMrWill]

Re: Pertronix Ignitor II installation-OMC sterndrive

Originally posted by KaGee:<br /> I just installed an Ignitor and Flamethrower in my 3.8L (4.3's cousin). I also installed a new ESA from CDI that accepts the Ignitor (suspected my old one was not working).<br />

KaGee - where did you find the CDI ESA?<br /><br />-JMW

 

[rbezdon]

Re: Pertronix Ignitor II installation-OMC sterndrive

you can get the CDI/Rapair module at go2marine but it is more than 57. I have posted info on this unit several times, either google or search here for the links. I found this unit quite a while back and if you need to replace the ESA it saves the kulge add on KG posted above. The ESA should be mounted to the intake manifold and have a harness going to the main harness at the back of the engine and another harness going to the shift bracket, not the shift housing. <br /><br />The second grey wire on the coil - is the tach. Leave this wire where it is or you wont have a functioning tach.

 

[KaGee]

Re: Pertronix Ignitor II installation-OMC sterndrive

Originally posted by JustMrWill:<br /> KaGee - where did you find the CDI ESA?<br /><br />-JMW

See http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=24;t=014056#000000 <br /><br />Ordered at BoatFix.com.

 

[Richard Petersen]

Re: Pertronix Ignitor II installation-OMC sterndrive

Why do people buy trouble some Pertronix units? Other brands have great reputations AND have a rev limiter built in.

 

[skiriver]

Re: Pertronix Ignitor II installation-OMC sterndrive

Thanks, vat, I'm off to Radio Shack to finish the job. cyc, what other brands are you referring to?

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Pertronix Ignitor II installation-OMC sterndrive

Originally posted by cyclops2:<br /> Why do people buy trouble some Pertronix units? Other brands have great reputations AND have a rev limiter built in.

Because no one ever includes any information about credible alternatives!!

 

[rbezdon]

Re: Pertronix Ignitor II installation-OMC sterndrive

only one I ever saw is one posted by Don S for me which was a complete distributor setup from Prestolite.

 

[KaGee]

Re: Pertronix Ignitor II installation-OMC sterndrive

I've never read of any either. For that matter, I have not read of any inordinate amount of Pertronix failure. <br /><br />As to his reference to other conversion products... My guess is he's referring to some "non-marine" aftermarket kit. Just a guess since he was so vague.

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: Pertronix Ignitor II installation-OMC sterndrive

Bosch used to make an aftermarket kit, but I don't know if they still do. Can't be bothered googling it.