Points vs Electronic

[kevin500]

Greetings all. Thanks for assistance in ID'ing my motor. It is a 1964 or so Gale 40 HP sold here in Canada under the Eatons label "Viking", which explains the odd model number, 40DE18V.<br />There is a question here somewhere....<br />Regarding the dual point ignition, can it be swapped out for electronic ignition from a newer model or aftermarket? Is it even available? Not to fond of points...<br />Thanks folks, great forum.

 

[JB]

Re: Points vs Electronic

From a reliability and engine efficiency point of view the CD ignitions are clearly better, Kevin.<br /><br />On the other hand, a magneto is so much easier to service in an emergency. It is very, very rare that both go out at once. Remember, that is two, mostly independent magnetos. They share only the timing cam and the flywheel.<br /><br />For that reason I prefer magnetos on the 2 cylinder engines. Even if one fails you can still putt home on the other.<br /><br />Keep in mind that I am an old salt who has been messing with outboards for over 50 years. We oldsters tend to prefer what is most familiar.<br /><br />Stick with the mags, and good luck.

 

[McGR]

Re: Points vs Electronic

There is some kit you can buy that converts the points to electronic ignition on older OMCs. I think they may be available through Sierra. I havn't heard too many good things about them. I'm with JB, stick with the points. Sure, they eventually wear themselves out of tune, but is it really that much trouble to do periodic maintenance on them? Plus as JB stated, you can't beat the simplicity when it comes to troubleshooting. Sometimes troubleshooting electronic ignition systems can be a real bear. I'm sure many owners of motors equipped with early OMC electronic ignition systems would love to trade problems with you.

 

[ledgefinder]

Re: Points vs Electronic

I'm with JB, too, especially when you're boating on the BIG lake like you are. On Superior, nice to be able to count on making it back to the dock. <br /><br />On those mag systems, the original coils cause trouble, and sometimes the whole timing plate that everything rides on starts to wobble in its mounts a bit. New coils are around 15-20 each. JReeves has a fix for the plate wobble (search archives), or if you have that problem just keep your eyes open for good used parts. Other than that, once set up with replacement coils and a fresh set of points & condensors, those systems will run a decade no problem.

 

[kevin500]

Re: Points vs Electronic

Thanks for the suggestions. 50 years experience, I gotta listen. Although I have 25 years in automotive, where points are usually replaced by electronic, all issues mentioned make sense. (The last vehicle I drove with points is my 1946 Studebaker 1/2 ton, 350 Chev engine).<br />I will be staying with points.<br />As for boating on Superior, won't happen very often. The boat is a 1966 Owens 14' glass. Akin to a toothpick floating in a flushing toilet bowl.<br />The 40 HP Gale is in beautiful mechanical shape. A previous owner spray painted it dark red though, yuck.<br />I can turn the prop almost 180 degrees before there is any resistance. Being a relative neophyte to this sport, is that normal? I have not torn the motor down, but there seems to be a lot of freeplay in the prop. Maybe something in the leg is kaput?<br />Thanks again, all!!