Power Pack, Stator & Timer Base OMC vs. CDI

CoastalPete

Seaman
Joined
Jul 2, 2010
Messages
51
Ok, may need to get a power pack for my boat, still testing it out but not looking good. Does anyone know if the CDI's are at least equal to the OMC's, the price is cheaper so I am wondering if that is the way to go? Also, what about their Timer Base and Stator? Also, anyone ever buy from TekillerMarine.com or MyMarineMechanic.com, they appear to have the lowest prices.

Thanks,
Pete
 

tal

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Nov 21, 2003
Messages
214
Re: Power Pack, Stator & Timer Base OMC vs. CDI

I hear they are updated with most recent electronic components - thought I remember reading that somewhere on here.

I just bought a new powerpack for my engine, I got it at basicpower.com, seemed the cheapest place around, so you might want to check that place out.
 

wilde1j

Vice Admiral
Joined
Apr 15, 2002
Messages
5,964
Re: Power Pack, Stator & Timer Base OMC vs. CDI

CDI's electronic parts are at least as good as BRP and their prices are hard to beat. For ignition and charging stuff, I would use in the following order: CDI, BRP, Mallory, Sierra, but all are at least OK.
 

Fl_Richard

Lieutenant
Joined
Jan 21, 2005
Messages
1,428
Re: Power Pack, Stator & Timer Base OMC vs. CDI

Plus they allow you to set the timing at cranking speed.
 

daselbee

Commander
Joined
Jan 20, 2009
Messages
2,765
Re: Power Pack, Stator & Timer Base OMC vs. CDI

Plus they allow you to set the timing at cranking speed.

I thought you could do that with any/all brands. How does CDI differ with regard to the above quote...
 

Fl_Richard

Lieutenant
Joined
Jan 21, 2005
Messages
1,428
Re: Power Pack, Stator & Timer Base OMC vs. CDI

From someone elses website ----

A breakthrough at CDI Electronics has allowed the use of microprocessor digital control circuits to handle the timing, QuikStart, S.L.O.W., rev limiter and data logging inside the power pack. This allows the timing to be set using a timing light, remote starter, spark gap tester, piston stop tool and a jumper wire.

With these new digital power packs, you disconnect the port temperature switch/sensor leads and use a jumper wire to short the tan temperature sensor wire to engine ground. Once you have verified the timing pointer using a piston stop tool (or a dial indicator), connect all spark plug wires to a spark gap tester, and connect a remote starter to the engine and a timing light to the No.1 spark plug wire.

When you crank the engine over with the remote starter and check the timing, you will notice the timing is set to approximately 4?- 6? ATDC (after top dead center). By advancing the throttle all the way and rechecking the timing for WOT (wide open throttle), you should see approximately 19? - 20? BTDC (before top dead center). Without this timing feature built into the power pack, you would not be able to easily set the timing for idle or WOT without the Johnson/Evinrude optical diagnostic tool.

Another nice features allowed by the digital circuitry include the ability to compensate for a bad temperature switch, a smoother rev limit, customized rev limiters and special timing curves.
 

tal

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Nov 21, 2003
Messages
214
Re: Power Pack, Stator & Timer Base OMC vs. CDI

Ah, perhaps that's why the Joe Reeves method didn't work for me with my old powerpack. It was way off when I set double checked it on the water.
 

daselbee

Commander
Joined
Jan 20, 2009
Messages
2,765
Re: Power Pack, Stator & Timer Base OMC vs. CDI

From someone elses website ----

A breakthrough at CDI Electronics has allowed the use of microprocessor digital control circuits to handle the timing, QuikStart, S.L.O.W., rev limiter and data logging inside the power pack. This allows the timing to be set using a timing light, remote starter, spark gap tester, piston stop tool and a jumper wire.

With these new digital power packs, you disconnect the port temperature switch/sensor leads and use a jumper wire to short the tan temperature sensor wire to engine ground. Once you have verified the timing pointer using a piston stop tool (or a dial indicator), connect all spark plug wires to a spark gap tester, and connect a remote starter to the engine and a timing light to the No.1 spark plug wire.

When you crank the engine over with the remote starter and check the timing, you will notice the timing is set to approximately 4?- 6? ATDC (after top dead center). By advancing the throttle all the way and rechecking the timing for WOT (wide open throttle), you should see approximately 19? - 20? BTDC (before top dead center). Without this timing feature built into the power pack, you would not be able to easily set the timing for idle or WOT without the Johnson/Evinrude optical diagnostic tool.

Another nice features allowed by the digital circuitry include the ability to compensate for a bad temperature switch, a smoother rev limit, customized rev limiters and special timing curves.

Notice also that they are talking about optical ignition. I am limited in that I only work on the 90s loopers. I was also told once that the optical ignition engines are statically timed with the OMC timing tool.

On non-optical ignitions, you can do the Joe Reeves method with any brand. I have done the Joe Reeves method using original OMC powerpacks, and it works just fine. You must disable QuickStart for sure tho.
 
Top