Standard ignition changeover to Electronic for 4 cyl Mercruiser

[redgoat]

I was wondering if it is worthwhile to change my standard ignition on my 4cyl 153 cu.in. mercruiser 120hp to a Sierra Electronic Conversion Kit for 4 cyl Delco ignitions. One is lead to believe that this technology will not only make points and condenser obsolete but also make a marine engine run better and be more reliable. Anyone have any comments good or bad?

 

[reddogg]

Re: Standard ignition changeover to Electronic for 4 cyl Mercruiser

I have never owned an IO but that having been said I've owned several cars where I updated the ignitions from points/condensers to electronic and it is indeed a wonderful thing. I'm sure one of the guru's will be along to give you the skinny on it, but from my experiance with cars I say do it

red

 

[splatter]

Re: Standard ignition changeover to Electronic for 4 cyl Mercruiser

I'm Just curious but how exactly does electronic ignition make an engine run better?

 

[reddogg]

Re: Standard ignition changeover to Electronic for 4 cyl Mercruiser

For me in cars it was about reliability, consistancy, and higher power output to the plugs.

red

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Standard ignition changeover to Electronic for 4 cyl Mercruiser

I was wondering if it is worthwhile to change my standard ignition on my 4cyl 153 cu.in. mercruiser 120hp to a Sierra Electronic Conversion Kit for 4 cyl Delco ignitions.

A lot of guys really like them. I am going to try it on my 470. Having my distributor rebuilt and a Pertronix 91146A (looks to be the same as the Sierra) installed. Check out the Pertronix website, I think they are a little less expensive. Will let you know how it works out.

 

[CraigBarnard]

Re: Standard ignition changeover to Electronic for 4 cyl Mercruiser

I just installed a set. Piece of cake to do.
I am not going to comment on marine use however there is a reason the automotive market abandoned them many many decades ago.
Points wear out. They cause problems. They need adjustments.
Electronic ignition is simpler. More reliable. Require no maintenance. Also much more accurate.
I owned a truck years ago that ran on points and was nothing but a hassle. For the 100 bucks or so to do the conversion I say its a very worthwhile investment.
Put them in and forget them.

 

[DarrinT]

Re: Standard ignition changeover to Electronic for 4 cyl Mercruiser

Talked to a marina owner/mechanic about electronic ignition a year ago - his take was with points if it runs bad or not at all you can easily do a field repair and at least keep going. If the electronics go they're gone and you better have a spare on board especially if you're on big water like he is - Georgian Bay

 

[CraigBarnard]

Re: Standard ignition changeover to Electronic for 4 cyl Mercruiser

Talked to a marina owner/mechanic about electronic ignition a year ago - his take was with points if it runs bad or not at all you can easily do a field repair and at least keep going. If the electronics go they're gone and you better have a spare on board especially if you're on big water like he is - Georgian Bay

I guess it would not hurt to keeep the old point set handy in the boat for such an occassion.
However the whole idea of using a pointless conversion is to remove the need for feild repiars.

 

[splatter]

Re: Standard ignition changeover to Electronic for 4 cyl Mercruiser

Talked to a marina owner/mechanic about electronic ignition a year ago - his take was with points if it runs bad or not at all you can easily do a field repair and at least keep going. If the electronics go they're gone and you better have a spare on board especially if you're on big water like he is - Georgian Bay

Thats my take on it . While I'm NOT a mechanic I can change points and distributor (I can't spell it though ) cap and set points but I'm clueless about the electronic ignition .