Thunderbolt Ignition 9.8

[New_Era]

Hi All,

Have my dad's old motor after it passed through other family members hands. Serial #1983515. Appears to be 1966 model 9.8 hp. The coils and plug wires have the markings of Thunderbolt ignition. I have the OEM repair manual and the manual seems to indicate that based on the year, the Thunderbolt ignition was not available in 1966. No markings on the cowling or anywhere else say Thunderbolt.

Questions: Was the Thunderbolt ignition available in 1966?

Could a non Thunderbolt ignition have been converted to Thunderbolt? If so, what would be the downside of this?

Just trying to figure out what I am dealing with and how to get it back to original condition.

Thanks,

 

[Laddies]

Re: Thunderbolt Ignition 9.8

No and No but the complete powerhead could have been changed, if the coils are under the flywheel is a conventional ign. system if the are attached to the engine above the plugs it CD ign.

 

[New_Era]

Re: Thunderbolt Ignition 9.8

Laddies,

The coils are external above the plugs. I didn't even think about the possibility of a powerhead exchange but you are probably right. As I recall the serial number is on the lower transom area of the motor.

Thanks,

Ron

 

[Laddies]

Re: Thunderbolt Ignition 9.8

The one on the tilt tube will be for the original engine so it won't help but the powerhead has a pad on the starboard side with the word lighting or comet cast in it right below it is the engine number.

 

[New_Era]

Re: Thunderbolt Ignition 9.8

Laddies,

I found a number in the area you mentioned to the right of "Lightening" on the cylinder on the starboard side. Does 837-2756 sound like a valid engine number to you? One of my manuals says it should be stamped on a welsh plug but so far I don't see one.

Thanks,

Ron

 

[Laddies]

Re: Thunderbolt Ignition 9.8

There is no welsh plug on older engines, the number you found is cast in the block but there should be a different number stamped on the pad just below the lighting