VP AQ131 tune up

medic181075

Seaman
Joined
Jul 17, 2008
Messages
51
Okay, I have to apologize before I ask this question. I know it has been covered, but I cannot find the answer after over an hour of searching.

Can I use an automotive dist cap and rotor on my marine engine?

Thanks
 

mkast

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Nov 6, 2002
Messages
1,934
Re: VP AQ131 tune up

Try NAPA for a marine cap.
 

medic181075

Seaman
Joined
Jul 17, 2008
Messages
51
Re: VP AQ131 tune up

SO I can use a standard automotive rotor, but I need a marine cap, right?
 

Robj

Lieutenant
Joined
Mar 22, 2007
Messages
1,441
Re: VP AQ131 tune up

I have that same engine, and I have a marine distributor and an automotive one as well. My plan was to use the automotive one on the boat rather than try and find a new marine one. For obvious reasons, the automotive one never made it onto the boat. The marine distributor has a cap that screws onto the distributor, while the automotive one uses clasps. So no an automotive distributor cap (clasp style) will not work on a marine distributor (screw on style).

Have a great day,

Rob.
 

medic181075

Seaman
Joined
Jul 17, 2008
Messages
51
Re: VP AQ131 tune up

Some of the earlier Volvo 2.3L automotive caps were the screw down style. I have done some additional investigating due to the price of the marine cap ($72 vs. $20) and am wondering if there is a way to convert the vented automotive cap to a nonvented marine cap.

Anyway, I think I will stick with the current cap for now. There is nothing wrong with it. I just wanted to do a complete tune up when I switch to an electronic ignition.

FWIW, NAPA doesn't list a cap for any of the AQ 4 cylinder engines.
 

mkast

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Nov 6, 2002
Messages
1,934
Re: VP AQ131 tune up

I found your cap Volvo Distributor Cap, 18-5357 for $17.64.
 

medic181075

Seaman
Joined
Jul 17, 2008
Messages
51
Re: VP AQ131 tune up

Thanks for the help, but that isn't the one. Mine is Sierra #18-5358. I did manage to find one for $54.62 but that is still outrageous IMO. I can't believe that this cap is worth that much when the similar one you found was $37 less.

I am now aware of the reason for a marine cap, but I still think I can convert an automotive cap to USCG specs with a bit of epoxy. I know that my family's safety is worth more than $37, but the only difference I can find is a vent which can be easily sealed up (if the cap will even fit).
 

Hitech

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Sep 22, 2006
Messages
290
Re: VP AQ131 tune up

If you find a decent replacement, update this thread. I need the same one (I think, AQ120B) and $50 for a cap is insane.
 
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