What would you do?

[clasavi]

I have a 1998 mercruiser 350 magnum EFI MPI with 370 hours on it.

The ignation coil, ignation module, distributor cap and rotor are the original parts and in working order. The spark plug wires are four years old and seem to be in Ok shape.

I am trying to stay a step ahead and avoid breaking down and get stuck with high mechanic bills.

As preventative maintenance, would you chage all or if any of the listed parts? Am I wasting money?

Thanks in advance,

Claudio

 

[achris]

Re: What would you do?

I have a 1998 mercruiser 350 magnum EFI MPI with 370 hours on it.

The ignation coil, ignation module, distributor cap and rotor are the original parts and are in working order. The spark plug wires are four years old and seem to be in Ok shape.

I am trying to stay a step ahead and avoid breaking down and get stuck with high mechanic bills.

As preventative maintenance, would you chage all or if any of the listed parts? Am I wasting money?

Thanks in advance,

Claudio

Change nothing. If it's all in good order you have nothing to worry about. My previous engine, now in a friend's boat, still has all the original ignition system expect plug leads (changed in 1997)... It's 19 years old and has almost 1500 hours.

 

[Robert D]

Re: What would you do?

I'd say it really depends on a few things. Like if you've been in salt water or not. Cap and rotor I would simply replace. Inspect the wires between the coil and ignition unit/distributor for any chaffing or other issues. Perhaps clean the coil terminals if they look corroded. Save your old cap and rotor for spares to carry in the boat. A coil is only $49.....I'd put a new one on and carry the old one for spares as well.

 

[Don S]

Re: What would you do?

Spark plugs, cap, and rotor are tuneup items.
The other ignition components you mentioned get replaced when they fail.

Follow the maintenance schedule in your manual and you should be fine.

 

[achris]

Re: What would you do?

... A coil is only $49.....I'd put a new one on and carry the old one for spares as well.

Not these, they're a special, and cost $105...

 

[dubs283]

Re: What would you do?

A coil is only $49.....I'd put a new one on and carry the old one for spares as well.

probably the most commonly replaced igntion component replaced by a diy'er that need not be

can't tell you how many posts i've read on here where someone states "my engine has no spark and i replaced the coil with no luck, what gives?"

if you see someone at the ramp tossing a coil in the garbage - 98% chance that coil works perfectly

as don stated, plugs, cap and rotor - tune-up parts that should be replaced every two to three boating seasons or 100 hours

 

[clasavi]

Re: What would you do?

Thanks guys. That's what I will do.