Points vs elect Ign.

The boat I am looking at has points. The owner said that he tried converting it to electric and could not get it to run right so went back to points. Also did not use a timing light, adj by ear, so it does not run very well. Does that mean I should be concerned that there is something wrong with the engine?

Fritzc

fritzc wrote: Does that mean I should be concerned that there is something wrong with the engine? Fritzc

depends weather it's the dwell and timing setting causing it to run rough or the something else. If it was me I would be adjusting the dwell and setting the timing for the idiot then see how it runs.

1988 Martinique Ford 351

I've been running a 240 hp PCM Ford since 1992. It runs great with points. I've put about 1000 hours on it and have only changed them about 4 times. I've never even put a timing light on it. Points are no big deal.

I needed to replace my points on my 302 so I went with a breakerless electronic ignition conversion kit which replaces just the points.

That was 2 yrs ago and so far I have not had any problems. I did not even reset the timing. It may have been just luck!!

Barracuda wrote: Riley wrote: I've never even put a timing light on it. If it aint broke... right Bruce?

It's a great engine. It's always ran really well. I think if I put a timing light on it and it indicated that the timing needed to be changed, I probably still wouldn't mess with it.

79nautique wrote: Riley wrote: Barracuda wrote: Riley wrote: I've never even put a timing light on it. If it aint broke... right Bruce? It's a great engine. It's always ran really well. I think if I put a timing light on it and it indicated that the timing needed to be changed, I probably still wouldn't mess with it. that is just dumb luck and usually not the case, most of the time the timing needs to be re-set.

I have to agree with '79 here Bruce. Its always good to verify the timing. Who knows- you could be at 5 deg BTDC, which would result in great starts and smooth running, but you could be leaving something on the table for midrange and top end performance.

'78, Ive never heard of a PCM EI kit. I assume youre talking about the Prestolite kit? Thats what appears to have been installed on my buddy's '94 from the factory. Thats what was on my '90 before I upgraded to my DUI, and it ran great (until my MSD coil killed it). Ive heard of a lot more problems with the Pertronix kit. I know SkiDIM recommends the Prestolite.

quinner wrote: Question for you motor heads, if you upgrade from standard to a good basic electronic, would there be any HP gains or loses?

Unless the points needed to be replaced, Id say no. Ive heard of easier starts and better reliability (moisture issues like you mentioned). To gain HP, youre going to have to upgrade the entire distributor and coil with a setup that will give you a better (or more consistent) advance curve and/or a hotter or longer spark.

Thanks Boy's, and yes Chris, my intended question was replacing the whole distributor, thanks for clarifying for Timmy, he is a little slow sometimes, like his boat!

Good point on the fuel consumption as well, I did notice a big gain in that area with my first EI SN, although I am sure the fuel injection was a big part of that also.

Chris, what's the deal, awful calm lately, you must be getting lucky!

Hey Now, Both me and my boat have past the 4-0 mark!

MotorBox, as in electric? I think my boat has an engine and we keep it in the DogHouse, just like me!!

CQ, I get your point, but Correct Craft calls it a motor box.

Going over 40 while on the trailer doesnt count!

'79, theres no telling what Quinner is talking about when he mentions a "good basic electronic". He could be talking about his personal life.

Barracuda wrote: 79nautique wrote: noreastern's To use the parlance of your geographic area...HUH?

that would be mid-westerner for me, not the east coast.

Riley wrote: Good point. I do own a timing light. I just never bothered to check it. Maybe that's the reason my Indmar/Chevy walks all over the Ford.

well soory you don't know how to use your timing light and I'm sorry you do not own a CC eather.


Oh your tag lines... well they don't match your mouth...typed words

TRBenj wrote: 79nautique wrote: well soory you don't know how to use your timing light and I'm sorry you do not own a CC eather. Oh your tag lines... well they don't match your mouth...typed words Chris, its common knowledge around here that Bruce has 2 Malibus in addition to his Mustang. He owns more Correct Crafts than you do!

...and I've always been a CC fan, regardless of what I've been driving.

I will check the timing on that PCM come spring. It runs so good, I'll be surprised if it's off by much.

79, I'll give it a try. I just got a timing light last summer, but never bothered with the Ford because it has always run so good. Apples to oranges comparing a new Vortec to a pre GT40 Ford, but Tim has told me he thinks the old Fords have as much grunt out of the hole as the new Vortecs. I haven't found that to be the case with my boats, so maybe it is the timing on my Ford.

When I make it to GL, if I'm running against anyone, it will be Pete and 62Wood.