Marine Distributor
Printed From: CorrectCraftFan.com
Category: Repairs and Maintenance
Forum Name: Engine Repair
Forum Discription: Engine problems and solutions
URL: http://www.CorrectCraftFan.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=38635
Printed Date: May-06-2024 at 2:13pm
Topic: Marine Distributor
Posted By: Nautiquehunter
Subject: Marine Distributor
Date Posted: May-15-2016 at 12:08pm
| I found an HEI distributor for a ford 351w for less than 60.00 the same marine distributor is more like 300.00 . Other than the vacuum advance, venting and advance curve what is the difference between the two. Has anyone marinized a automotive distributor? |
Replies:
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: May-15-2016 at 12:15pm
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Michael, Considering the mark up typical of OEM parts, I have a feeling that you would end up spending more than a new marine to convert the automotive. Let's see if anyone else has any ideas. ------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
Posted By: Nautiquehunter
Date Posted: May-15-2016 at 12:29pm
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I was hoping to get some facts how does the manufacture of the marine dist make it so? Its obvious they started with a stock automotive dist and modified it for marine use . Just like with starters,alternators,fuel pumps and carbs all are modified automotive parts modified to be marine compliant. I know the vac advance will have to be removed and the gap filled and sealed to the cap . 3/8 vent holes covered with fine brass screen and reset the advance curve will be needed . Did I miss anything? |
Posted By: Gary S
Date Posted: May-15-2016 at 1:17pm
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I think you would have to check to see if it even has any mechanical advance at all,some modern ones do not. Some are vacuum retard for emissions too. The Mallory YL in the older Holman Moody's were automotive ones converted to marine but they started out as a dual point centrifugal advance to begin with. They removed a set of points,made a new point plate and put the condenser inside. No screens were installed either. I filled the vent hole and installed a screen assembly from a junk distributor ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1711&sort=&pagenum=1&yrstart=1966&yrend=1970" rel="nofollow - 69 Mustang HM SS 95 Nautique Super Sport |
Posted By: Duane in Indy
Date Posted: May-15-2016 at 1:47pm
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I would not hesitate on converting one. Might be a little bit of work on the one you found but I searched this one out. eBay item number:121985933398 Granted, 5 days to go but Summit wants $445 for the same thing. Easy to switch over. Hardest part is obtaining and installing the RR gear I have done several gear swaps It is best done on a milling machine but can be accomplished on a drill press. If you need the gear let me know. I have one left over. ------------- Keep it as original as YOU want it 1978 Mustang (modified) |
Posted By: Duane in Indy
Date Posted: May-15-2016 at 1:58pm
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Just a quick side note FYI: Dated (1/6/2016) Yesterday MSD Performance announced that they have officially acquired the ACCEL Performance Group who owns not only ACCEL Ignition, but also Mr. Gasket, Mallory Ignition, Lakewood, Quicktime, and Hays. ------------- Keep it as original as YOU want it 1978 Mustang (modified) |
Posted By: SNobsessed
Date Posted: May-15-2016 at 9:21pm
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Well, if you buy one advertised & used for the intended marine function, liability falls on the manufacturer if something goes wrong. If you convert it yourself & something happens, you are the deep pockets they go after . . . ------------- “Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.” Ben Franklin |
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: May-16-2016 at 7:06am
Duane, I feel when accuracy is difficult it's one of the reasons taper pins and reamers were developed waaaay back!  Actually, I also feel this is a great application for a taper pin.------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
Duane in Indy wrote:Posted By: Duane in Indy
Date Posted: May-16-2016 at 7:26am
Pete, The real problem is that gears are not interchangeable from one dist to the next. They drill them at assy and not the same. Just about have to rotate the gear 90 degrees and re -drill the gear. You want the pin in the initial hole in the shaft so as to not weaken the shaft. Also I hate to disagree with you but I would NEVER use a taper pin on a rotating application. Split pins stay tight. Just my experience ------------- Keep it as original as YOU want it 1978 Mustang (modified) |
Posted By: JoeinNY
Date Posted: May-16-2016 at 10:28am
That's basically it, part of the process would likely be testing and making fixes based on the results of that testing. I have had a few boxes tested for hazardous locations, sometimes they pass easy sometimes something unexpected causes issues. I would also be very careful of the quality of the distributor... I doubt you are worrying about a reverse rotation gear for what you have in mind but do pay close attention to the gear. I just got towed home a few days ago in my truck because I replaced the 38 year old original distributor with a new one from the local autozone cause I figured I would treat the new engine to all new parts. The new distributor had a clearance fit on the gear, and a cheap excuse for a roll pin to hold it in place. It made it about 50 miles. Half a day of work lost and 135 for the tow and I am back to the old distributor and running like a champ. ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1477 - 1983 Ski Nautique 2001 1967 Mustang 302 "Decoy" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cO5MkcBXBBs - Holeshot Video |
Posted By: H2oXtremes
Date Posted: May-19-2016 at 8:13pm
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Alright it seems I can never get the thread search option to ever really pull up any searches unless I type out exact matching phrases of a topic, I guess keywords isnt something this site can understand So I am sorry in advance is this topic has come up before. Anyway I am replacing my distributor on my 351w, but I have been reading on other Ford forum sites that the oil drive pump shaft can stick to the bottom of the distributor and come off and drop into the oil pan when removing the distributor, has anyone else had any issues with this? I am trying to prepare myself for that nightmare. ------------- 1985 Ski Nautique 2001 |
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: May-19-2016 at 8:49pm
Use a "google" type search as the sites search feature isn't the best. ------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
Posted By: Gary S
Date Posted: May-19-2016 at 10:06pm
Only a problem if someone has had the engine apart and either removed the clip on the oil pump driveshaft or put it in upside down if even possible. More likely that you would have trouble getting the distributor to seat on the driveshaft,but thats not a big deal either just some wiggling and maybe lowering the front of the trailer. As for searching just use google type in Correct Craft Fan distributor or what ever else you want to look up ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1711&sort=&pagenum=1&yrstart=1966&yrend=1970" rel="nofollow - 69 Mustang HM SS 95 Nautique Super Sport |
Posted By: Nautiquehunter
Date Posted: May-21-2016 at 10:22am
So here is where I am . I bought the dist and 8mm wires . I then removed the vac advance and installed a aluminum bracket to prevent the pick up coil from moving. Then I filled the hole in the base where the vac advance went through. I then drilled 2- 3/8 holes in the bottom of the unit and epoxied fine brass screens to the inside. I installed the dist and wires and checked the timing. The total advance of the original dist was 15 degrees it was the same on the HEI unit so no adjustment was required. Engine starts immediately and runs great . I will keep you posted as time goes on.    
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Posted By: Wilhelm Hertzog
Date Posted: December-25-2019 at 11:37am
Has this distributor been working fine for you? PO of my boat installed an automotive distributor that I doubt has been marinized like you did, and I am concerned it is causing some issues with my motor's running. ------------- 1982 Ski Nautique PCM351W RR II Velvet Drive 10-17-003 1:1 II PerfectPass Stargazer Do not go gentle into that good night. Rage, rage against the dying of the light. |
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: December-25-2019 at 12:01pm
What are the issues with the engine? Does the auto distributor still have the vacuum advance and is it connected? ------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
Posted By: KENO
Date Posted: December-25-2019 at 4:22pm
Click on the link below and you'll see pictures of his distributor and some of your questions will be answered.............only some of them. You'll also find the link that took him to this thread in the linked thread http://correctcraftfan.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=47357&title=pcm-351w-fresh-water-cooling-fwc" rel="nofollow - link |
Posted By: rosconole
Date Posted: December-26-2019 at 1:27am
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Are we talking about an Australian distributor ? Don't their toilet flush backwards ? ------------- 1989 ski nautique ,1991 barefoot nautique, 1993 Mustang Cobra 1998 5.0 Magazine shootout invitee |
Posted By: Wilhelm Hertzog
Date Posted: January-28-2020 at 4:19pm
Yes, it still has the vacuum advance, but no, it is not connected. Should I connect it? I guess checking whether the ignition advances enough through the rpm range without the vacuum advance is probably the first thing to do before connecting. ------------- 1982 Ski Nautique PCM351W RR II Velvet Drive 10-17-003 1:1 II PerfectPass Stargazer Do not go gentle into that good night. Rage, rage against the dying of the light. |
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: January-28-2020 at 4:55pm
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The vacuum advance probably won't work very well. Unlike automotive, the marine engine being under load most of it's RPM range doesn't produce the correct vacuum. You can try it but what's really needed is a distributor with a mechanical advance. ------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |