Mercruiser 165 in 1972 Sea Ray 190: need new distributor

[Ike]

I have been looking at myriad online boat parts sites for a distributor. No one seems to have them for this engine.
It is a 1972 mercruiser GM 6 cylinder inline 165 3.7L ser# 3216148


Here is a list of the sites I have been to: They either don't list them, list them as out of stock or obsolete:
iboats.com
MarinePartsExpress.com
mercruiserParts.com
MarinePowerService.com
marineengine.com
MarineParts.com
Petronix (they do not have a replacement either)
boats.net
performanceproductstech.com
TCelectronics.com
sterndrives.com
jasperengines.com
wholesalemarine.com


There were a few others that I forgot to write down.


They only one I have found is a used one (that looks in bad shape) on ebay. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mercruiser-...Parts_Accessories_Gear&vxp=mtr#ht_2066wt_1163


Any suggestions? The one on the engine is an automotive distributor and I want to get rid of it. It was put on by the previous owner. It has a new starter, alternator, all new fuel hose, plugs, ignition wire, and a host of other things. Please pray that this engine runs and doesn't have any serious problems.


I haven't been able yet to even crank it over.

 

[KC_Sundancer]

Check with summit racing, they supply many marine distributors and show a listing for the 3.7L, 194 cid in-line v6
http://www.summitracing.com/search/?keyword=inline%206%20marine%20distributor&dds=1

Give them a call if needed, I used them in the past for marine applications and they were very helpful.

Worth a try anyway.:huh:

 

[Ike]

Thanks KC, That's one of the ones I forgot to write down. But I appreciate the tip.

I might add: this engine is the marine version of the GM 252.

 

[dlvwill]

Does your current automotive unit have the vacuum advance? If not, and in this particular case, you will be OK with the automotive unit as long as you use the marine version of the distributor cap with the gasket. If it has the vacuum advance you will not be able to seal it properly.

 

[Ike]

Yes it does have a vacuum advance ad it is not ignition protected. I would prefer to put on a marine distributor (I've investigated too many boat explosions)

Besides I made a mistake on the engine. It's the GM 250 4 liter 6 cyl. And mallory has the distributor I need.