Points to Electronic Ignition

B

BillyT0020

New Member
Apr 11, 2008
263
Catawba Island
Boat Info
1980 260 DA
Engines
Merc 260
Hey Guys,
Anyone have any recommendations as to which system to use on an 80 Mercruiser 260? Would you do one of the conversion kits that fits inside the cap or put on a whole new electronic ignition similar to like an MSD for boats? Would you upgrade the coil at the same time? Any links you guys have to a system that would work for my engine would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Billy
 
Unless you did some radical things to that 350, the additional cost of a MSD system is unwarranted. The internal system is more than good enough and substantially better than points.

Best regards,
Frank
 
fc3 said:
Unless you did some radical things to that 350, the additional cost of a MSD system is unwarranted. The internal system is more than good enough and substantially better than points.

Best regards,
Frank
Click to expand...

Frank I believe he already has a points type ignition, unless I misunderstood.

Doug
 
Just to kind of set the record straight... the type of distributor (points, magnetic-hall effect, optical) is much much different than an ignition box.

When the ignition system you're referring to is the type of distributor, what you're really talking about is the pick-up, timing and advance device and possibly amplifier of the ignition. An ignition box such as an MSD 6 series or Mallory Hyfire are Captive Discharge ignitions... a spark control device; it still requires a good distributor to operate at it's peak.

A captive discharge ignition takes the output of the distributor, and modifies the signal and charge to the coil; it essentially acts as an electronically controlled ignition amplifier; increasing the voltage to the coil, increasing the duration of the spark at high RPMs and providing multiple sparks at low RPMS. The results are generally, better idle, higher efficiency (MPG), improved low end torque and improved high end HP. Virtually all engines can benefit from a CD ignition... but to what extent and if it's worth it to you as an individual... that's another story.


On to the topic... Just about anything is better than points; some upgrades are magnetic, some optical. Optical is a bit more accurate, but not really enough that you'd notice in your application. As to which particular kit to buy... I have no idea; it all depends on what distributor you are currently running.

And another side note; if you were to intend on running an MSD or Mallory ignition (CD ignition), make sure you get a coil that allows use of a CD ignition. Not all coils are made to handle the additional output (I'd get the MSD Blaster). And if you get a coil made for CD ignitions, you'll have to run a resistor on it to use it without a CD ignition (look at the mallory marine coils for a non-CD high output coil).
 
BillyT0020 said:
Yeah already have points. So I am guessing its the Mallory ML 181 System?
Electronic Ignition Conversion, ALL Mallory V8 Distributors, ML-181

Mfr. Pertronix


Electronic Ignition Conversion, ALL Mallory V8 Distributors, ML-181...
Click to expand...


I JUST did this upgrade two days ago! Among the smartest upgrades I have done:smt038. The point ignition was really becoming a severe PITA! The parts for Marine applications (condenser, points cap, rotor, etc.) were getting harder to find too.

Go for it... you will not regret it. Especially when you crank it on days when the dew point is high or the moisture in the air is a bit high and she just fires right up.:grin:
 
After installing my MSD ignition and coil, my boat fired up much easier... but, I got my mallory magnetic electronic distributor installed today; what a difference this whole set-up has made! I'd speculate that the engine hardly makes more than one rotation before coming to life. That's really a big improvement.

There is a reason everyone stopped using points distributors...
 
doublenutz said:
I JUST did this upgrade two days ago! Among the smartest upgrades I have done:smt038. The point ignition was really becoming a severe PITA! The parts for Marine applications (condenser, points cap, rotor, etc.) were getting harder to find too.

Go for it... you will not regret it. Especially when you crank it on days when the dew point is high or the moisture in the air is a bit high and she just fires right up.:grin:
Click to expand...

So what and where did you get?
 
By internal conversion, I meant the pertronics style of electronic ignitions.

CDI types of ignition systems are not needed unless the engine has a very radical cam profile. Because these camshafts are shaped for high-performance, and therefore high RPMs, engines thusly equipped can be hard to start and misfire at idle and low RPM. The hotter spark and multiple spark discharge (MSD) ignition systems ameliorate those problems.

Standard ignition systems, both electronic and points types, charge the ignition coil, which fires the spark when the power is disconnected by either a set of points or a power transistor. These systems are known as inductive systems. The inductor, the ignition coil, stores a charge until it's ready to be fired. CDI systems are different. CDI (Capacitive Discharge Ignition) systems charge the inductor and a capacitor (an L-C circuit) which allows a greater charge to be absorbed. The LC circuit can also be tuned to a resonant frequency, so that it can charge and discharge rapidly. The charge / discharge cycle can be so rapid, that a CDI system can spark multiple times during the engine's firing cycle. Thus, if the first spark doesn't initiate the burn for the power cycle, the second or third probably will.

Since your engine is a standard performance type tuned for low RPM power you don't need an CDI or MSD type of ignition. The standard fits inside the cap electronic system will perform quite well for you.

Best regards,
Frank
 
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I replaced the points with the elctronic conversion on my old 160br and it was the best thing I did to the boat. But remember you still have to replace the rotor as part of your routine maintence.
 
Why did you decide not to just buy a Mercury ignition? They don't have points either. For my own boat, I didn't have to change the ignition, but in general I stick with Merc parts so that I can have the boat serviced easily. With a customized ignition, you're going to have to always service it yourself. This can also be an issue when buying/selling a boat.
 
KRB64 said:
So what and where did you get?
Click to expand...

I did the
* Electronic Ignition Conversion, ALL Mallory V8 Distributors, ML-181

* Magnetic Electronic Distributor

* Better Coil

Got everything here locally and paid about the same as the G02Marine price after you add shipping costs. It was not a terribly expensive upgrade.
 
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Cap10Pat said:
Why did you decide not to just buy a Mercury ignition? They don't have points either. For my own boat, I didn't have to change the ignition, but in general I stick with Merc parts so that I can have the boat serviced easily. With a customized ignition, you're going to have to always service it yourself. This can also be an issue when buying/selling a boat.
Click to expand...

The electronic conversion isn't a service item. Meaning, you take your standard points distributor... install the conversion inside the distributor... and you're done. There is no servicing required. If it malfunctions of breaks for some reason, you replace it or the ignition modual. That's it. It doesn't prevent anyone else from working on your boat.

Also, Mercruiser doesn't "make" distributors; it uses third party components such as Mallory (older engines), Delco and Pertronix. In reality, Mercruiser itself doesn't make much of anything involved with the powerhead on I/O's; they build the outdrive and use engines that are designed by automotive companies.
 
NateRW21 said:
The electronic conversion isn't a service item. Meaning, you take your standard points distributor... install the conversion inside the distributor... and you're done. There is no servicing required. If it malfunctions or breaks for some reason, you replace it or the ignition modual. That's it. It doesn't prevent anyone else from working on your boat.

Also, Mercruiser doesn't "make" distributors; it uses third party components such as Mallory (older engines), Delco and Pertronix. In reality, Mercruiser itself doesn't make much of anything involved with the powerhead on I/O's; they build the outdrive and use engines that are designed by automotive companies.
Click to expand...

+1:thumbsup:
 
doublenutz said:
I did the
* Electronic Ignition Conversion, ALL Mallory V8 Distributors, ML-181

* Magnetic Electronic Distributor

* Better Coil

Got everything here locally and paid about the same as the G02Marine price after you add shipping costs. It was not a terribly expensive upgrade.
Click to expand...


Thanks for the info, I have to assume that with the same engine and only a one year difference in year that this is the same kit I should put on. Fingers Crossed Anyway!
Billy
 
Be careful.

you may already have a "breakerless" ignition. I just found out yesterday that Merc used what is called the "Thunderbolt ignition" for a few years in the early 80's. The thunderbolt ignition does not use points.

Gregg
 
ghuskin said:
Be careful.

you may already have a "breakerless" ignition. I just found out yesterday that Merc used what is called the "Thunderbolt ignition" for a few years in the early 80's. The thunderbolt ignition does not use points.

Gregg
Click to expand...

Yeah good call Greg, but I am positive that I have points.
Thanks,
 
I have a Thunderbolt III on my 1980, although the engine is a 1995. I think they used the original ignition system though. It's not a service item - unless it breaks. A merc service center should be able to diagnose that. Not so sure about any other custom parts.
Also, for anyone converting from an older breaker system, that may require different spark plug wires and plugs. It is after all a much higher output. And, I'm not sure if all available systems are designed or approved to be installed in a marine engine compartment.
 
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