Switching old Mercruiser 260 to Electronic Ignition

[rawright]

First post in 6 years LOL. I have a 1979 Sea Ray SRV 240 with a Mercruiser 260 and I am going to be working on it to get it back to sea worthy. I wanted to upgrade the factory points style ignition system in it. I talked to my local boat shop today and the mechanic said that it couldn't be upgraded to an electronic ignition. Is this true? He said it had something to do with the alpha drive in my boat causing issues with switching into gear after making the switch to electronic. I know I have heard of people upgrading to an electronic ignition in similar year sea rays with the same motor but this boat mechanic says this will cause problems.

Any info would be appreciated,'
Robert

 

[hughespat57]

Most Alphas have a kill switch plate mounted on the engine on the shift cable. The plate is spring loaded and as you pull into or out of gear the plate momentarily trips a micro-switch that kills the ignition. This is very quick, just long enough to let the clutch dogs engage or release.

Replacing the entire distributor with a marine grade Ignition Protected/SAE J1171 can be pricey. Used from a newer Merc may fit fine. You could also go this route from Pertronix/Prestolite the Igniter series.

https://pertronixbrands.com/search?...ctronic Ignition Conversions > Ignitor&is_v=1

 

[rawright]

Most Alphas have a kill switch plate mounted on the engine on the shift cable. The plate is spring loaded and as you pull into or out of gear the plate momentarily trips a micro-switch that kills the ignition. This is very quick, just long enough to let the clutch dogs engage or release.

Replacing the entire distributor with a marine grade Ignition Protected/SAE J1171 can be pricey. Used from a newer Merc may fit fine. You could also go this route from Pertronix/Prestolite the Igniter series.

https://pertronixbrands.com/search?q=&hPP=12&idx=shopify_products&p=0&dFR[vendor][0]=Pertronix Ignition&hFR[named_tags.level_1][0]=Electronic Ignition Conversions > Ignitor&is_v=1

So is it possible to make the switch to an electronic ignition in my boat without creating a bunch of problems? What you are describing sounds exactly like what the mechanic was talking about. I am not wanting to fix one problem and create a bunch of new ones. I am just tired of dealing with the points on the boat and my understanding is that the electronic ignition upgrade is much more reliable and efficient system.

Thank you for your reply and your time,
Robert

 

[hughespat57]

Would need engine model and serial numbers if available to be more specific.

My opinion would be the Petronix style upgrade. Not fancy but keeps the current centrifugal and/or vacuum advance.
Swapping out the entire distributor could be more complicated getting the correct timing curve, depends what will match.
Do not go with any automotive replacements that dont say marine Ignition Protected/J1171

 

[hottoddie]

The Pertronix upgrade is fibe as long as the shaft play in the existing distributor doesn't have excessive shaft wear. If it does the dist can be removed and rebuilt at a good electrical shop.

 

[rawright]

Would need engine model and serial numbers if available to be more specific.

My opinion would be the Petronix style upgrade. Not fancy but keeps the current centrifugal and/or vacuum advance.
Swapping out the entire distributor could be more complicated getting the correct timing curve, depends what will match.
Do not go with any automotive replacements that dont say marine Ignition Protected/J1171

The engine model just says Mercruiser 260, the serial # is 5285467

Just wondering which ignition upgrade kit I should get and if I am going to have problems if I upgrade.

Thanks again for everyone's help and suggestions,
Robert

 

[hughespat57]

http://www.marineengine.com/parts/m...4-bbl-gm-350-v8-19781982/4908850-thru-6218461
original is a Mallory YL624AV
I would look for a tag on the distributor to be sure it is still the original.

"high performance" will handle the bigger 40,000 volt HP coils (red rotor)
If you use a HP High voltage coil you can not use the factory solid core ignition wires.
You need to upgrade them to good carbon core wires and the cap.

Internal by Sierra 18-5296-2
https://www.marineengineparts.com/sierra-marine-18-5296-2-electronic-conversion-kit

Internal "high performance" by Sierra 18-5290
https://www.fredwarner.net/product/...cyl/?msclkid=7975408e56d111b7e91b20d070b2a016

Internal version by Mallory themselves (also high performance rated)
https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Mallory-61004M-E-Spark-Conversion-Kit,287829.html?sku=50061004M&msclkid=c922cbc3692012e54154ab9d4ece48c1&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=SMI - Shopping (CSE) (Bing)&utm_term=4577404346894346&utm_content=All Products (Feb28_2020)

given the prices I would stay with Mallory