Electronic vs. Analog Ignition Points

[Rick_Powers]

I recently went through a diagnostic nightmare trying to solve a "no spark" situation.

The last thing I would have suspected was the recently installed (6mo.) electronic points to replace the analog points.

However, (Thanks Baltimore!), when I put the analog points back in, the engine ran GREAT, better than before.

I used to struggle to get 2200 rpm in forward, and now I can crank forward toward 3000 rpm until I get prop cavatation. No more surging, just pure good running.

So, here is the question:

Did I just have a bum electronic point set? Can analog points be better in terms of a hotter spark? How many of you have the electronic points?

Thanks!

[sastanley]

I have electronic ignition. The points seemed fine, but it was an upgrade I wanted to make. So far I've had no problem with the e-ignition except the coil, which was original.

I still have the points/condenser/breaker plate on board in my spares packet, however.

[Dave Neptune]

Ignition

Rick, the electronic should by all means perform better than the std. points. An electronic set up should perform a little better from the start but hardly noticeable without a dyno reading. The points when fresh work fine, however from that point on the performance decreases as the points wear. The wear on the points which changes dwell and contact condensor saturation is the whole reason to convert.

You may have not been at the same timing setting which could cause the problem you are having. Did you "power time" the electronic set up OR have the timing set the same in both applications. You may have a faulty set but most electronic sets work or they don't IE they don't get week they just fail.

After installing an electronic set up 20 some (I adapted an optical trigger type from my racing days and have since installed the Indigo 5 years ago or so) years ago on my A-4. I noticed no differance from a fresh set of points however since then all I have done is a fresh set of plugs every few years. She always starts right up and runs consistantly. I also use the Pertronics on my VW dune buggy with no problems.

I do carry my old points in the toolbox as a spare ignition.

Dave Neptune

[charles@pricefarrington.c]

A little off topic but I have 165 merc in line six on a power boat that I would like to install eletronics on, any one have a recommendation where to get them??

Thanks.

[67c&ccorv]

Hey guys - I have just gone through a little trial by fire with my electronic ignition system and I must point out how crucial it is to have the proper coil installed with the electronic ignition that will provide the required 3 - 4 ohms resistance measured across the coil - and + terminals.

Anything less than that resistance will overheat and fry the electronic unit!

[sastanley]

67C&C - I've heard similar stories that if you install an electronic ignition and run it with the old coil, sometimes the ignitor will kill the coil. I dunno if this happened to me directly as I didn't motor a lot prior to the electronic ignition upgrade and the first time I went any distance (~ 75 minutes) the coil overheated.

My point is, I think we agree...the coil is the cheap part of the electronic ignition upgrade..might as well buy it when you by the other parts! I may have just gotten lucky that my coil (OEM Delco-Remy) overheated before it damaged the ignition unit??

[rigspelt]

A little off topic but I have 165 merc in line six on a power boat that I would like to install eletronics on, any one have a recommendation where to get them??

I once put electronic ignition modules in the distributors of a twin Merc 3.7 boat -- the marine mechanic supplied them. As I recall they were standard Pertronix EI modules, and then we modified the distributors for the wires, just as we have to do when fitting EIM to the A4 distributor. It should be easy to google to find an authoritative answer about matching an EIM model to that Merc, or check with a Merc mechanic.

[charles@pricefarrington.c]

Thanks for the replys.