Pertronix electronic ignition conversion 1976 Starcraft Boat

[@fisherkrol]

A couple of comments here as I have a similar set up with a 1989 3.0L Mercruiser Alpha One. To clear things up I hope first Great Video and completely accurate for that boat. His wiring set up is identical to mine on the coil. After reading some comments on incorrect wiring I called Pertronix last week and spoke at length with Frank (one of their tech support folks) and he indicated that for the 3.0 Ohm coil, (which is right for that boat), and the 1146A EI unit, all you need to check is that it is getting 12V on Pos side while engine is running and you will be fine, which in this setup I am also getting 12V when running so this is why he is fine for two years so far and should be forever. In fact Frank recommended not adding an additional wire to another 12V keyed source, nor to remove or clip back any other wires. In addition and not sure if others ran into this, but after installing the black plastic magnet as far as it would go onto dist shaft and then putting rotor back on, the rotor seats but not as deeply as previously on points system. Boat still ran fine but I was uncomfortable with this so I measured about 1/8th inch around rotor, and sanded it down on my sanding station and now it seats very solid, still runs exactly the same (GREAT!) and very pleased with the unit, ease of install, etc..

[@alanbenic7773]

Yes I agree that is fine but in my case I read 7V when my engine run. What than bring from incognito 12V because 3.0 ohm coil need 12V. What in this case?

[@bringmeyourweak]

This , and the previous video - helped me get my old (69' Dastun) Distributor problem resolved. I thank you for these uploads, Sir. The 1/4 situation was killing me. Thanks to you I have solved this issue. Now the carb tune..

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Glad it helped. Thanks for watching.

[@alanbenic7773]

@@Michaelsbackyardmarina I have everything same 3.0 Ohm coil but there is 7V no 12V how this coil need. Probably is resistor there. What I can do about this 12V?

[@leesire]

Way to go! I have got to get mine fixed. Thank you.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

You can do it!

[@leesire]

@@Michaelsbackyardmarina I WISH!!!

[@bomtrady3133]

Great and detailed video! Also a great improvement for engine reliability. I wanted to let you know that you have the new positive circuit hooked up incorrectly. This ignition system has a resistor on the coil power circuit that lowers coil input voltage when running. It may still run the way you have it, but you’ll likely run into issues long term. You want that new power lead going to an ignition-switched power source so it has 12 V instead of 6-7.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Not sure what you mean by long term. Been running two years on it.

[@bomtrady3133]

Premature failure of the ignitor, mostly. The instruction sheet you mentioned explains the 2 different installation procedures depending on whether there is/is not a ballast resistor. You can confirm by measuring the + terminal of the coil while running. You’ll probably have 6.5 V or so. It’s not the end of the world, just thought I’d mention it

[@richie2dicks468]

Bom Trady you’d be right assuming his new coil is a 3ohm coil. If it is a 1.5 ohm coil you keep your resistor wire.

[@wphun]

With the flamethrower I installed, it wouldn’t do bupkis until I ran it to a switched on 12v. I had to bypass the resistor wire. Before that the voltage readings were all over the place. I did this with my MGB.

[@davidreta3664]

@@richie2dicks468I have the 1.5 should I keep the resister then

[@FishingWithJo415]

Good afternoon, im having a problem with my mercruiser 3.0 with DDIS system. took my boat out with the family and just turned off like i pulled the kill switch. checked and i had no spark coming out of the coil. i noticed the coil was hot. then cooled the engine while i was checking everything and it started right up. did this to me 2 times. has this happen to you?

[@fishonnelson2353]

Coil going bad.. I’ve experienced this ! If you go in the salt- have a spare and you won’t get stuck

[@FishingWithJo415]

@@fishonnelson2353 Thank You!

[@edwardhenley7926]

Looking for the video on Converting my fuel system over to electronic

[@AnyHotRod2000]

Did you replace your spark plugs ? And what gap did you go with ? And are those High-output spark plug wires ? Thanks for your video, 1984 Rinker 4cyl...doing mine now

[@donc4372]

I will be putting a pertronix kit in my 1984 120 mercruiser this spring. I think you said to put a light lube in the distributor ? Like wd40 ? Not sure what you mean

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

just some 10w oil or like 3in1 oil and we are talking a drop it all it takes

[@donc4372]

What oil do you use in older mercruiser 120. Do they have flat tappet or roller. I guess zinc in oil is needed for flat tappet

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

I have been using Mobil 1 Full synthetic oil 10W30 for three seasons now.

[@michaeltooley7573]

Another great video...love the commentary!!

[@Lure-Benson]

What is the part number for the marine conversion being used because Petronix web site doesn't show marine

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

it's not a marine application, same one they use in vehicles. Thanks for watching

[@jeepzilla2004]

1146A

[@wvairgunssportsman8886]

I'm looking for the trim switch cover

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

eBay may be your only hope there.

[@wvairgunssportsman8886]

@@Michaelsbackyardmarina I been searching

[@TheSundanceKid71]

Great vid ! will this also work for my merc 470 ?

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

I don't see why it wouldn't. I have a 470 as well and I plan on electronic ignition for that one.

[@TheSundanceKid71]

I don't suppose they make the pertronix 3 with rpm regulator for that?

[@tomzamzow9778]

The coil I had with my points system had "use with external resistor" I purchased the same coil and then decided to upgrade to the electronic ignition. Am I using the wrong coil? The engine runs great.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

I didn't add any special resistor to my set up. Been two years of running now. I wish I had a better answer for you.

[@alanbenic7773]

@@Michaelsbackyardmarina But this coil need 12V and now is 7V my also works with 7V but probably is better 12V

[@77biker777]

Was your old coil 3 ohms?

[@nathanneveau825]

@RMD Creations I have a very similar boat, 1976 Starcraft, 140 hp OMC stern drive. Installed the exact same kit on my boat, starts instantly, idles perfectly but now the motor dies when I go fast into higher throttle. Any ideas?

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Mine did the same thing. The fuel pump wasn't keeping up. I installed an electric fuel pump.

[@nathanneveau825]

@@Michaelsbackyardmarina thanks for the fast response, I will try that and update.

[@nathanneveau825]

@@Michaelsbackyardmarina put new electric pump, still same issue. I have a video of it here... its strange. Will go full throttle if I do it gradually but when I do it fast it dies.. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJbWgGqOpdCqe80

[@nathanneveau825]

@@Michaelsbackyardmarina fixed, boat running great. Turned out to be the accelerator pump. Rebuilt carb and runs great.

[@davidreta3664]

@@Michaelsbackyardmarinado you have part number for the pump

[@mikeclark3038]

I know this was awhile ago but anyway you have the part numbers for these ?. If not how did you know the correct parts on summit?. . Thanks great video

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Sorry I don't have the part numbers any longer. Just need an ignition for an old chevy 2.5L motor is the same thing.

[@mikeclark3038]

Awesome thank you. I just picked up a 79 StarCraft with the 120hp mercruiser . They added to the electronic distributor to the boat and it has been running fine for 2 months and now it will not start it will turn over like it wants to run but will not start I think it's an issue with that ignition that they installed

[@bencoleman1893]

What was the product number of your electronic ignition I am looking to upgrade mine but can’t figure out which one I need to order. Great video thanks for sharing!!!

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

amzn.to/3b1sZyN follow the link for the model I just ordered for my boat I am currently doing a video on.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

amzn.to/3tgH55I for the flame thrower coil to go with it.

[@bencoleman1893]

@@Michaelsbackyardmarina thank you very much for this information!

[@mumblinghustler]

great video! what are the details on your fuel pump set up? asking for a friend lol

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

I put a 3-7 lb fuel pressure electric pump from summit racing on there. works wonderfully.

[@jd512k]

RMD Creations - do you have a video for the fuel pump upgrade?

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

yes I do kzbin.info/www/bejne/gmGTpZqZrc2oq7M

[@wvairgunssportsman8886]

I have exact same motor any idea why it vibrates boat at low idle

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

should idle pretty smooth. Timing can make it shutter a bit if it's off some.

[@wvairgunssportsman8886]

@@Michaelsbackyardmarina how much does that electronic ignition cost

[@anotherpewtertahoe]

@@wvairgunssportsman8886 They're like $130. When he says timing, he's probably referring to the physical timing of the engine, which you set with a timing light.

[@theweddingdepartment]

My instructions said to file the distributor cap to make room for the grommet. Did you do this and I missed it?

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

I didn't have to file anything.

[@theweddingdepartment]

@@Michaelsbackyardmarina Thanks, I think according to the instructions the cap is suppose to be filed to keep from pinching wires. Sounded a little odd to me so I have been looking for a video that shows what they were talking about. I bought my kit 2 years ago but never got around to installing it and when I opened the box there were no lock nuts or 0.030 plastic feeler gauge. I am reasonably sure I can find some lock nuts in the drawer. Again I did not see where you used the feeler gauge so maybe it is not really necessary. I did freak out a little when you pointed out the short wire but I found the grommet slides so I can keep it away from the shaft. Thanks for posting.

[@parkerak7]

What are the other two wires going to on the - side of your coil?

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Those are the power wires to the coil.

[@anotherpewtertahoe]

Did you have any issues with your tachometer functionality?

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

I have not. It just stopped working about a year ago because it's old.

[@pablomay28]

Did your tach stop working? Mine did after the instal

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Nope it worked just fine.

[@107BATTLEBORN]

did you gave to reset the timing on it

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Yes, I checked and adjusted the timing once installed

[@berniestarzewski5482]

So, you didnt have to retime it? I have one and I think the igniter is dead. How can I figure that out?

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

I actually did set the timing about a month later. Wasn't off much at all. Just didn't include it in this video. Only two things it could be, coil or igniter. I'm guess you don't have spark?

[@berniestarzewski5482]

@@Michaelsbackyardmarina Right. I have a spark tester so I can say that with confidence. I had been having some fuel problems and was trying to start it with the charger on. Im wondering if that didnt fry it?

[@berniestarzewski5482]

I did have an old habit of spraying a little WD 40 in the distributor with the old points system and I did it again out of habit. Could have have affected it?

[@terrybotting]

Great job! where did you buy the parts from and what partnumbers are those?

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

You can purchase from summit racing on line

[@emlgriss195]

RMD, thanks for the great videos. I have been working on 1975 OMC 140. I recently installed electronic ignition. It cranked but never turned over. Then I had a high pitched clank and nothing. Now the engine makes no sound. Any ideas?

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Without being there it is hard to diagnose

[@chrisgaerlan5194]

Just wondering what does it actually do?

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

eliminates the points

[@chrisgaerlan5194]

RMD Creations do i still need to prime the throttle if i install the electronic ignition?

[@aceholyness]

don't you have to replace resistor wire with wire to key-on power?

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

I didn't have to.

[@aceholyness]

@@Michaelsbackyardmarina but the coil you put in was a 3 ohm coil?

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Don't know what you tell you, it just works and has now for two years.

[@tommadru6900]

@@Michaelsbackyardmarina I did run a wire to the ignition and melted the positive wire from the distributor to the coil. I cut the purple wire as instructed. Small wire fire. I then removed the wire to the ignition and hooked the purple wire back up. Runs fine now.

[@rush4ever1]

What is the coil number? 1.5 ohm or 3 ohm

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

I don't remember.

[@fishingdan83]

Any issues with idle after your boat warms up. I changed out my ignition anti starts but once its warm it won't idle. And suggestions?

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Nope this thing now idles with no issues. I let it run quite a while in the tank. Your issues could be spark (weak spark) or just needs a carb cleaning or it could be something else.

[@franksmythe6969]

You keep those points just incase that electronic ignition does go bad out on the lake. At least you'll be able to get home.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

I did not. The electronics have been very reliable

[@franksmythe6969]

@@Michaelsbackyardmarina I hear ya brother, but the one thing I've learned in my years of boat ownership is keep spares of everything. As soon as you think your good, that's when stuff breaks. I wish you the best and thanks for the video.

[@451dskots88]

Awesome video... But um... Please take that Fram filter off and put a Wix filter on it.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Long been done, thanks for watching

[@451dskots88]

@@Michaelsbackyardmarina I'm planning on doing this Pertronix ignition upgrade in a couple weeks. Very informative video!

[@bloodline1980rt]

We need the part number

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

just look up a 3-5 lbs psi pump on summit racing. thanks for watching

[@jamesnorthern721]

You do all those up grades but use the worst oil filter on the market ?why

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

I currently run Mobil 1 and a napa gold filter.

[@nealecole8768]

Junk filter. Great oil.

[@charleswaynejohnsonjr.6096]

Snap on screw driver an using a fram filter,,,, I don’t understand

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

I know I know, it's nothing but WIX or Napa Gold for me. Thanks for watching

[@danmartin7485]

You spelled it wrong. It's spelled Pertronix

[@danmartin7485]

the part number is 1146A for a Mercruiser 140

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Good catch. I will fix that. thank you

[@Junkyardnedreck]

“The red wire goes on the ground side……” Me: “shit this stuff is backwards on boats, no wonder I can’t get it running….”

[@melvinrawlings1457]

Well in ur defense u looked at the instructions after you had assembled it..😂😂😂