Best magnetic breakerless ignition system for old skiboat?

ErikBerghiller · January 4, 2017

Hello,

I have a US Marine Ski Challenger 1989 with a Ford 351W left rotation engine in it. (Not sure if it is a OMC or PCM)

Last season i had lots of problem with uneaven idle and loss of power, all problems related to my worn out distributor... so for this season i´m thinking about updating to a new magnetic breakerless distributor and a new coil.

Anyone who have experience in this area and have any recommendations on wich brand or solution might be the best?

Jody_Seal · January 4, 2017

That is not a PCM. Looks to be OMC or Merc Ford. A Mallory Marine breakerless is about the only available distributor new. Please stay away from anything automotive. Being you are in Sweden Summit racing or Discount Inboard marine can supply you with the needed replacement units.

ErikBerghiller · January 4, 2017

Ok, a local dealer keeps a distributor from Sierra in stock... i have no experience in this field, is that a quality brand or not?

Jody_Seal · January 4, 2017

Yes the Sierra is probably a re packaged prestalight or other quality distributor . However the Sierra cap and rotor may be crap. I try and stay away from Sierra soft parts as much as I can. Their fuel filter's are great but most everything else is of low quality and not the quality of the OEM direct replacement.

ALPJr · January 4, 2017

2nd for Discount Inboard Marine at SkiDim.com very knowledgable and great customer service.

paco · January 4, 2017

I had great service from a Mallory from discount inboard marine! Only other input I have is, are you for sure it's distributor related? Symptoms could also be fuel and or compression related. Just a thought, you may have already ruled those out.

thompjs · January 4, 2017

I just put unit from Discount Inboard Marine on old SN. Coil is much higher voltage than stock and is easy to install.

DW · January 4, 2017

@ErikBerghiller : Very good suggestions listed. Another option if you are more budget limited would be to rebuild the existing distributor with new bushings and drive gear then add a Pertronix electronic ignition kit.

RichardDoane · January 5, 2017

+1 on the pertronix kit, we've done lots and they are very simple to install, but your distributor does need to have a good shaft/bushing tolerance

Wish · January 5, 2017

Same motor in my Supra. Mallory. Easy enough instal and ran flawlessly to 900hrs..then sold boat

Zman · January 5, 2017

If you go with replacing the distributor, I have a never used, late 80's vintage prestolite distributor still in the original PCM packaging. Cheap. Not sure what shipping to Sweden would cost.