BBC distributor upgrade
09-10-2007, 07:47 AM
#22
Registered
You set the points initially by gap. Get the timing and idle speed close to spec.
You'll need a dwell meter to set the points. About $25 at most auto parts stores. Hook it up as per instructions, then open the sliding door on the side of the distributor. There's an allen screw that sets the points gap and dwell. Tune it to specs. Now reset your timing, then your idle speed. Also check total timing if you've got a variable advance timing gun.
BTW, changing the dwell affects the timing so you have to set the dwell first.
BTW, I just pulled a completely corroded pickup and reluctor out of a 2 year old "hi performance" distributor this weekend. I wont say who the manufacturer was, but it rhymed with MSB. Makes points sound pretty good.
Gary
You'll need a dwell meter to set the points. About $25 at most auto parts stores. Hook it up as per instructions, then open the sliding door on the side of the distributor. There's an allen screw that sets the points gap and dwell. Tune it to specs. Now reset your timing, then your idle speed. Also check total timing if you've got a variable advance timing gun.
BTW, changing the dwell affects the timing so you have to set the dwell first.
BTW, I just pulled a completely corroded pickup and reluctor out of a 2 year old "hi performance" distributor this weekend. I wont say who the manufacturer was, but it rhymed with MSB. Makes points sound pretty good.
Gary
09-10-2007, 09:14 AM
#23
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I don't remember ever seeing the old Delco points distributor with the window in a marine application, but in 21 years somebody could have changed it. I doubt if that automotive distributor was ever approved for marine use anyway, but I can be wrong about that too.
Do you have a Mallory or Prestolite distributor in that motor? You'll need to know to buy the correct points and condenser.
Do you have a Mallory or Prestolite distributor in that motor? You'll need to know to buy the correct points and condenser.
09-10-2007, 04:31 PM
#24
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I don't remember ever seeing the old Delco points distributor with the window in a marine application, but in 21 years somebody could have changed it. I doubt if that automotive distributor was ever approved for marine use anyway, but I can be wrong about that too.
Do you have a Mallory or Prestolite distributor in that motor? You'll need to know to buy the correct points and condenser.
Do you have a Mallory or Prestolite distributor in that motor? You'll need to know to buy the correct points and condenser.
09-11-2007, 09:01 AM
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The Crane retro kit works very well for the old points type distributors. I have several friends with 80's model ski boats and have coverted 5 of them over to the Crane system. Easy start, no maintenance issues on all 5. The oldest one has been on the boat for 4 years.
