Ignition systems
 

What ignition systems do you run on your boat? I have thunderbolt 4 on a pair of carbed blower motors. And my mechanic wants to switch to msd. But i have heard problems with msd boxes going bad and burning up coils. So what do you guys think?

Re: Ignition systems
 

As with any electorinc parts, there are problmes that can occur. I have a complete MSD set-up on my NA 540 for 2 seasons without any problems.

Re: Ignition systems
 

I switched to a complete msd system 5 years ago on my blown 509 no problems.

Re: Ignition systems
 

Keep your Merc distributor and go with the Crane system has all the advance curves for Merc blower motors built in and have never heard of a failure yet do a search on this site about them. MY 2 CENTS

Re: Ignition systems
 

Hi,

i had a Jakobs Elektronics Fire Control 4000 on an 454 / 330 Hp, ( before i changed to 502EFI) I was surprised that after installing this system the running quality was changed 180° than before. No starting problems, no more black Sparkplugs after long idling,a little more Topspeed, better throttle response and absolutly clean idle. This is realy a good ignition system i woul buy it again

Greatings from Germany
Hans

Re: Ignition systems
 

I agree.

Re: Ignition systems
 

I ran two MSD systems in my Scarab for 3 yrs.......burn one ign box up....couldnt tell me why but they fixed it and i was back on the water inside a week.....the only thing i can complain about on the MSD's was the rust! There was no realy way to keep it out.....and MSD knows about it too....

Re: Ignition systems
 

I would go Crane also....

Re: Ignition systems
 

I put Crane boxes, HI-6M with stock 500hp (Thunderbolt IV?) distributors. I mounted them (as instructed, not on the motor) on the "firewall" and no problems for 2 years. The Cranes have built in adjustable rev limiter and 6 or 7 different ignition curves including locked out timing for blower motors.

You do have to drill the distributor rotor plate with the provided template to shift the rotor 30 degrees which can be tedious if you are not a machinist and the boxes need to be wired directly to the battery or battery switch.

I tried but could not get any consensus on running the stock 500 hp knock module with the ignition retard on the Crane box. Crane specifies another brand of knock module.

Look on the Crane website and find the installation instructions.

Re: Ignition systems
 

How about the DUI system?

Re: Ignition systems
 

I have Wallys old boat now and I am still runing the same MSD boxes with the adjustable rev limiter that he put on it I think. I am keeping thoughs boxes on there with the new 502 MPIs

Re: Ignition systems
 

I'm running the Crane box. I like the built in Rev limiter and choices of curves. The only reason I went with it was that the TB modules didn't have the advance curves I wanted. I'm keeping the stock TB module on the distributor, and wired it so that it only takes one connector change for a backup ignition system.

Re: Ignition systems
 

I have msd distributors and the Crane HI-6M boxes on my boat. No complaints here..I have had to replace a few msd boxes over the years. The Cranes are pretty cool in that you can adjust them very easily. I'm not sure if it's on every box, but mine seem to kick in about 300rpms early. Not a problem....once I became aware of it!!:rolleyes: :D

Re: Ignition systems
 

I've had enough of bad MSD components. For the past 5 years I'm running plain old Thunderbolt IV with the V-6 modules. Very simple and never let me down.

Re: Ignition systems
 

If its all still mounted on the transom behind the engines then yup! i did install all that stuff....too bad i dont have a pic of it...but heres a pic of the original engines i had in it before i sold it to my buddy....who then sold it to that guy in WA who then sold it to you....
This was durring the rigging....they havent been started yet at this point....this was after the new bilge paint...wiring...the diamond plating on the fire wall and ledge.

Re: Ignition systems
 

I run & have sold quite a few D.U.I components and have not had any problems.

Re: Ignition systems
 

Crane works very well and also lasts a long time in our punishing environment.

Thanks for the info.