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OMC guys... I know you're out there. Ignition system question.

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Old 12-20-2004, 08:24 AM
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Default OMC guys... I know you're out there. Ignition system question.

I have OMC (chevy) 260s.

I wanna get better ignition systems. (Still have points)
I liked the Mallory Unilite MBI that I put in my Alpha.

Does anybody know which upgrade ignition systems will be compatible with my OMC ESA modules?

Thanks!
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Old 12-20-2004, 08:35 AM
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Default Re: OMC guys... I know you're out there. Ignition system question.

I used a Mallory conversion on a Ford 460 King Cobra and the ESA module could no longer make the engine stumble enough. So what I did was remove it and use the two switches to short the - side of the coil to ground. Mercruiser uses a switch to do this and it works fine with the OMC. When you start to move it both switches close and the engine starts to stumble, as you shift into or out of gear one of the switches opens and the engine runs normally again. Try it, worked great for me.
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Old 12-20-2004, 09:15 AM
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Default Re: OMC guys... I know you're out there. Ignition system question.

Mallory has a setup of diodes & such that does make it campatible with the OMC shift interrupt module. I have not seen the setup to be very reliable. One day it just won't shift easily anymore. Replace the diodes and your good to go for another year. I don't know of anyone else with compatibility. You could just hook it up like a merc alpha where it cuts out completely. This does work but you have to have your lower cable in good shape or it stalls out when shifting.
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Old 12-20-2004, 10:18 AM
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Default Re: OMC guys... I know you're out there. Ignition system question.

I will check with Mallory.

Thanks.
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Old 12-20-2004, 10:59 AM
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Default Re: OMC guys... I know you're out there. Ignition system question.

omc has an electronic convertion for the prestolight distributor
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Old 12-20-2004, 10:26 PM
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Default Re: OMC guys... I know you're out there. Ignition system question.

What's wrong with points?
As long as you don't leave the key turned on with the motors off, they are pretty trouble free for at least a whole season.

Even if you got worn points cams, you can still set the gap with a dwell meter. Should fix any weird ignition issues.

Your motors are stock, aren't they. Shouldn't need a mega super turbo thermite magna core extra blast ignition system.

That's my 2 cents.
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Old 12-21-2004, 04:49 AM
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Default Re: OMC guys... I know you're out there. Ignition system question.

My kids boat has an OMC package and I inquired the same of my friend who is a certified OMC, Merc, Tohatsu, Yamaha, Volvo tech. He has been doing this stuff for years. He has had many customers who have done the conversion against his advice. Seems that the intermittent ignition kill circuit has a tendency to fail once it has been converted to electronic and shifting troubles begin. The part that fails is about 100 bucks. Just throw a set of points, 18 thousands feeler gauge and small screwdriver in a ziplock and tape it under the hatch somewhere. No real need to change it to electronic.
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Old 12-21-2004, 06:08 AM
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Default Re: OMC guys... I know you're out there. Ignition system question.

The Delco EST kit is compatible and comes with instructions for use with the OMC. This is a great system, electronic advance, idle speed stabilization, it even optimizes advance at cruise. Very reliable, same as Mercury uses on some of the engines.

http://www.go-fast.com/delco_ignition_systems.htm
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Old 12-21-2004, 08:23 AM
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Default Re: OMC guys... I know you're out there. Ignition system question.

Sounds like maybe I shouldn't do it.
Mc just saved me 500 bucks?

"The Part" mentioned above is the ESA module, and it's 100 bucks alright. I had one fail last year. Even with points. And they don't stock em in town.

Now somebody should talk me out of doing exhaust manifolds and save me a grand?
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Old 12-21-2004, 09:16 AM
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Default Re: OMC guys... I know you're out there. Ignition system question.

Unless your manifolds are rotten, keep them.

There.

Feel free to send me my half of the $$.
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