It has been recommended to lock my distributor. Motor is a Whippled 540. Discovered my current MSD is rusted beyond cleaning. MSD's web site lists a locked out distributor, http://www.msdignition.com/dist_8.htm , but don't know if marine standard. Or should I go with the 83606?

Thanks

I have the MSD marine distributor and locked it out my self it's easy. I'll never go back to springs,bushings & weights

MSD will rebuild it cheap for you...I think $75...Lock it out yourself or have them do it when they rebuild it

I think we would all agree that weights and springs are no good in a marine environment.
So after locking the distributor, how will the timing advance be control?
Is their an electronic module to be added?
Or do you not need timing advance control on this engine?

I am going to replace with the same one I have until I can talk to JC. He's busy and tough to get a hold of, plus I've been hammering him with questions latley. I think I've used up all my tech support minutes!!

MSD now charges $97 to rebuild their dist. I just had 2 rebuild by them and they are for sale...they are locked

http://www.offshoreonly.com/esvon/page-11676.html

Once locked out you will need some sort of timing control MSD, Crane Hi-6M....

Stock engines or engines with small perfomance cams do not run well with locked out timing. They can build too much cylinder pressure at lower rpms, leading to detonation. Engines with larger cams tend to bleed off compression at lower rpms which keeps the cylinder pressure under control. No advance is needed for these. Just set the initial timing at 34 and forget it.

PE,
You are getting some good info here.
I don't think your engine has a cam with enough overlap to bleed cylinder pressure like PY has described.
I think you should have some sort of advance curve for spark timing.
Something like what a Merc 525SC has, 15? or so...
Did you find out if your MSD box controls timing or just multiple spark?

I herd from Paul Pfaff that you will need to have really good batteries to start the motor.