Rick:
I found the old thread - see link below:
http://www.marineengine.com/boat-forum/showthread.php?380534-NEED-3-0-Mercruiser-Ignition-HELP!!!!!!
based on that, I'd say the 6ohm value is "normal"....that said, I thinkthe fix there was replacing that harness - see thread as my memory has been stressed this morning.
Agree with your test light conclusions, mostly.....would be good to verify the +12VDC feed to the coil is present when the issue occurs....but without the switching (blinking) on the cold side of the coil, it doesn't matter.....the +12VDC, from the switch is there because the light is on....
so, my current thought is where did you connect the test light to the switching signal (grey wire)?? if at the coil connector, maybe try the ICM side? also, if you have an extra set of hands, you can do the wiggle test on the ICM-coil connections while cranking. the last idea is maybe something was damaged inside the distributor during the pickup swap???
Morning Makomark, Good info on that other thread. Thanks for that. I see the OP replaced the harness and that the item is a "choke" and controls noise from the radio. Mine measures 6 ohms as well.
My test light was connected to the gray wire on the coil side. I will try the same test on the ICM side and see what I get. I have a buddy coming over tonight to help with the wiggle tests/cranking.
It's possible that something was damaged with the pickup coil swap, but I don't think so. I've worked on motors/electronics my whole life and I'm usually pretty careful when working on "sheenery". LOL
One thing I did was clean up the ground connections for the ICM to distributor using new stainless screws with liberal helping of heat sink compound.
Wait. I just thought of something. I can't recall if the paste is resistive and if I applied some around the grounds, did I lose the grounding of the ICM? I can check for continuity to be sure (ICM mount screws to ground). Probably not it, but I've seen stranger things.
Thanks as always. We'll get this figured out and hopefully, will proved others with ammo if they encounter the same.
RickR90s