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jamies123a

New member
Hello everyone, great forum , thanks for all the info.
I have a 1986 bayliner 3270 with volvo penta b225 engines, pretty much the same as the aq series.
The motors have Prestolite IBM-7013A dist still with pertronix conversion kits.
I noticed both dist caps corroding really fast and starting digging. Found out the 2 vent holes were plugged with junk and must have been trapping the heat in the caps.
I got them cleaned out but noticed the mechanic advance was not so good at all. The springs are all rusted and weights as well.
One dist has 2 heavy springs while the other side has on week and one heavy so not sure what's up with that.
I know changing the springs are a bad idea , so i was wondering what everyone is doing for a new dist ?
I live in Canada and the sierra ones are $1000 now which is crazy.
What the best options here ? or any suggestions would be appreciated .
thanks
jamie
 
Distributor caps (and rotors) are an annual replacement maintenance item if you want troublefree operation. I've "extended" this interval once or twice ( curiosity) and never get much into a third season without serious issues.
 
sandkicker said:
Distributor caps (and rotors) are an annual replacement maintenance item if you want troublefree operation. I've "extended" this interval once or twice ( curiosity) and never get much into a third season without serious issues.
Click to expand...
I put new caps and rotor buttons on every year when the boat goes back in the water
thanks
 
I'd give serious consideration to getting your current units rebuilt by a distributor specialist....they are still around but not in large numbers. If you can find a local shop, that's usually the easiest...check with a local car club if you can't find one...

as far as new parts go, the DELCO EST setup works and is usually the most economical for new. Davis (D.U.I.) is another option but 1) there shipping time can be several weeks at times, and 2) they usually require a bit more vertical clearance than the stock units.
 
sandkicker said:
Distributor caps (and rotors) are an annual replacement maintenance item if you want troublefree operation. I've "extended" this interval once or twice ( curiosity) and never get much into a third season without serious issues.
Click to expand...

Not to argue, and call me lucky I guess, and I am sure it varies depending on how much you use the boat, weather conditions, etc. but I've gone at least 5 years, without replacing my cap or rotor on my AQ130C with Pertronix ignition with absolutely no issues.
 
.... Barnegat Bay on the Jersey Shore.... hot humid, salt water.. cool evenings ( spring and fall) , condensation. The disti caps "breath" warm moist salty air and then cool air thru the vent fittings on the otherwise sealed
disti caps.
 
sandkicker said:
.... Barnegat Bay on the Jersey Shore.... hot humid, salt water.. cool evenings ( spring and fall) , condensation. The disti caps "breath" warm moist salty air and then cool air thru the vent fittings on the otherwise sealed
disti caps.
Click to expand...
I'm lucky being in the dry air of central Northern California.
 
am_dew said:
Not to argue, and call me lucky I guess, and I am sure it varies depending on how much you use the boat, weather conditions, etc. but I've gone at least 5 years, without replacing my cap or rotor on my AQ130C with Pertronix ignition with absolutely no issues.
Click to expand...
You just have the conversion kit or the entire distributor? Was thinking of going with their distributor, a lot of the est conversions don't allow you to set any advancement curve. The kits in our boat have been running for over 13 years so i would say that's good quality.
I live in Atlantic Canada and can not find anyone that can rebuild those old prestolites.
thanks everyone
 
jamies123a said:
You just have the conversion kit or the entire distributor? Was thinking of going with their distributor, a lot of the est conversions don't allow you to set any advancement curve. The kits in our boat have been running for over 13 years so i would say that's good quality.
I live in Atlantic Canada and can not find anyone that can rebuild those old prestolites.
thanks everyone
Click to expand...
Just the Pertronix conversion kit. The distributor in mine is the OEM Bosch that is going strong after 51 years. In fact, since installing the Pertronix kit 17 years ago, I have not checked/adjusted the timing more than a few times and the engine runs great all the time.
 
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