Opinions on elec. ignition systems for Atomic 4 engines?

[JonnyQuest]

I just finished replacing the carburetor, fuel pump, and adding a Racor water filter, replacing the old and leaking components. Fired up again on the second bump and ran like a top!

Now, as neglected as the fuel system was, I know I need to tackle the spark side next. The spark plugs, for instance, look like they are the original plugs, what with an extra 16th inch layer of rust built up on them!

I'm considering retrofitting an electronic ignition system on board. Any opinions on the benefits of replacing the standard points and condensers with an electronic ignition system? Its an atomic four, and the kits should be available from Moyer Marine. Thought I'd put the idea out there for feedback on the experience others have had with this idea.

Thanks!

JQ

 

[Alan]

I converted plenty of cars with points to electronic ignition systems. It is a definite benefit. You'll never have to worry about getting the dwell right ever again. Once the timing is set it is pretty much a no maintenance setup. The two basic types are infra red and hall effect, I've installed both.

 

[Old Skool Neil]

There are at least 3 different sources for Atomic 4 electronic ignition systems: as you said Moyer Marine, Indigo Electronics and Pertronix (I think the Moyer unit is a Pertronix). I changed mine a couple of years ago and it has been trouble free but my points system was trouble free too. I made the change for fewer parts to fail and no parts to wear and replace.

When considering the upgrade, a critical aspect is to replace the coil as well. The electronic system requires a different resistance coil than the points system (3 - 4 ohms for the electronic). Not changing it risks damage to the electronic module.

My Pertronix system came with a replacement distributor plate so I could keep the old points and condenser mounted and adjusted on the old plate for a quick change backup if ever needed. I'm not sure but I understand the Indigo does not include the plate.

Another plus, with the Pertronix system there's no need to remove the distributor, the change can be done in place.

 

[Ray Bowles]

Electronic ignition is a great deal superior to a point/condensor type. It requires less voltage to fire the plugs and therefore makes starting a much easier process. The plugs receive greater fire power all the time also benefiting the starting process.
This system also might require a resistor to reduce voltage into the unit. If it does it will be explained in the installation papers and is an easy task to accomplish.
Ray

 

[nightowle]

how many hours per year or season do you expect to run your engine?

 

[tommays]

I did the Pertronix and liked it the coil is just and internal resistor unit

 

[JonnyQuest]

How do Indigo versus Moyer elec ign systems compare?

how many hours per year or season do you expect to run your engine?

We just weekend sail, so some fuzzy math would be about 30 minutes x 3 per month x 11 months = about 16 hours total in a year at most.

Glad to hear everyone commenting well on it. When selecting a system for my A4, I see the Indigo systems appear to be complete packages with a replacement coil as well. Moyer has listed a Pertronix, a delco replacement conversion module, and a small electronic ignition kit. Not knowing anything about elec ign systems, the choices at MM are not clear to me regarding what I would need. Could ya'll clarify here, and comment on the Indigo versus Moyer ignition conversion products?

(FYI, The reason I am considering it is due to the ease in maintenance more so than performance issues.)

 

[tommays]

The Pertronix kit has a plate thats the same as the one your points are on

So you remove the two screws holding on the breaker point plate and put in the Pertronix plate and follow the instrutions so the rotor does not EAT the wires


It does run a bit better BUT not much

 

[Old Skool Neil]

When selecting a system for my A4, I see the Indigo systems appear to be complete packages with a replacement coil as well. Moyer has listed a Pertronix, a delco replacement conversion module, and a small electronic ignition kit. Not knowing anything about elec ign systems, the choices at MM are not clear to me regarding what I would need.

Any questions or concerns over the Moyer kits are easily and expertly answered by Ken in their parts department.

 

[higgs]

I made the switch to electronic on my last boat and had good results for a number of years.