Electronic Ignition - no spark

Ok new post number 3, I'm having a tough weekend! I have a 86 SN, With a 351. Tried to Putin electronic ignition today. I've done this to 4 other inboards in the past, however this one has me stumped. I put it all together and I have no spark. I had the red lead off the plate to the + side of coil, black wire to the - side of coil. No spark, tried jumping the resister still no spark. I know the plate is put in correctly , the rotor only goes on one way. Paid 200.00 for it from NAPA auto parts. Had another that I bought on line which had the same plate but wrong rotor, so I thought maybe the one from NAPA was defective so I used the plate from the one I bought online(had the same number stamp on it) but no spark. I then put the old points back in and it fired right up. I don't get it, why no spark? Does it need a certain coil? My coil say ,( use with resister) written right on it. Any ideas? Thanks, Wayne , Read my Prop and steering wheel post also please. I'm a mess , hahaha

Are you following the instruction's because I notice you have this under gear for sale You did not mention what brand you have you might be best to call them and ask,but I think by you removing it and putting the points back in has told you the conversion is bad. It is after all just an electronic switch as opposed to the points which are mechanical. All that conversion does is remove the condencer and points,so they are more of a maintenance convenience rather that a performance one. If you want full benefits you'd replace the whole distributor with a D.U.I.

Gary – sounds like you have a DUI distributor on your boat, I'm considering installing a DUI   Or a new Mallory Distributor.   Given my past bad experiences with coils, I was concerned about the DUI having the coil built in as part of the unit. Can you give me any input on a DUI versus a new Mallory type distributor and separate coil ? Thanks

Gary S wrote: No I don't I'm running an old Mallory. I like the vintage look of the old flat cap models. TRBenj and JoeinNY have convinced me that if I were to change that would be the way to go.

I'm told those two guys can be a bad influence!