454 pcm |
Post Reply |
Author | ||
DayTony
Gold Member Joined: June-30-2013 Location: Salem MA Status: Offline Points: 832 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Posted: May-29-2014 at 2:19am |
|
What are you guys with the 454s running for timing?
For reference im specifically talking 88bfn Also the factory mallory has the pertronix conversion in it. Yay. |
||
8122pbrainard
Grand Poobah Joined: September-14-2006 Location: Three Lakes Wi. Status: Offline Points: 41045 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
|
|
||
DayTony
Gold Member Joined: June-30-2013 Location: Salem MA Status: Offline Points: 832 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
|
Ive never had issues with them in the past.
But ive never had them in a boat. What kind of issues should i look for? |
||
Gary S
Grand Poobah Joined: November-30-2006 Location: Illinois Status: Offline Points: 14096 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
|
In the past is the key words Tony. Lately they seem to have some quality issues. If yours is an older unit your most likely to be ok. My Dad ran one for years on a PCM powered boat,he converted it due to burning up condensers. In the end it was a distributor grounding issue causing the trouble,but the Pertronic conversion did get him back on the water. He always carried points and the original points plate in case it failed. In practice they are an electronic switch replacing a mechanical one.
|
||
backfoot100
Platinum Member Joined: January-03-2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 1897 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
|
What issues?
Sporadic operation, high RPM misses and complete stranding failures just to name a few. Certainly not everybody has issues but there have been enough problems documented to raise a red flag about the reliability. Especially the Pertronix units. Enough so that several have even opted to replace the entire distributor with an electronic instead of using the conversion. Kinda like the new starter relays or point condensers. The general consensus has always been to make sure it's made in America and not China. That does not seem to matter any longer. American made brand new units have caused several here many hours of heartache, myself included. |
||
When people run down to the lake to see what's making that noise, you've succeeded.
Eddie |
||
Gary S
Grand Poobah Joined: November-30-2006 Location: Illinois Status: Offline Points: 14096 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
|
I wonder if you'd find out the components were made in China Eddie |
||
DayTony
Gold Member Joined: June-30-2013 Location: Salem MA Status: Offline Points: 832 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
|
Noted. I will keep that in mind.
So what kind of timing should i be running? |
||
Mountain Man
Senior Member Joined: May-09-2014 Location: Brevard, NC Status: Offline Points: 124 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
|
10 - 12 degrees initial. 32 - 36 degrees all in by 3000 rpms. This will get you running. If you encounter detonation on acceleration retard timing in 2 degree increments and / or use a higher octane fuel.
|
||
MrMcD
Grand Poobah Joined: January-28-2014 Location: Folsom, CA Status: Offline Points: 3736 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
|
If it was mine I would keep my eyes open for a HEI unit from GM, it is a nice upgrade and the distributor is well proven. I replaced my 350 GM distributor with the HEI in 1990, it worked perfect till I sold that boat this year. Better start up cold and stronger idle in gear, no negatives I know of unless you plan to spin the engine more than 5500 RPM. And the timing advice above is right on. If I remember correctly the HEI units for GM bolt into both small blocks and big blocks, same part number.
|
||
backfoot100
Platinum Member Joined: January-03-2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 1897 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
|
Very possible. I do know the last condenser we put in John's boat was clearly marked "Made in USA" and was junk. At least the box was. Maybe they just meant the box and not the condenser? |
||
When people run down to the lake to see what's making that noise, you've succeeded.
Eddie |
||
oldcuda
Senior Member Joined: June-22-2010 Status: Offline Points: 474 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
|
I was looking at the GM HEI but all I see is vacuum advance is there a curve kit that eliminates it?
|
||
SNobsessed
Grand Poobah Joined: October-21-2007 Location: IA Status: Offline Points: 7102 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
|
Be careful to get a marine dizzy. They are vented with a screen to prevent explosions. You can't just get an automotive dizzy off ebay . . .
|
||
“Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.”
Ben Franklin |
||
Gary S
Grand Poobah Joined: November-30-2006 Location: Illinois Status: Offline Points: 14096 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
|
Several here swear by Davis Unified Ignition- D.U.I. They look to use GM's design but are made for a lot of different engines.
Eddie I heard long ago that the quality of today's points and condensers are just not there anymore,I guess they just don't use enough of them. I know that there were a lot of problems with rotors for Lucas distributors,the aftermarket started using cheaper materials,the plastic was different and the rivet that held down the rotor arm was a little long. It would work for awhile then the current would burn thru the plastic and ground out. Several distributor rebuilders have stepped up to the plate and have had rotors remade to original specs. Years ago I ran into a place closing out the points and condensers for the Mallory in the Mustang,got them for pennies on the dollar, got about 6 sets guess I should have bought more but I'm sure the ones I have will last me a long time. |
||
Post Reply | |
Tweet
|
Forum Jump | Forum Permissions You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot create polls in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum |