Changing points in 1976 mercruiser 233

[Ctmangrum]

Can someone direct me to a post describing how to change and adjust points? Im sure it's here somewhere but can't find it. Thanks.

[buster53]

Have you checked YouTube? The number of “how to” videos offered there is mind boggling.

[Ctmangrum]

Extensively. Lot of automotive videos and points that don't quit look like mine. No biggie, ill have to figure it out.

[RobGunn]

As long as you are working on your ignition I would go to your marine parts supplier and ask them for the conversion from Points to Electronic Ignition. WAY better ignition system and you will never have to deal with it again. Just my 2 cents worth...

[km1125]

Changing them should be the easy part. Usually just one mounting screw and then a small nut where the wires attach. You should replace the capacitor at the same time but keep the old parts for a bit (or forever and use them as spares if you ever need to).

The gap is easy to set and if done right then the dwell falls in line. Always good if you can check the dwell with a meter because that pretty much validates that the point gap was set correctly. The points can be set too wide and that will lower the dwell which is the time that the coil gets to recharge before the next firing. Just about any dwell will work at low RPMs but won't give enough charge time at high RPMs which will reduce the spark strength.

But, I agree with above if you can convert to electronic then do it. 30 years ago there was more of a concern about the reliability of those modules, but those concerns have long since vanished.

[Ctmangrum]

Ill consider it. Will I also have to adjust the timing after changing the points?

[km1125]

Source of the post Ill consider it. Will I also have to adjust the timing after changing the points?

Yes, absolutely.

Even a very SMALL change to the gap on the points will vary the timing several degrees. That's also another advantage of going electronic, is that once the timing is set it will stay where you put it (aside from changes in the mechanical advance, which should always be checked and maintained).

[Viper]

++++1

[bud37]

Source of the post Can someone direct me to a post describing how to change and adjust points? Im sure it's here somewhere but can't find it. Thanks.

What is your budget here ?.......if it were me in your position, there would be a new electronic marine distributor system going in, especially if you are not familiar with points distributors.....but it is easy to spend your boat bucks......

Just to add, points are cheap and really work just fine if properly adjusted, the issue will be, the distributor is old ( if original ) and is it still a useable item....bushings, advance mechanism, slides, gear etc.....the only way to check accurately is with a distributor machine and nobody has one any more.....this is how I see it anyhow....

[KandJ72]

I swapped out the points system on our '76 PCM engines with Hot-Spark electric pick ups. Very easy install and flawless starts every time. Pertronix is very good as well, if you're on a budget Hot-Spark is more budget friendly.