1/Mercruiser Ignition Trouble? - OLD INFO - Read Description

Автокөліктер мен көлік құралдары

EDIT: I now sell complete Delco EST ignition kit upgrades to replace the aged and failing Mercruiser Thunderbolt ignition systems. See this video for more information.
1 - Genuine Delco EST Kits Sold Here - SPARKIE The EEL
kzread.info/dash/bejne/d512lqhqhpq_m7w.html
This video is Part 1 in a series where I am going to completely explain how to convert your ignition system from the obsolete Mercruiser Thunderbolt system to a Delco EST distributor, module, and ignition coil. I consider this to be one of the most valuable videos I’ve produced on my channel because of the millions of Mercruiser Thunderbolt Ignitions waiting to fail. If you have the Thunderbolt system you will likely be land locked for a while if the module fails because the modules are NLA (No Longer Available). Your only choice is eBay or maybe Facebook Marketplace for a replacement or, I recommend you upgrade the ignition to a Delco EST ignition system like I’m doing in this video series. I now sell the entire kit with genuine GM electronics.
There is also a V8 kit and it is installed just like the V6 kit. The only difference is you’ll set the base timing to a different value and I’ll show you how to do that in part 5. I’ll then discuss the importance of using the marine ignition module in part 6.
CORRECTION: At 6:00 in this video I state that the tan/blue wire is passed through to the yellow wire and the Thunderbolt V module just piggybacks on to these two wires to use the signal to disable a timing function. This is incorrect. The yellow wire actually goes to a thermistor temperature sensor which provides the temperature to the Thunderbolt V module. The TB V module has logic that then grounds the tan/ blue wire to turn on the over temperature alarm at a specific temperature. Removing the tan/blue and yellow wires from the module and connecting them together as I show in the video will cause the alarm to sound prematurely effectively creating a malfunction. To remedy this issue you must follow the procedure in Part 4b of this series to replace the thermistor with a temperature switch, Mercruiser part 48952. You can also retain the Thunderbolt V module to keep the over temperature alarm functional as is but that will be a messy two module system that I don’t recommend just to save $100. I don’t cover the two module system in my videos but if you are sharp with wiring systems you should be able to figure it out.

Пікірлер: 45

  • @BSX-175
    @BSX-175 Жыл бұрын

    As I've mentioned in other videos of yours, these videos are invaluable. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience with all of us.

  • @rcytb
    @rcytb2 жыл бұрын

    This fella's brilliant. Anyone doing this conversion should watch the whole series. If you buy an AC Delco kit that has all the harnesses, there's more information than you need, but watch them all - you'll learn a lot. I'm in the process of doing the same conversion and wish I'd found this series sooner!

  • @moccasinmarine

    @moccasinmarine

    2 жыл бұрын

    I’ve recently found an alternative source for the over temperature alarm switch. I updated the description in Part 4b with a link to the parts kit. If anyone try’s it out post back here how it worked out.

  • @timcoakley1710
    @timcoakley1710 Жыл бұрын

    Obviously a man that knows his job. Great video, well explained, short and to the point and no B.S.

  • @moccasinmarine

    @moccasinmarine

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks but I’m about to do a complete new series on installing my own kits I’m selling now. Stay tuned.

  • @WalkaboutLife
    @WalkaboutLife2 жыл бұрын

    Saved my day, I’ve spent a day trying to figure all this out. Thank you!

  • @moccasinmarine

    @moccasinmarine

    2 жыл бұрын

    Glad it helped.

  • @mikedodd9294
    @mikedodd92943 жыл бұрын

    love your mercruiser videos, thanks

  • @moccasinmarine

    @moccasinmarine

    3 жыл бұрын

    Appreciate the compliment.

  • @VictorTorres-cj8we
    @VictorTorres-cj8we3 жыл бұрын

    Great video just seeing how much effort you put in it. But have a 1991 5.0 LX with a thunderbolt 4 and I’m having the same problem is and I would like to do that conversion to the Delco est if you can please help me find out what part number or we’re to get it I have called several locations and they don’t carry it at all

  • @moccasinmarine

    @moccasinmarine

    3 жыл бұрын

    Contact “Marine Engine Depot” at this link; marineenginedepot.com/distributor-kit-57l350ci-74l454ci-gm-delco-voyager-est They seem to have the V8 kit in stock. It’s part number 481111. It doesn’t say it works with a 305 but it will work if you set the base timing to 10 degrees BTDC.

  • @kubaSWAT
    @kubaSWAT3 жыл бұрын

    nice

  • @AchikSarih
    @AchikSarih3 ай бұрын

    Merci beaucoup ❤❤❤❤❤❤

  • @oskarlarsson6796
    @oskarlarsson67962 жыл бұрын

    Hey man, have you done a video like this about the second version of this module?

  • @moccasinmarine

    @moccasinmarine

    2 жыл бұрын

    Check this out: kzread.info/dash/bejne/lIOKsryfaLScm84.html

  • @jonsmith7667
    @jonsmith76672 жыл бұрын

    Off topic question maybe you could help me with. I cannot get into base timing mode with my 96 4.3LX Mercruiser with the thunderbolt ignition. I ground the purple/white wire directly to the battery *before* I start the engine but it makes no difference in timing with or without. Also it still advances when I rev the engine. Boat is new to me and engine is new, previous owner froze it. I have this one running pretty good by ear and am ready to do the final adjustments. I also notice my tach doesn't work.(bad module maybe?) Replacing parts can get expensive and you seem to be one of the most knowledgeable youtubers on the subject. Any suggestions?

  • @moccasinmarine

    @moccasinmarine

    2 жыл бұрын

    I’m working on a Thunderbolt V system now. I’ll have a full answer tomorrow.

  • @jonsmith7667

    @jonsmith7667

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@moccasinmarine Thank you

  • @tomunger2343

    @tomunger2343

    Жыл бұрын

    Did you solve this? I have a thunderbolt v system 5.0 v8 mercruiser too and it won't go into timing mode. Timing will still move when I rev it whilst purple and white wire is grounded.

  • @jonsmith7667

    @jonsmith7667

    Жыл бұрын

    @@tomunger2343 I didn't solve it, I believe the module was faulty . I upgraded to a newer ignition system.

  • @jesuslopezleon5280
    @jesuslopezleon52802 жыл бұрын

    I have a 4.3L/V6 Mercruiser with a Thunderbolt IV that do not start. Is mounted in a Rinker 181 from 1992. The ignition coil is OK. The thunderbolt IV work but still no spark. The distributor # is 90577. I think the internal sensor in the Distributor does not work. My question is: can I replace the whole system with SKU 480140 ( 4.3L/262ci GM Delco EST 1103993 Marine Electronic Distributor) from Marine Engine Depot. (They say this replaces 807964A1). Any suggestions. Thank You.

  • @moccasinmarine

    @moccasinmarine

    2 жыл бұрын

    You need a kit. Part 480140 is just the distributor but you need a whole kit. Get this kit fast because they sell out quick. marinepartssource.com/delco-est-4-3l-v6-ignition-conversion-kit-4-3l-v6-sierra-18-5513?gclid=Cj0KCQjwgYSTBhDKARIsAB8KuktiARTybl_ejOigWQhgmhd3YuHkz6Z4bhPZS4JxJHPh7crCgtNsUJMaAkt-EALw_wcB There is a problem with this kit. The ignition coil has a bracket designed to fit the 3.0 Mercruiser engine. If you mount it to the back of a V6 or V8 cylinder head you can only use one of the bolt holes which isn’t as solid. Vibrations might eventually damage the coil. I sell a coil and bracket that will use two bolt holes and turn the ignition coil such the spark wire tower points up instead of back. It’s a better more robust coil solution and includes a genuine GM coil. Here is a link to my video about my coil bracket product. kzread.info/dash/bejne/gp-p1amKiajchag.html

  • @kylehooper2981
    @kylehooper298111 күн бұрын

    I've been struggling with getting my 1998 mercruiser 305 5.0L carb to start. Pretty much the only thing I haven't touched yet is the ICM. Is there a test I can do to see if it's toast? There has been so many things wrong with this motor as I inherited it from an auction. But, when I finally got it to turn over and idle. It would eventually have a backfire through the carb, and stop. Then, as I started it again, the length of time it idled grew less and less. It was not able to increase in rpm and Rev higher, but that was due to a plugged venturi. I drained the fuel tank of bad fuel. But still that yellow varnish left behind. Psi of fuel pump is at 7 psi. Within range of 3-7 per the manual. I've rebuilt the carb 2x. I've ensured the float is at proper mm distances. I have the idle screw at 1.5 at the moment, though oddly the Manual has 1.25 in another location. I've replaced the ignition coil. Re-lapped the valves, good cylinder psi. I'm feeling utterly defeated here. Not sure where to turn or what to do. Been working on this over a month now. Please help? Edit: I forgot to mention that all it does now, is with starter fluid or not, either way, it's only within the first 3 or 4 first piston ignitions that ignition seems to happen. Then after that, it just turns and turns with nothing happening. I will turn the key off. Wait a second. Then start it again and again, first few pistons fire off - them there is nothing. I don't know what to do. I'm out of my league here. Super frustrated.

  • @moccasinmarine

    @moccasinmarine

    11 күн бұрын

    Welcome to Thunderbolt Ignition Wonderland. The solution is right in front of you. Do you really think I’d go to all the trouble to create all these videos about replacing the Thunderbolt Ignition for no reason? There is no test, there is no logic you can apply, there is only one solution you can do and that’s replace the Thunderbolt ignition system with a Delco EST ignition. You could try replacing the optical pickup in the distributor since you’ve already replaced the coil. But there is no test for the module. It’s a mysterious beast that will tempt you for weeks by half working and then not working. The link you posted on says it’s obsolete. Follow the link in the description to the more recent Sparkie the Eel playlist to find your way out of Thunderbolt Wonderland.

  • @moccasinmarine
    @moccasinmarine3 жыл бұрын

    I’ve edited the description to describe an error in this video.

  • @bobmorton4633
    @bobmorton46332 жыл бұрын

    I will give you some advice. Just find an ac delco 4.3 distributor shaft. It comes with the ignition module inside. Than find the coil. Real simple to install and wire up. Just need your power wire and a ground. No need to pay high prices from a marina as they are the exact same parts but cheaper

  • @moccasinmarine

    @moccasinmarine

    2 жыл бұрын

    Negative ghost rider. Truck and car modules are not the same ignition module. You MUST use a marine ignition module to get the proper timing curve for a 4 cylinder, 6 cylinder, or 8 cylinder. Watch the whole series on the Thunderbolt replacement system. Car and truck module timing curves are not designed to run during normal operation. They were only used during limp home mode and had very weak timing curves to protect the engine. Your boat won’t have design power when you set the timing per factory procedure.

  • @moccasinmarine

    @moccasinmarine

    2 жыл бұрын

    Car and truck modules don’t even kick in until about 1500 RPM. Then it’s a fixed advance of about 13 degrees regardless of increasing RPM. That’s only during limp home mode when the ECM is not controlling the timing. The ECM had complete control of the timing under normal operation. Boat ignition modules are under control of timing at all times so they have a more precise curve for the engine starting at 600 RPM. Watch the whole series to see the timing curves.

  • @bobmorton4633

    @bobmorton4633

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@moccasinmarine I don't know where you are getting your information from. But you have no clue on what you are talking about. First off, ignition module is just an on off switch. Man the stupid people who fix boats. I think you need to go back to school and learn something. Also stop believing the BS some wannabe mechanic at Mercruiser tells you. There is no ecm on your engine. It is a basic 1990 chevy 4.3l with a carb on it. Some door knob at mercruiser thought it would be a great idea to install a cheap $39 computer control to the side of a distributor without knowing what it actually does. Every non computer 4.3l distributor has the same thing you just mention. I have been doing this for over 25 years. So please don't try to make yourself sound smart. I guess you know nothing about mechanical or vacuum advances that comes in some distributors.

  • @moccasinmarine

    @moccasinmarine

    2 жыл бұрын

    I’m a fuel injection expert. I sold GM fuel injection systems for 10 years for cars and trucks and I have timed car and truck modules and they are not the same as the marine ignition modules. If I have to post a video to prove what I’m saying I will but I’d rather just delete your comment as it’s full of insults. Since you are doubting me you go do the work to prove me wrong with hard data and not your opinion. You make a lot of assumptions that are wrong. If you think an ignition module is just a switch there is nothing more I can say to you. And if you make any more insults I’ll delete your comment but I’d like viewers to see bad information and steer away from it. EDIT: I’ve read your comment again and think I’ve figured this out. You are confusing 1970s ignition modules with 1990s modules. 1970’s modules were just electronic switches with mechanical advance and vacuum advance devices. This video is about Delco EST ignition systems so in that context I’m talking about 1990s era modules. These modules are both computer controlled and stand alone. In cars and trucks they are stand alone only when the computer is not digitally controlling the engine. This is called limp home mode is only used during rare abnormal situations when the ECM is not running in digital mode. In boats a similar, but not the same, module runs in stand alone mode all the time when paired with a carburetor. In both type modules there is an electronically generated timing curve. In cars and trucks it’s a basic 13 degree advance that begins at 1500 RPM and does not advance past that amount with more RPM. In boats there are three different curves from 600 RPM and smoothly up and the curves are automatically selected by the module depending on what size engine it’s installed on. The proof of this is in this video series. So in a sense we’re both right just talking about different technology in different years. But going forward leave off the insults. This is my channel and I have the right to remove comments that do not advance learning without insults. I ask that viewers that want to challenge what I publish put forth facts and data to back up their counter claims. I’m open to correction at any time but I’ll have to see data that contradicts my claims.

  • @bobmorton4633

    @bobmorton4633

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@moccasinmarine It is obvious you weren't any good at your job. How about I have been doing it for 30 years.Worked for GM and was a grand master. They are 1000% the same. Your comments prove you know nothing at all about an ignition module. It is just an on off switch. Nothing more. A simple internet search will prove you wrong. What you are removing off the motor in your video is an aftermarket electronic ignition system that Mercruiser either designed or bought from some other company and put their name on it. Just like many other companies that sell a conversation kit. Go a head and delete the comments, it will prove you know nothing

  • @hammondr191887
    @hammondr1918872 жыл бұрын

    Fun fact, you also cant find the 4 barrel carb if you are unlucky enough to have that on your mercruiser motor...

  • @moccasinmarine

    @moccasinmarine

    2 жыл бұрын

    This particular carburetor is a Carter AFB or Edelbrock 1406. They are all over the place. Don’t get Mercruisered.

  • @cobraman428
    @cobraman4288 ай бұрын

    Why would mercruiser mount an ignition module to a hot manifold riser?

  • @moccasinmarine

    @moccasinmarine

    8 ай бұрын

    There is a plate with an air gap so the module doesnt rest directly on the exhaust plus the exhaust is water cooled so it doesn’t get that hot.

  • @j_rainsgoat3929
    @j_rainsgoat39293 жыл бұрын

    Where Is your shop location?

  • @moccasinmarine

    @moccasinmarine

    3 жыл бұрын

    Email GMefiguy@gmail.com for answer

  • @penguin2ab
    @penguin2ab3 жыл бұрын

    useful video but repeat yourself too much and it's hard to pay attention

  • @moccasinmarine

    @moccasinmarine

    3 жыл бұрын

    Ok sorry