Summit MSD ignition

Use this forum to discuss all things relating to the Bertram 33 Convertible.
Post Reply
blev2577
Ensign
Ensign
Posts: 11
Joined: Sun Jun 15, 2008 9:44 am
Location: USA

Summit MSD ignition

Post by blev2577 »

I was having some minor starting issues and out local mechanic recommended replacing our stock ignition with new Summit distributors, ignition boxes, and coils. We did the replacement and cannot get either engine to fire. I have checked the wiring 10x and it is good. I have checked the voltage under load and it is good. Any advice would be appreciated. Engines are carburated mercruiser 454s with under 200 hours. Both engines started and ran well prior to the new ignition.
lobsta1
Commodore
Commodore
Posts: 1176
Joined: Fri Aug 29, 2003 6:36 pm
Location: USA

Re: Summit MSD ignition

Post by lobsta1 »

Don't know what vintage your Mercs are, but most older Mercs used a resister wire in the harness. Maybe your Summits require full voltage to start & are not getting it. Are you getting any kind of popping or misfires? Do they just crank but not fire? Are you getting any kind of spark at the plugs. Just saying won't start is not enough info to offer any meaningful suggestions. If both engines are doing the same, that says some connection is being missed,
Good luck
Al
1978 33 FBC NITES OFF
Image
blev2577
Ensign
Ensign
Posts: 11
Joined: Sun Jun 15, 2008 9:44 am
Location: USA

Re: Summit MSD ignition

Post by blev2577 »

Both engines are popping. We are getting spark. I have checked 3x to make sure that we are at TDC and that the firing order is correct.
lobsta1
Commodore
Commodore
Posts: 1176
Joined: Fri Aug 29, 2003 6:36 pm
Location: USA

Re: Summit MSD ignition

Post by lobsta1 »

Sounds like your dist. are installed 180 degrees out. I check for TDC by hooking up a compression tester to cyl. one & turning over with a socket with plugs out. Going back to basics as I have no idea of your mechanical level. Dropping the dist. in you have to be a little back of num. one position.
Good luck
Al
1978 33 FBC NITES OFF
Image
blev2577
Ensign
Ensign
Posts: 11
Joined: Sun Jun 15, 2008 9:44 am
Location: USA

Re: Summit MSD ignition

Post by blev2577 »

Al,
Thanks for the response. Although i was comfortable that we were on the compression stroke, we moved the distributor 180 degrees just to check. We got nothing having made that move. Thanks for the help. I think we are going to try and contact Summit while we are working to see if they can assist.
lobsta1
Commodore
Commodore
Posts: 1176
Joined: Fri Aug 29, 2003 6:36 pm
Location: USA

Re: Summit MSD ignition

Post by lobsta1 »

Inquiring minds want to know what was the resolution? Probably something simple.
Al
1978 33 FBC NITES OFF
Image
blev2577
Ensign
Ensign
Posts: 11
Joined: Sun Jun 15, 2008 9:44 am
Location: USA

Re: Summit MSD ignition

Post by blev2577 »

Al,
Our mechanic wired the new distributors at home and had mixed up which engine was the counterrotating engine. Sorted out that issue, wired the distributors properly and the boat fired right up. The MSD ignitions have been tremendous. Fuel efficiency increased. The engines now run quieter, accelerate much better, produce more power, and vibrate less. All in all it was worth a couple of lost days wrenching on the boat.

Thanks again.
Brendon
lobsta1
Commodore
Commodore
Posts: 1176
Joined: Fri Aug 29, 2003 6:36 pm
Location: USA

Re: Summit MSD ignition

Post by lobsta1 »

Thanks for the update.
Al
1978 33 FBC NITES OFF
Image
Post Reply