Electronic ignition install question

Discussion in 'Sterndrives' started by crackerjack, Apr 25, 2007.

  1. crackerjack
    Joined: Feb 2007
    Posts: 29
    Likes: 1, Points: 0, Legacy Rep: 25
    Location: new jersey

    crackerjack Junior Member

    i'm installing an electronic ignition into a 1985 mercruiser 3.7l engine. The unit comes with a red and black wire. Instructions state the black wire goes to the neg on the ignition coil and the red goes to the pos side for installations that do not use a primary ballast resistor. For installations that use a primary ballast resistor, connect the red wire to the ignition switch side of the resistance. Question is does this engine use a primary resistor? Where do I attach the red wire? ...Thanks
     
  2. Gary Gear Ph.D
    Joined: Apr 2007
    Posts: 4
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    Location: Arizona

    Gary Gear Ph.D Professor

    Seloc manual shows that engine uses a resistance wire rather than a balast resistor. The resistance wire runs between the electric choke and the + side of the coil - therefore you would connect the red wire to the purple wire (+ side) on the electric choke. There is also a black wire (ground side) on the electric choke so don't connect there.

    Hope that helps.

    G
     
  3. redtech
    Joined: Feb 2007
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    Location: suger pine, ca

    redtech Senior Member

    another test is if you have a volt meter 12vdc on pos side of coil no ballast resistor if you find 6-9 vdc you have a resistor
     
  4. crackerjack
    Joined: Feb 2007
    Posts: 29
    Likes: 1, Points: 0, Legacy Rep: 25
    Location: new jersey

    crackerjack Junior Member

    found the purple wire. there is also a red wire with the purple wire both going to the choke. will do it this weekend...thanks
     

  5. crackerjack
    Joined: Feb 2007
    Posts: 29
    Likes: 1, Points: 0, Legacy Rep: 25
    Location: new jersey

    crackerjack Junior Member

    must be doing something wrong. runs bad w/ electronic ignition. had to put back the points. what gives?..thanks
     
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