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Mercruiser 350 1987 - Distributor questions IMAGES

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jannejansson27

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https://imgur.com/a/6EbJkBh
Hi everyone,


I have a 1987 MerCruiser 5.7L 260 HP with Alpha One. The distributor has a GM ignition module (marked 369 2J24) mounted on the side of the distributor, an external ignition coil, and a 2-wire pickup coil inside the distributor.


The distributor shaft has significant side-to-side play, while rotational play is minimal. The engine starts very easily, but it misfires, pops at idle, and runs poorly under load, so I suspect the distributor bushings are worn.


I'm trying to identify exactly which distributor I have.


  • Does anyone recognize this distributor model?
  • Is it an original Delco EST / Thunderbolt IV distributor, or an aftermarket unit?
  • Can the bushings be purchased separately, or is a complete distributor the only realistic option?
  • If I replace it, what is the correct replacement part number?
  • Can it be replaced with another GM marine distributor, or even converted to a different distributor (for example a GM automotive HEI or another marine ignition system)?

Any part numbers, rebuild kits, or replacement recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

https://imgur.com/a/LzNQ9B0

https://imgur.com/a/6EbJkBh

https://imgur.com/a/wG8tqyH
 
Is your engine carburated?

To the best of my knowledge and my 1987 350 260hp alpha, you should have a Thunderbolt IV ignition. Yours is NOT this.

What you have I believe is a Delco EST ignition used on much newer engines.

Very unusual for the bushings to go bad.
But you could get any automotive dist thats for the same type (EST) and just reuse the module and othe parts..

HEI type HAVE TO BE Marine approved. Standard Automotives are not.

I have seen V8 Thunderbolt distributors on FB market place for as cheap as $50.00. Maybe look there for an EST mercruiser distributor
 
Yes, I have a holley carburator.

I can't find any serial number on the engine and I just bought the bought.

I've talked to a very nice mechanic here in sweden and he sent me this exploded view of the distributor.

He wasn't sure if there are any bushings, but he thought number 11 could be the part that has failed.

Here is a short video


https://imgur.com/a/qTqzxOX
 
I know Malibu Ski boats in the mid 2000's use the same distributor.
I worked on one this weekend. Rotor broke. New one from Automotive store was $15.00
That side to side is no good. A local Machine shop could rebush the housing.

Not sure where to find the bushings here.

If you have an automotive store that has american GM parts, go there ans see if they have a remanufactured GM Delco EST distributor. Swap Module. Reluctor and rotor would be the same.
 
kghost said:
I know Malibu Ski boats in the mid 2000's use the same distributor.
I worked on one this weekend. Rotor broke. New one from Automotive store was $15.00
That side to side is no good. A local Machine shop could rebush the housing.

Not sure where to find the bushings here.

If you have an automotive store that has american GM parts, go there ans see if they have a remanufactured GM Delco EST distributor. Swap Module. Reluctor and rotor would be the same.
Click to expand...
Hello. I live in Sweden, we dont have those kind of things.

I have found the complete dist for about 1200 dollars. I don't wanna pay that much.

The part number is 805222A1

How are the ebay china copies? Do they do the job?
 
We dont use cheap chinese parts in the USA and we have thousands of sources for new and used parts

What would it cost to purchased in the USA and shipped to you?

Again an automotive distributor will work just reuse the module below reluctor
 
that distributor is worn out...getting a new one is usually cheaper than a rebuilt one, when they can be found.

One used to be able to get a Spectr GM04 distributor for ~ $75US but they appear to have been discontinued. Best candidate for replacement is a WAI DST1830. The key feature to look for is the screens covering the two vent holes on the bottom of the distributor body...look from the gear end towards the cap.

Part number 11 wont fix the issue with the distributor.
 
kghost said:
Do a google search for a GM V8 Delco EST distributor and see what comes up.
Click to expand...

makomark said:
that distributor is worn out...getting a new one is usually cheaper than a rebuilt one, when they can be found.

One used to be able to get a Spectr GM04 distributor for ~ $75US but they appear to have been discontinued. Best candidate for replacement is a WAI DST1830. The key feature to look for is the screens covering the two vent holes on the bottom of the distributor body...look from the gear end towards the cap.

Part number 11 wont fix the issue with the distributor.
Click to expand...
Thanks alot. Ive looked up wai DST1830. I can't seem to find a picture of the bottom of a wai DST1830, with the two vent holes. Are you 100% positive the wai DST1830 will work for my engine without any other modifications?
Is the wai DST1830 spark protected?
Appreciate you
 
Last edited:
kghost said:
We dont use cheap chinese parts in the USA and we have thousands of sources for new and used parts

What would it cost to purchased in the USA and shipped to you?

Again an automotive distributor will work just reuse the module below reluctor
Click to expand...
Around 300 to 400 USD. Main issue is the shipping time, the whole summe would be over if I have to wait 3 weeks. The Swedish summer is very short and delicate.
 
I haven't touched a WAI part so can't say at the 100% level...that said, I have yet to see an aftermarket EST distributor that didn't have the screens over the vent holes...
 
makomark said:
I haven't touched a WAI part so can't say at the 100% level...that said, I have yet to see an aftermarket EST distributor that didn't have the screens over the vent holes...
Click to expand...
I think the WAI part is for cars, isnt it? Without spark protection... Dont wanna blow up my engine.

How did you know that it would fit? I've seen some dists that you can replace bushings in, but that doesnt seem the case in my dist, if you check the exploded view.

I am wondering where the play is coming from. Tomorrow i will take it off the boat
 
if you have reservations go with what you feel comfortable with.

With the time constraint, the best option (to minimize effort) may be to find a Sierra marine distributor in Sweden and see if they have that EST distributor kit.

The play is likely due ot worn bushings (or some versions have bearings) holding the shaft true...the shaft may also be worn depending upon how long the wear has been occurring.
 
makomark said:
if you have reservations go with what you feel comfortable with.

With the time constraint, the best option (to minimize effort) may be to find a Sierra marine distributor in Sweden and see if they have that EST distributor kit.

The play is likely due ot worn bushings (or some versions have bearings) holding the shaft true...the shaft may also be worn depending upon how long the wear has been occurring.
Click to expand...
Thanks alot.

So something like this would work?

Amazon.com: AIP Electronics Marine Power Pack Complete with EST Distributor Coil Timing Shunt & Wiring Harnesses Compatible Replacement with Mercruiser Penta OMC 5.0L 5.7L 7.4L 8.2L V8 OEM Fit Kit-1536 : Automotive

Buy AIP Electronics Marine Power Pack Complete with EST Distributor Coil Timing Shunt & Wiring Harnesses Compatible Replacement with Mercruiser Penta OMC 5.0L 5.7L 7.4L 8.2L V8 OEM Fit Kit-1536: Tune-Up Kits - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
www.amazon.com

OR

Amazon.com: DRAGON FIRE PERFORMANCE Marine EST Electronic Ignition Distributor Compatible Replacement With Mercruiser Chevy Penta OMC and Indmar 4.3L V6 With EST Delco Ignition System Oem Fit DV6EFIM-DF : Automotive

Buy DRAGON FIRE PERFORMANCE Marine EST Electronic Ignition Distributor Compatible Replacement With Mercruiser Chevy Penta OMC and Indmar 4.3L V6 With EST Delco Ignition System Oem Fit DV6EFIM-DF: Distributors - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
www.amazon.com


Dragon fire sounds like a serious marine brand :-D
 
the first one is for a V-8, the second for a V-6....and neither had an explicit statement about being tested to SAE J1171 which is the standard (here in the US) for ignition protection for gasoline engines used in boats...
 
makomark said:
Sierra marine distri
Click to expand...

makomark said:
the first one is for a V-8, the second for a V-6....and neither had an explicit statement about being tested to SAE J1171 which is the standard (here in the US) for ignition protection for gasoline engines used in boats...
Click to expand...
Oh ok.
So maybe skip the cheapest china copies. Seemce hard to find one that ships to Sweden. Same with the sierra parts, and they are also like 1000 USD.
 
Will this work?


"Restore reliable ignition performance with this complete ignition distributor for GM-based Delco Voyager/EST V8 marine engines used by MerCruiser, Volvo Penta, Indmar, and OMC.

Engineered for a precise fit and dependable operation, this distributor is a direct replacement for worn or faulty original units. It helps ensure reliable starting, smooth engine performance, and consistent ignition timing.

Suitable for a wide range of GM-based V8 marine engines equipped with the Delco Voyager/EST ignition system."
 
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