1981 PC 351 (585hrs) - Ignition

I am not happy with the condition of the distributor on this boat. Mainly because it has become difficult to start and occasionally shuts off at idle.

Cranking speed, fuel delivery seem normal and fuel is fresh with little chance for water accumulation. When it does crank it runs well. Linkages are smooth, marine Holley is 1 yr old, filters, oil, cooling system are in very good condition.

On the water remedy has been to open distributor, tweak the rotor (advance direction), close it up and crank it up.

With very little force I can rotate the rotor 10º on the distributor shaft. The mechanical advance seems to bind a little when rotated by hand. Have folks experienced with these engines been successful cleaning and lubricating plates and replacing springs in the mech. adv.? Is there a "best" fit replacement rotor anyone has found? Any recommended vendors / experience?

You can turn the rotor by hand?

I have a clip down RH prestolite distributor if youre interested. It has points still but works great.

50 bucks?

Youre not going to be able to find weights and springs for that dist.

You could get a new OEM dist and a conversion kit. But for a little more money, Mallory makes a sweet optical marine dist for RH motors. Thats what I would do if in fact the dist is to blame.