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Electronic Ignition Conversion

Your old Chris-Craft electrical system can be a challenge. If it runs on "juice" pose your questions and offer your advice here.

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jackpryor
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Electronic Ignition Conversion

Post by jackpryor » Wed Sep 14, 2016 11:22 am

Does anyone know where I can get an electronic conversion kit for a Hercules Model A? It has an AutoLite IAY 4010 distibutor or where I can purchase a new electronic distributor?

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CaptainSeth
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Re: Electronic Ignition Conversion

Post by CaptainSeth » Wed Sep 14, 2016 3:06 pm

I recently did my Model B (has an Auto-Lite IGW4028) with a Pertronix kit from Classic Boat Connection. Part number was EKIT41526V. Not sure if it's the same for your distributor but I'd check there first. Note that this is a 6V version.

My only issue (found in a different thread) was 6V sagging while cranking so the electronic ignition wasn't happy. Taking 6V straight from the battery worked to correct it though.

Good Luck!
Captain Seth
Portland Boat Tours
________________________________
1939 17ft Chris Craft Deluxe Utility
1948 17.5ft Century Resorter
1966 20ft Tollycraft Cruiseteer

jim g
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Re: Electronic Ignition Conversion

Post by jim g » Wed Sep 14, 2016 7:50 pm

Yes. There is one. The IAY 4010 is the same size dist as the 6 cylinder. I have the number at work. I will try to remember to bring it home.

jackpryor
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Re: Electronic Ignition Conversion

Post by jackpryor » Thu Sep 15, 2016 12:24 pm

jim g wrote:Yes. There is one. The IAY 4010 is the same size dist as the 6 cylinder. I have the number at work. I will try to remember to bring it home.
Thank you, I've spent days searching with no luck. Everyone has conversion kits for the 4008 and the 4012 but not the 4010.

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Re: Electronic Ignition Conversion

Post by jim g » Wed Sep 21, 2016 6:06 pm

Hi Jack,

Sorry its taken me so long to post the number. The kit you want is number 1548. This is the 12 volt kit for the 4 cylinder IAY dist.

jackpryor
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Re: Electronic Ignition Conversion

Post by jackpryor » Wed Sep 21, 2016 7:59 pm

jim g wrote:Hi Jack,

Sorry its taken me so long to post the number. The kit you want is number 1548. This is the 12 volt kit for the 4 cylinder IAY dist.
THANKS!!! Don't worry about the time frame, I just remembered to check back with you.

jackpryor
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Re: Electronic Ignition Conversion

Post by jackpryor » Thu Nov 10, 2016 10:18 am

Jim,

I got the conversion kit and installed it. Now I can't get it started. The instructions said to orient the ring until it slides down into place. This one will fit in any of the 4 positions. I'm stumped. Do you have any ideas for me to try?

Patrick41
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Re: Electronic Ignition Conversion

Post by Patrick41 » Fri Nov 11, 2016 5:57 am

I have also done this conversion, the pick up is on the opposite side of distributor striker plate than points were, I just switched spark wires in cap to opposite towers and played with timing, it works great once you get it oriented correctly good luck, Pat

jim g
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Re: Electronic Ignition Conversion

Post by jim g » Fri Nov 11, 2016 5:13 pm

jackpryor wrote:Jim,

I got the conversion kit and installed it. Now I can't get it started. The instructions said to orient the ring until it slides down into place. This one will fit in any of the 4 positions. I'm stumped. Do you have any ideas for me to try?
You most likely got the igniter plate 180 degrees out. Look at the directions and make sure you installed it like they say.

Does the engine fire at all? Even if it just backfires or pops.

jackpryor
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Re: Electronic Ignition Conversion

Post by jackpryor » Mon Nov 14, 2016 10:38 am

When I get the igniter ring in a certain position it will almost start but it just pops and backfires.

jim g
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Re: Electronic Ignition Conversion

Post by jim g » Tue Nov 15, 2016 8:50 pm

jackpryor wrote:When I get the igniter ring in a certain position it will almost start but it just pops and backfires.
Moving the ring around is not going to do anything. The 4 magnets in the ring line up with the points on the lobe. If you rgetting backfire through the intake then your firing order is off.

The easiest thing to do is put a mark on the dist. housing and the block. That line will set your baseline so you know were you started from.

Loosen the dist adjusting bolt and while cranking the engine turn the dist. It should fire off unless the firing order is 180 out.

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