92 Nautique Pro-Tec distributor fix

[fly135]

The coil pack on my 92 Ski Nautique has one coil failing after 33 years of use. Since there seems to be no replacement coil packs available, I guess it's time to update. Ford 351W distributors are super cheap. But the marine kits are super expensive. Has anyone tried using a cheap distributor and replaced the gear for reverse rotation? I'm wondering if I can remove the gear from the current dist and put it on the replacement.

[SilentSeven]

Not that I have a lick of practical experience with your question...but I'd wonder if the advance mechanism is dependent on the rotational direction of the distributor.

If the advance is electronic..might not be an issue but if it's mechanical, I suspect it won't work.

[fly135]

That was my initial objection, until I found out the distributor is supposed to turn the same direction regardless of the rotation of the engine. However, the gear is angled in the opposite direction. I've seen info posted saying the marine version has shielding to prevent sparks from igniting gas fumes in the bilge. So that's a consideration. I always open the engine cover before starting the boat to check for fumes before I launch. But the gear issue looms. I can get a regular distributor for under $70. The cheapest marine with correct gear is $529.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/d...rrbl/make/ford

[Jonny Quest]

Many have swapped out the old ProTec for a new distributor system. I used the Davis Unified Ignition (DUI) distributor when the ProTec in my 1994 died. It is an HEI style and has a built-in coil, so no external coil required. 2 wire hook-up. You can find them at www.PerformanceDistributors.com. Look for the "marine" options and small-block ford 351W. You can choose standard or reverse-rotation. Worth the price, IMO.

JQ

[fly135]

That's the distributor in the link I posted above for $529.

Edit: This is the actual link with the cheapest price for DUI...

https://www.jegs.com/i/DUI/314/M3582...WT91apIbepl2oH

[fly135]

I'm glad I didn't make any hasty decisions. After reviewing my engines serial number and checking it out, I found my engine is not reverse roatation. It is LH. 1992 SNOB with 351 proboss 285hp. PLP are 1st 3 letters of serial. Engine rotates CW viewed from passenger seat.

[Jonny Quest]

Yup. PLP = left-hand or standard rotation. However...a standard rotation engine rotates CLOCKWISE when in the observer seat and looking toward the stern. In the marine world (not the automotive world) the engine rotation is viewed from the rear of the engine (flywheel end) and looking toward the front of the engine. Hence, a left-hand rotation engine rotates counter-clockwise when viewed from the flywheel and rotates clockwise when viewed from the front of the engine. Clear as mud?

JQ