Fire!!!!!

[bellsons]

the wire from the alt. going to the siliniod shorted and melted.
i replaced and repaired the wires and the coil
getting juice to all.
not getting fire from the coil to the dist..
is there a ground fried somewhere, could it be the pertronix ignitor got shorted in the short out?

[michael hunter]

Here is a quick test for ignition.
Take a test light from ground to the positive of the coil key on it should light.
If not check wiring to coil. Then put test light to the negative of the coil.
Crank the engine the light should flash. If it does the primary is good. That's everything
below the distributor rotor points or electronic. You have a secondary problem
coil,cap,rotor,spark plug wires. If it doesn't flash your problem is in the primary
points, condenser or ignitor, pick up sensor for electronic.
Good luck.

[bellsons]

it doesnt crank. Actually, on the coil, it should be and is 12v hot on both + & - sides (not running).
My question was, is there a missing (burnt in shortout) ground on or around the dist. that would keep the ignitor from signaling? or, Is the ignitor a self contained or magnet driven ignitor sending a signal to the coil making the coil spark through the coil wire into the dist. and on to the plugs igniting the fuel and on and on.
any advice would be helpfull

[michael hunter]

Having 12v on both sides of the coil is good the ignitor supplies the ground.
every time it grounds the coil builds an electromagnetic field in the primary windings.
When the circuit is opened the field collapses and the coil fires. If you need help with the starter PM me?

[bellsons]

it seems to be the ignitor then, what do you think about a rev limiter instead of replacing the ignitor.
A direct drive 1:1 is recomended to run @ 4500 rpm's right?
or is a limiter not such a good idea?

[michael hunter]

I don't know if the rev limiter will replace the ignitor.
The rpms on the boat are limited by the prop dimensions.
If your full throttle rpms are not within speck talk to a prop shop
Give them the rpms and they can help you with the correct prop.
The only reason you would need a rev limitor is if you go airborne
and spin the prop with out a load.

[bellsons]

that makes good sense, but tell me, shouldnt a 454 gain rpm's as it gains speed?

[michael hunter]

that makes good sense, but tell me, shouldnt a 454 gain rpm's as it gains speed?
Yes. What is it doing?