Marine distributor caps ???????

[adamsjstt]

I took my distributor cap and rotor to my local auto parts store to match them up so I could replace them. When I told the parts guy it was for a marine power boat engine he strongly recommended that I purchase a new one from marine power. I told him it was a 350 Chevy block so looked up a cap and rotor for a newer Chevy truck with a 350, looked identical but now he has me a little nervous about using a NON-marine cap and rotor. Is there such a thing?

[skippabcool]

I was told that there are and for certain things you definately want the marine stuff. It will cost more but typically sealed and spark resistant. Somethings it will not pay to get the non marine items.

[dom w. forte]

What is the application?

[adamsjstt]

07 RZ2 340 hp marine power

[adamsjstt]

Has anyone ever used a non marine cap and rotor? Or heard of any issues using a non marine cap and rotor?

[Timmy!]

Just wait for Dom to reply, he will know the answer!

[dom w. forte]

That should be the standard GM flat cap with the plug wires coming out both sides instead of the top, you can use the truck cap its the same , and the Napa auto parts Echlin line is better then the factory cap, there werer issues with internal bleed over in the plastic causeing miss fire.

[mls6722]

For starters as an example, the marine version is sealed to prevent presenting an ignition source in the compartment. In a distributor cap, perhaps it does the same. Otherwise, maybe the materials are more corrosion resistant, or the only difference is the price. If I were to use non-marine electrical equipment, I would be extra vigilant about potential fuel vapors in the compartment.

[robert theisen]

For starters as an example, the marine version is sealed to prevent presenting an ignition source in the compartment. In a distributor cap, perhaps it does the same. Otherwise, maybe the materials are more corrosion resistant, or the only difference is the price. If I were to use non-marine electrical equipment, I would be extra vigilant about potential fuel vapors in the compartment.

NO CAP IS DESIGNED TO PRESENT A SPARK OUTSIDE OF ITSELF.

[adamsjstt]

That should be the standard GM flat cap with the plug wires coming out both sides instead of the top, you can use the truck cap its the same , and the Napa auto parts Echlin line is better then the factory cap, there werer issues with internal bleed over in the plastic causeing miss fire.

Thats what I figured just wanted to hear from the experts. THANKS

[mls6722]

NO CAP IS DESIGNED TO PRESENT A SPARK OUTSIDE OF ITSELF.

Probably true for today's caps, but GM used to have a small metal slide opening for setting point gap, and they certainly were not explosion-proof designs.

[robert theisen]

Probably true for today's caps, but GM used to have a small metal slide opening for setting point gap, and they certainly were not explosion-proof designs.

Todays caps are on electronic ignitions.No points or condensors here.So no metal slide plates for adjustments.

[dom w. forte]

Some of the Merc, have a gasket at their base and vents on top to prevent condesation, but most are going to coil over and distributors on on there way out.

[adamsjstt]

What do you guys think about using napa plug wires? Any reason to use marine power wires?

[dom w. forte]

What do you guys think about using napa plug wires? Any reason to use marine power wires?

As long as they are for marine application its ok, if it is for a chevy truck they wont reach the plugs without being to tight to the exhaust.