Distributor cap and rotor

aero3113

Does anyone have a good source for OEM distributor caps and rotors with a decent price? There’re expensive but want to make sure I’m getting Mercury/Quicksilver. I don’t think it’s worth the headache to go aftermarket.

Cableguy Greg

Wholesale marine has some stuff at decent prices. When I replaced my cap and rotor last year, I got it off Amazon. I believe the cap was $78. 

aero3113

I found this on Amazon but people are saying in reviews they feel it’s not Quicksilver??

Quicksilver 8M0061335 Distributor Cap Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000XBFG5K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_kpmDEbZTC6VGS

aero3113

I would think since it’s shipping from and sold by Amazon it’s Quicksilver?

Cableguy Greg

I would think that it is a Quicksilver part. The one that I got was Quicksilver. Worst case, ship it back if it isn't. 

aero3113

Cableguy Greg said:

I would think that it is a Quicksilver part. The one that I got was Quicksilver. Worst case, ship it back if it isn't. 

True

aero3113

I went ahead and bought the ones off of amazon. I also went with new wires also.

Quicksilver 863656A1 Spark Plug Wire Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001HBQVUO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_99mDEbM8CMZVM

YYZRC

I was also concerned about the reviews, Amazon was the best price I could find.

Willhound

My mechanic laughs. Depending on the block, i.e. my 5.7 EFI they are a standard GM part put into a Mercruiser package for more $$$. His opinion. But he's been doing it  for over 30 years and has a reputation as the best guy in the area. Competing marina's contract him all the time to troubleshoot.

aero3113

I think the difference between marine and auto is the type of material used for the contacts. In fresh water it might not be a big deal but in salt it will make a difference to prevent corrosion.

Aqua_Aura

Oops meant to post that somewhere else

Willhound

aero3113 said:

I think the difference between marine and auto is the type of material used for the contacts. In fresh water it might not be a big deal but in salt it will make a difference to prevent corrosion.

Good point. A quick search turned up a few high end/specialty caps that mention stainless steel contacts and no vent to prevent salt air moisture from getting in. I'd be curious to see if anyone can confirm that this is the case with the Mercruiser parts.

Black_Diamond

Remember the marine ones are ignition protected. 

Those explosions on boats are entertaining from a distance. Not. 

Willhound

@Black_Diamond I had thought about that. But I can't think of what in particular would make a distributor cap and rotor ignition protected? The lack of a vent hole? When I changed mine (older style top mount) it looks exactly like the cap and rotor on my old Chevy truck I had. I'm not asking to be a smart a$$, I'm genuinely curious. 
Alternators, starter motors, etc I get.

Black_Diamond

I’d have to look, I believe the vent had a metal screen on it. 

aero3113

I received the new cap and rotor kits along with the wires today. Definitely quality Quicksilver products. Also, I noticed no vent in the caps and the wires come pre greased.

reneechris14

@aero3113 don't  over tighten the cap and different screws for rotor and cap. Screws for rotor are smaller but with my ryes they look the same. Brass tips on cap is marine this great example of people putting what ever parts in there boat.

aero3113

Thanks for the tip. The kit did come with new screws, I will take note on which go where. 

aero3113

I replaced the wires cap and rotor on my port engine today. Looks like the wires were original from 2008! The cap and rotor weren’t in that bad of shape. The previous owner already replaced all of the plugs beginning of last season (he only put 3 hours on the boat last season).

Liberty44140

Wow no corrosion or anything. Nice. 

aero3113

I changed my starboard side plug wires tonight. They were definitely changed at some point, Sierra brand. No dielectric grease used and some corrosion. I didn’t pull the cap off yet since I dropped the new one and cracked it walking out to the boat. Shaking my head now. New one is on the way.