Distributor Cap Q's

[TonyTheTige]

After winterizing, I gave the boat a once over. Removed the distributor cap and noticed some corrosion. I think the cap and rotor assembly need to be replaced. That said, I tried to pull the rotor assy off with my bare hands, but it didn't budge. Is there a secret to get that thing to release? Take my high heels off and really pull? Or is there a hidden screw, etc.?

Second (see the 1st picture), given the cap is marine-grade, why does it appear to have a hole in it where moisture could cause rust/corrosion?

Thanks for your help. The Tige experts on here have never let me down....

[chpthril]

vent port that usually goes to a vacuum source.

[TonyTheTige]

Hmmm, ok. I'll take another look for an unattached hose near the cap. That was my first thought, but couldn't find a dangling hose or anything.

Any tips on how to remove the rotor once the cap is off?

[kko]

All the Mercs. I have worked on have that. I always just called it a vent. its never hooked to anything on any of the boats I have worked on.

[TonyTheTige]

I've read that Mercury may have used a dab of loctite when installing the rotor on the distributor shaft. I may try pulling out the heat gun and warming it up a bit. I might be fighting a bit of rust / corrosion too.

[TonyTheTige]

All the Mercs. I have worked on have that. I always just called it a vent. its never hooked to anything on any of the boats I have worked on.

So in your experience, how long does the average cap and rotor last on a boat?

If it wasn't totally apparent, I'm a first time boat owner. And it seems that the title of 'part-time mechanic', comes with it. I don't mind. I'm not great with motors, but I've learned a TON this past year.

[kko]

It depends on how the boat is kept and where its kept..IMPO. Here in Fla with the high Humidity and storing outside about a 1.5-2yrs. If in saltwater every year. If kept indoors in low humidity I bet you could get much more time out of it.We replace alot of them do to corrosion its a common issue here in Fla..and alot of the boats i workon are used in salt.Its funny you asked this question because I have not changed mine since I bought my boat (it was replace by previous owner right before i bought the boat. That was in Nov. 07 I just did my major service for the year and realized i had not changed or checked mine since i got the boat. So I pulled the cap to inspect wow it was bad..mad at myself for letting it go to long. It was pretty fuzzy under there. Not that I was having any issues but its better to be safe than sorry . Biggest thing on you merc is the impeller and the belt. I would make sure you replace that impeller every year and keep and eye on the belt. The mercs seem to eat belts.and their impellers are not as rugged as the Johnson/Jabsco style impellers. But you keep up on these you will be fine.

[TonyTheTige]

Funny you should mention the belt. Heard an odd noise the last time out. The culprit's mugshot is below! I just wish they weren't $70+.

Plan to change the impeller before the start of next season. I always keep a spare or two with me, just in case. Had to do an on-the-water impeller change at Shasta this past summer.

And thanks for the info. I'll be changing out my fuzzy cap this weekend.

[kko]

LOL yep thats a merc belt if I have ever see one!

[laserfish]

Do a search on the forum and there are substitute belts out there at a much more reasonable cost.

[OldeBoy]

Do a search on the forum and there are substitute belts out there at a much more reasonable cost.

I am sure Tony already replaced the belt on his boat. Just for reference I was looking at the belt on my 2100V (Merc)and it is a Napa 25060878 which runs around $40.

[363coupe]

I had to break my rotor button off because it wouldn't budge. It has a keyway on the inside of the rotor button where it aligns on the distributor. I wound up twisting mine side to side until it broke the keyway off of the rotor button.

[OldeBoy]

I had to break my rotor button off because it wouldn't budge. It has a keyway on the inside of the rotor button where it aligns on the distributor. I wound up twisting mine side to side until it broke the keyway off of the rotor button.

Sorry to hear you had that kind of trouble. The manual mentions using Loctite 27131 between the rotor and the shaft. That may have been a contributor to your difficulty. I didn't run into that problem. It mentions using two flat bladed screwdrivers opposite from eachother with the blade tips contacting the shaft. A downward push on both handles at the same time should pry rotor off shaft. It also mentions using a heat lamp.

I didn't use the Loctite and it didn't look like the dealer had used any the last time either.