I recently purchased a boat that has a mercury 9.8 on it. The serial number on the tag is 3362759 which I think is about a 73 model.
It has been giving me firing problems. I pulled the flywheel and found out that is has a red Thunderbolt ignition system. I found two wires that had cracked and broken jackets. They were shorting to ground. This is why the motor would sometimes run great, other times not spark at all. It all depended on when/if the wire touched the housing.
Anyway, I would like to replace the whole kit, new points as well. Does anybody know where I can but this ignition kit? I can't find one. Also, what do the points set on?
I'm new to the forum as well as working on outboards. I am an automotive tech so doing the work won't bother me, finding the information and parts might.
thanks

As you pro's will easily spot, I'm a rookie when it comes to outboards, but I'm trying to learn.
It seems that the Thunderbolt ignition systems were on all or at least some of these engines. The part in question is the ignition module. I might be able to replace the wiring and get lucky. I know I need points, one of the two sets are burnt badly. If I could find a new ignition module, and it wasn't too expensive I would replace it while I was already in there.
Since it's Friday evening, I'll probably file the points and put them back it, replace the wires and see if it will start. I can't order points until Monday anyway. This will allow me to see if the ignition module is dead or not.
I'm always willing to listen to a pro if you have some good information to share.
By the way, I have no idea what the gap should be on the points. I was hoping somebody here could tell me before I put it all back together in the morning.

thanks

Here is the link to parts listing(some parts are no longer available) Mercury Outboard Parts 110 3263263 THRU 3795657 STATOR AND IGNITION COMPONENTS Diagram
The points set at 0.020

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