Tune Up Kits

A well tuned engine will last longer and perform better.
Sterndrives.com can supply you with everything from caps to plugs.

We only sell quality tune-up kits and ignition components.

Keep your engine in top shape with new plugs, plug wires,
distributor caps, rotors, points and condenser.

Look Up your Tune-Up Kit

Tune-Up Tips

Taking care of your engine involves having a yearly
tune-up. Check your engines owners manual for specific
items and recommended time periods.

For a sterndrive engine, a good tune-up will consist of:

1. Changing all filters and lubes.
2. Replacing all spark plugs.
3. Inspecting and replacing plug wires when needed.
4. Replacing the distributor cap and rotor.
5. Replacing and adjusting Points (if applicable).
6. Adjusting or replacing belts.
7. Inspecting and replacing any old or worn hoses.
8. Checking all wires and cables for cleanliness and tightness.
9. Checking dwell (if applicable) and timing.
10. Cleaning and checking carb and choke operations.
11. Inspecting exhaust gaskets and bellows.
12. Inspecting and greasing the steering.
13. Checking engine alignment and mounts.
14. Replacing rubber water pump impellers.
15. Greasing and inspection the gimbal housing assembly.
16. Complete inspection of all systems.
17. Inspecting and replacing old worn Zinc Anodes.

More Ignition Tips

Always follow factory specifications and tune-up procedures.
Having the right tools is important for a proper tune-up.

For engines with contact points (conventional ignition) use
a Dwell Meter to accurately set your points.

The Dwell must always be adjusted before the timing is set.

After the Dwell is perfect then check the timing with a good timing light.

Never "bump up" timing beyond what the factory recommends. Engine damage will occur.

If everything is OK, the engine will run very good at the factory recommended settings.

Most of the EFI engines and engines with Delco Ignition Systems
require that a jumper be installed or that engine be placed into a
"service" mode before timing can be set.

Trying to set the timing on an EFI without following the correct set-up
procedures will be impossible. Follow factory guidlines!

At idle, The computer in an EFI and MPI engine will change the timing
over 100 times each second to provide for smooth idling characteristics.

Do you have an MPI Mercruiser? Want to try something neat?
Go ahead and remove a plug wire and then start the engine.
Notice how it still idles good?
Now go ahead and remove two more wires.
It still idles great!

That is because the computer is "sensing" a drop on those cylinders
and is altering the timing to keep the idle at a good level.

The ability of the engine to "recover" from component failure
makes troublshooting an EFI a little different then with conventional engines.

The old "pulling off plug wires to check for RPM drops" is out the window with EFI and MPI Engines.

For real MPI and EFI trouble shooting you will need a Mercruiser DDT Tool.

At last time checked, the DDT Tool was about $1,221. UPDATE! THE DDT is no longer in production.

The DDT Tool will show many different operating parameters and fault codes.

We also sell a small "jumper" unit which, when plugged into the EFI harness, will
allow you to test the timing. This is a cheap tool. About $15.00.

Look Up your Tune-Up Kit

To Order Tune-Up Parts,
Email us with your engine Year,
Engine Serial Number, Engine Model and Type.

Let us know what ignition you have.

We will respond with an itemized list and cost of
recommended tune-up parts

Email Your Questions

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