Tachometer/Ignition Question - Mid-range Mercury Outboard

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Author Topic:   Tachometer/Ignition Question - Mid-range Mercury Outboard

Buckda posted 02-04-2007 09:05 PM ET (US)
This is a question about a 1970-something 50 HP Motor.
What kind of ignition system does this motor have? It says "Thunderbolt" ignition on the cowling.
I have found a tachometer, made by Airguide, that was manufactured in 1968. It is New Old Stock (still in the box) and made for Mercury Motors, but I wanted to make sure that this would work . The "look" is perfect for what I'm going after, but wanted to check with the experts here before moving forward.
Thank you in advance.
Dave

jimh posted 02-04-2007 09:24 PM ET (US)
I think "Thunderbolt" is a model designation for a Capacitor Discharge Ignition (CDI) system. It's a modern-style ignition. My 1976 Mercury 500 had a Thunderbolt ignition. I used a standard, off-the-shelf tachometer with it.
Buckda posted 02-04-2007 09:36 PM ET (US)
Jim -
Thank you!
That is exactly the term that was used on the side of the box for the tachometer (which I had forgotten).
I'm going to pick up this tachometer next weekend.
Dave

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Author	Topic: Tachometer/Ignition Question - Mid-range Mercury Outboard
Buckda	posted 02-04-2007 09:05 PM ET (US) This is a question about a 1970-something 50 HP Motor. What kind of ignition system does this motor have? It says "Thunderbolt" ignition on the cowling. I have found a tachometer, made by Airguide, that was manufactured in 1968. It is New Old Stock (still in the box) and made for Mercury Motors, but I wanted to make sure that this would work . The "look" is perfect for what I'm going after, but wanted to check with the experts here before moving forward. Thank you in advance. Dave
jimh	posted 02-04-2007 09:24 PM ET (US) I think "Thunderbolt" is a model designation for a Capacitor Discharge Ignition (CDI) system. It's a modern-style ignition. My 1976 Mercury 500 had a Thunderbolt ignition. I used a standard, off-the-shelf tachometer with it.
Buckda	posted 02-04-2007 09:36 PM ET (US) Jim - Thank you! That is exactly the term that was used on the side of the box for the tachometer (which I had forgotten). I'm going to pick up this tachometer next weekend. Dave