Hey all,
Just wondering if anyone knows where I can find info on the laws for running marine carbs, distributors etc.. I was told that the cap on a distributor only
needs to be "marine certified" not the whole thing... unless the engine is uncovered which means you can run anything. Does anyone know why a covered
engine needs to have marine parts?
Thanks, I know this is kind of a pointless question, I'm just curious I guess.
-Kory
Hey Kory,
I am sorry to say that you have been misinformed.....

The "laws" that you inquire about do exist, in fact somewhere on these boards there is a link that was posted (I will try to locate it when time permits) explaining what the requirements are.
In short, all fuel system components, electrical components and ignition components have to have an SAE or USCG rating on them. As far as the distributor goes, no...It is the entire distributor
and the cap that must be marine rated.
virtually anything you can name on the marine engine in a closed engine compartment MUST be coast guard legal...
As for the open engine boats, they too really "should" have marine rated gear....It is just widely accepted that they don't because most of our boats mimic those built before the regulations were common place....It does not mean it is not "required", but rather not "enforced".
Hope this helps a little....

GT