Breakerless Distributor Chris Craft Q Model | Sierra 18-26311-2

Sierra 18-26311-2 Magnetic Breakerless Distributor | Chris Craft 307Q, 327Q, 350Q | Standard & Reverse Rotation | Replaces Mallory 9-26311

The Sierra #18-26311-2 is a magnetic breakerless replacement distributor for Chris Craft Q Model marine inboard engines. Fits 307Q, 327Q, and 350Q engine models. Compatible with both standard and reverse rotation engine configurations. Replaces Mallory 9-26311 and YLM566AV.

Part Details:

• Part Number: 18-26311-2 (Sierra)
• SKU: SIERRA-18-26311-2
• Manufacturer: Sierra
• Type: Magnetic Breakerless Distributor
• Fits: Chris Craft 307Q, 327Q, 350Q
• Rotation: Standard and reverse rotation
• Ignition Type: Magnetic breakerless (points-free)
• Replaces: Mallory 9-26311, YLM566AV
• Condition: New

Cross-Reference — Replaces:

• Mallory: 9-26311, YLM566AV

Additional Information

Chris Craft Q Model Engines — 307Q, 327Q, 350Q:

The Chris Craft Q Model designation refers to Chris Craft's four-barrel carbureted V8 marine inboard engine series. The Q suffix identifies the four-barrel (quad) carburetor configuration, distinguishing these engines from lower-output two-barrel variants in the same displacement family. The three displacements covered by the 18-26311-2 — 307, 327, and 350 cubic inches — are all small-block V8 configurations used in Chris Craft inboard boats across multiple decades of production. Parts availability for these engines has decreased as OEM sources have been depleted; the Sierra 18-26311-2 is the current aftermarket replacement distributor for these applications.

Magnetic Breakerless Ignition — Points-Free Operation:

The 18-26311-2 uses a magnetic pickup trigger to fire the ignition coil, eliminating the breaker points and condenser used in earlier distributor designs. Breakerless magnetic ignition provides:

• No points wear or gap drift — points-type distributors require periodic adjustment as the rubbing block wears and the point gap closes; a magnetic pickup has no mechanical contact and no wear
• Consistent spark energy at all RPM — points-type systems lose dwell accuracy at high RPM due to mechanical limitations; the magnetic trigger maintains consistent timing at all speeds
• Reduced maintenance — no points or condenser to replace at service intervals; cap and rotor remain the primary maintenance items
• Improved cold-start reliability — consistent trigger signal regardless of temperature or points condition

Standard and Reverse Rotation — Twin-Engine Applications:

The 18-26311-2 is compatible with both standard (clockwise) and reverse rotation (counter-clockwise) engine configurations. In twin-engine inboard installations, one engine typically runs in standard rotation and the other in reverse rotation — counter-rotating props reduce torque steer and improve handling at all throttle positions. The ability of the 18-26311-2 to serve both rotation configurations means a single part number covers both the port and starboard engine in a counter-rotating twin Chris Craft Q Model installation. Confirm your engine's rotation direction from the engine identification plate or service documentation before ordering to ensure correct distributor orientation at installation.

Mallory Cross-Reference — 9-26311 and YLM566AV:

The Sierra 18-26311-2 replaces Mallory 9-26311 and YLM566AV. Mallory was a major supplier of marine ignition components; Mallory distributor part numbers are commonly referenced in older Chris Craft service documentation and parts lists. If your engine's service manual or parts list references either Mallory number, the Sierra 18-26311-2 is the correct current aftermarket replacement.

Installation Notes:

• Confirm engine model is Chris Craft 307Q, 327Q, or 350Q before ordering
• Confirm engine rotation direction (standard or reverse) from engine identification plate before installation
• Set ignition timing per Chris Craft service specification for your engine model after installation
• Replace distributor cap and rotor at installation as a routine service item
• Ensure ignition coil is compatible with the magnetic breakerless trigger output — some older coils designed for points systems may require replacement

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Chris Craft engines does this distributor fit?
Chris Craft 307Q, 327Q, and 350Q — the Q Model four-barrel carbureted small-block V8 marine inboard engines. Confirm your engine's model designation from the engine identification plate before ordering.

2. What does the Q designation mean on Chris Craft engines?
The Q suffix identifies Chris Craft's four-barrel (quad) carburetor configuration, distinguishing these higher-output engines from two-barrel variants of the same displacement. The 307Q, 327Q, and 350Q are all small-block V8 configurations.

3. Does this distributor work for both port and starboard engines in a twin installation?
Yes — the 18-26311-2 is compatible with both standard and reverse rotation engines, covering both the port and starboard engine positions in a counter-rotating twin Chris Craft Q Model installation.

4. What Mallory part numbers does this replace?
Mallory 9-26311 and YLM566AV.

5. What is a magnetic breakerless distributor and how does it differ from a points-type distributor?
A magnetic breakerless distributor uses a magnetic pickup sensor to trigger the ignition coil, eliminating the mechanical breaker points and condenser used in older distributors. There are no points to wear, adjust, or replace — the magnetic trigger provides consistent spark timing at all RPM without the maintenance requirements or high-RPM limitations of points-type ignition.