Sierra Distributor Cap 18-5396, Replaces 13753A2/815407A2, for GM V-6 4.3L MerCruiser I/O Engines

The Sierra 18-5396 is a replacement distributor cap engineered for GM V-6 262 cid (4.3L) MerCruiser sterndrive and inboard engines using a contact-controlled, standard-rotation ignition distributor. It is not designed for Thunderbolt ignition systems, so it is intended specifically for the contact-controlled distributor found on the MerCruiser models and serial ranges listed below.

The cap is constructed of aluminum, zinc, or brass with a machined black exterior finish for a factory-correct appearance and a durable fit under the hood. Each 18-5396 distributor cap includes a gasket for a proper seal against moisture and contaminants at installation. As with all Sierra ignition components, the 18-5396 is built to meet or exceed the specifications of the original equipment part it replaces, making it a straightforward like-for-like swap when a distributor cap has cracked, corroded, or is arcing.

This cap covers a wide range of MerCruiser 4.3L (262 cid) V-6 applications, including the 205, 4.3L (2bbl), 4.3LX (4bbl), 4.3LH (GEN+), and 4.3L/LH/LX/LXH Alpha and Bravo (GEN+) model lines across multiple serial number ranges. Always confirm the model, serial number, and ignition type before ordering, since MerCruiser 4.3L engines used several different cap and rotor combinations depending on year and configuration.

Specifications

• Brand: Sierra
• Manufacturer Part Number: 18-5396
• Product Type: Distributor Cap
• Ignition System: Contact-controlled distributor, standard rotation (not for Thunderbolt ignition systems)
• Compatible Engine: 262 cid (4.3L) GM V-6, MerCruiser
• Color: Black
• Material: Aluminum, Zinc, or Brass
• Exterior Finish: Machined
• Item Dimensions (L x W x H): 4.9 x 4.8 x 3.8 inches
• Weight: 0.57 pounds
• Included Components: Distributor Cap, Gasket
• UPC: 030999319142

Fitment

• MerCruiser 205, 262/V-6, 1985-1987, serial A331455-B775129
• MerCruiser 205 and 4.3LX 4bbl, 262/V-6, 1985-1996, serial A331455-F802999
• MerCruiser 4.3L (2bbl), 262/V-6, 1988-1996, serial B773243-F802999
• MerCruiser 4.3L (2bbl) (GEN+), 262/V-6, 1998-2010, serial L010044 and up
• MerCruiser 4.3L EFI (GEN+) (TBI), 262/V-6, 1999-2001, serial L360000-M299999
• MerCruiser 4.3LH (GEN+) (4bbl), 262/V-6, 1998-2002, serial L010044-M614999
• MerCruiser 4.3LX (4bbl), 262/V-6, 1988-1996, serial B775130-F802999
• MerCruiser 4.3LX (GEN+) (2bbl), 262/V-6, 1996-1997, serial F803000-K999999
• MerCruiser 4.3L/LH/LX/LXH Alpha (GEN+), 1996-2001, serial F803000 and up
• MerCruiser 4.3L/LH/LX/LXH Bravo (GEN+), 1996-2001, serial F803000 and up

Replaces (OEM)

• CDI E64-0013
• GLM 71500
• Mallory 9-29400
• 11108A3
• 13753A2
• 815407A2

Frequently Asked Questions

What engines does the Sierra 18-5396 distributor cap fit? The Sierra 18-5396 fits GM V-6 262 cid (4.3L) MerCruiser engines with a contact-controlled, standard-rotation distributor, including the 205, 4.3L (2bbl), 4.3LX (4bbl), 4.3LH (GEN+), and 4.3L/LH/LX/LXH Alpha and Bravo (GEN+) model lines across the serial ranges listed for this part.

Does the 18-5396 replace Mercury Marine part 13753A2 or 815407A2? Yes, Sierra 18-5396 is a direct cross-reference for Mercury Marine/MerCruiser 13753A2 and 815407A2, as well as 11108A3, CDI E64-0013, GLM 71500, and Mallory 9-29400.

Will this cap work with a Thunderbolt IV or V ignition system? No. The Sierra 18-5396 is a contact-controlled, standard-rotation distributor cap and does not cover Thunderbolt ignition systems.

What is the 18-5396 distributor cap made of? It is made of aluminum, zinc, or brass with a machined black exterior finish, matching the look and durability of the original MerCruiser cap.

How much does the 18-5396 distributor cap weigh and what are its dimensions? The Sierra 18-5396 weighs 0.57 pounds and measures 4.9 x 4.8 x 3.8 inches.

Is a gasket included with the 18-5396? Yes, each Sierra 18-5396 distributor cap ships with a gasket for a proper seal at installation.

Does the 18-5396 come with a rotor? No, the rotor is a separate part; Sierra's matching rotor for these MerCruiser 4.3L applications is part number 18-5432, ordered independently of the 18-5396 cap.

Which MerCruiser serial number ranges use the 18-5396 cap? Serial ranges covered include A331455-B775129 on the 205 model, B773243-F802999 on the 4.3L (2bbl), L010044 and up on the 4.3L (2bbl) GEN+, and F803000 and up on the 4.3L/LH/LX/LXH Alpha and Bravo GEN+ models, among others listed for this part.

Is the Sierra 18-5396 an OEM or aftermarket part? The 18-5396 is a Sierra aftermarket distributor cap built to meet or exceed the specifications of the original Mercury Marine/MerCruiser equipment it replaces, including 13753A2 and 815407A2.

What color and finish does the 18-5396 have? The Sierra 18-5396 distributor cap has a black body with a machined exterior finish.

What is the UPC for the Sierra 18-5396 distributor cap? The UPC for the Sierra 18-5396 distributor cap is 030999319142.

Is there a different cap for MerCruiser 4.3L TBI engines? Yes, MerCruiser 4.3L 262 TBI (GEN+) engines from serial F803800-K999999 use a different tune-up kit (18-5443) rather than the 18-5396 cap used on the contact-controlled 4.3L applications.