Sierra Condenser 18-5338 for Mercruiser V-8 Engines with Mallory Conventional Ignition

The Sierra 18-5338 is a marine ignition condenser designed for Mercruiser V-8 engines equipped with Mallory conventional ignition, covering Mallory distributor applications from 1998 and earlier. The condenser is a core electrical component of a points-type ignition distributor, working alongside the contact set to suppress arcing at the breaker points and help maintain a clean, consistent spark as the engine runs. A rectangular, flange-mount design allows it to install directly onto the distributor housing in the factory location, making it a straightforward replacement during a tune-up or when restoring reliable ignition performance on an aging conventional-ignition setup.

Like other Sierra electrical parts, the 18-5338 is built to meet or exceed the performance of the original equipment part it replaces, and Sierra manufactures it to marine-duty standards suited to the humidity, vibration, and corrosion exposure of an engine compartment. It ships as a single condenser unit, ready to swap in place of a worn or failing original condenser without modification.

Specifications

• Brand: Sierra
• Manufacturer Part Number: 18-5338
• Item Type: Condenser
• Shape: Rectangular
• Mounting Type: Flange Mount
• Unit Count: 1
• UPC: 030999236623
• Weight: 0.06 pounds

Fitment

• Mercruiser V-8 engines with Mallory conventional ignition
• All Mallory distributor applications, 1998 and earlier

Frequently Asked Questions

What engines does the Sierra 18-5338 condenser fit? The Sierra 18-5338 condenser fits Mercruiser V-8 engines equipped with Mallory conventional ignition, covering all Mallory distributor applications from 1998 and earlier.

Is the 18-5338 a genuine Sierra part or aftermarket? 18-5338 is Sierra's own manufacturer part number, not a third-party aftermarket clone, and Sierra states its electrical parts meet or exceed the original equipment component they replace.

What shape and mounting style is this condenser? This condenser has a rectangular body and a flange mount design, allowing it to bolt directly to the distributor housing in the original factory position.

How much does the 18-5338 condenser weigh? The Sierra 18-5338 condenser weighs 0.06 pounds.

What is included when I order this part? Ordering the Sierra 18-5338 gets you one condenser unit, sold individually rather than as part of a kit.

Will this condenser work with a Mercruiser V-8 that has electronic ignition instead of points? No, the 18-5338 condenser is built specifically for Mallory conventional (points-type) ignition on Mercruiser V-8 engines, not electronic ignition systems.

Does the 18-5338 replace the original condenser on a 1998 or older Mallory distributor? Yes, the 18-5338 is intended as a direct replacement condenser for Mallory distributor applications dated 1998 and earlier.

What is a condenser used for in a marine ignition distributor? In a points-type distributor like those using Mallory conventional ignition, the condenser (the 18-5338 in this case) suppresses arcing across the breaker points so the ignition system produces a cleaner, more consistent spark.

Is the 18-5338 condenser sold with related tune-up parts like the contact set, rotor, or cap? No, the 18-5338 is the condenser only; the contact set, rotor, and cap for the same distributor line are separate Sierra part numbers.

What is the UPC for the Sierra 18-5338 condenser? The UPC for the Sierra 18-5338 condenser is 030999236623.