Pertronix Ignitor Install Question?

[B D]

I recently switched from a failing Crane optical pick up over to the Pertronix pick up. The car is a 68 with early Bosch distributor and the Pertronix is part #1866. After install I noticed the magnet ring on the dist shaft was higher than the pick up, is this correct?

Yes, I have pushed the magnet as far down the shaft as possible, not the issue.

I am guessing the dist I have is mix match of parts and the plate is lower than normal. To correct the issue I am thinking of placing a spacer between the plate and pertronix to raise it up.

[304065]

That's an aluminum distributor, not a cast-iron one from a '68 but you know that already. It's just that that distributor looks like it's out of a 69- T, E or S- still uses a clamp, smaller diameter shaft than the 2,4 and later. See below.

Anyway, the points plate looks like it's sitting at the right spot-- the points screw directly to the plate and the rubbing block hits the bumps on the shaft, which as you can see are just above the plate. The points plate mounts with screws through the body of the distributor and the height doesn't vary, it has to clear the advance mechanism below and the cap above. I don't think there's anything wrong with the distributor.

Instead it appears as though the magnetic trigger is riding too high. Shouldn't it go over the bumps so it locks in position? The instructions say, "Install the magnet sleeve over distributor shaft and onto the point cam. Rotate sleeve until a slight locating position is felt before applying pressure. With sleeve lined up on point cam, press down firmly insuring the sleeve is fully seated." Seems to me the sleeve should fit over the bumps.

You might call Pertronix and ask them why they specify a 2862 model No. for the 69-71 T, E & S as opposed to the 1863 for the '68 Normal, T and L. They spec an 1866 for the 65-67 S & T (Ok, the 911T wasn't offered until 1968) which would also be a cast-iron distributor.

Hope that helps. Does it work with the ring in that position?

[B D]

Originally Posted by B D

Yes, I have pushed the magnet as far down the shaft as possible, not the issue.

This was the issue, all user error. It took more force than I thought to get it all the way down. Should have given it another try this morning before posting.

Thanks for your help John and for not telling me to go back to points!

[304065]

Originally Posted by B D

Thanks for your help John and for not telling me to go back to points!

That's nothing, it was hard enough to keep from telling you to go back to a cast-iron distributor AND points!

Glad it worked out.