"Back-grading" from Pertronix to to Points.

[911pcars]

Originally Posted by emptyo

Having some ignition issues, and here's what my tech had to say:

Ignition system:
Checked ignition system and found the following:

- MSD 6AL ignition unit has been installed.
- Power and ground wire connections are too small (insufficient current)
- Should have red B+ hooked up to the starter B+ terminal. B- needs to go to a chassis ground using consistent gauge wire.
- Distributer is a small diameter 2.4/2.7L unit with points conversion (Pertronics)
- This conversion is not timed correctly and is firing the ignition between ignition cap posts causing a cross fire.
- This could be caused by the Pertronics or the non stock distributer drive gear.
- The distributer should go back to points to see if the timing issue is resolved. If this corrects the problem, the distributer should be converted to a Crane ignition XR700-0292 system.
- Also – the coil primary wires and the distributer signal wires are zip tied together in the same bunch. This can cause signal interference and should be corrected.

I have a spare points set that he gave me to test, but I just need to make sure I install it correctly. I've never installed points before, as I've always had pertronix. Any thoughts/suggestions/tips?

Going all the way back to your initial post, you never stated what issues you're having. New-to-you engine? Running previously? Your tech had a long list of "things to do", yet couldn't confirm nor set the engine at TDC, end of compression (if that's the problem). Was that a phone/text message or an in-person inspection? Diagnosing issues in this manner is a shotgun approach as are well-meaning guestimates as to what to do w/o a diagnosis strategy - so, describe what it's doing or not doing.

There are thousands of MSD units in 911s (and other cars) using the factory wires lock-tied together in a DIY harness, and they're running fine. I might check with another shop with more experience (although nothing here is necessarily Porsche-specific).

Sherwood

[rennch]

Originally Posted by brads911sc

I see. Hopefully you can get it sorted...

If it were me Id try to source a used one and have Berry Hershon rebuild it and give it Mechanical Advance. This had the biggest impact on performance of anything I did...

Cool, thanks for the advice!

[James Brown]

berry is the man, call him

[rennch]

Alright...back on it this morning. Where we left off, gentle readers, was that it LOOKS like I've installed my distributor aligned with TDC on the #4 cylinder. So, I'm going to rotate it one more time, pull the distributor, and point it to the notch in the body again. Sound about right?

[911pcars]

Originally Posted by emptyo

Alright...back on it this morning. Where we left off, gentle readers, was that it LOOKS like I've installed my distributor aligned with TDC on the #4 cylinder. So, I'm going to rotate it one more time, pull the distributor, and point it to the notch in the body again. Sound about right?

That depends on what you're planning to rotate, the crank or the distributor. If you haven't followed through yet and if the rotor is indeed off by 180 dist. degrees, don't disturb the engine but merely remove the distributor, then reinstall it 180º so the rotor is in time with no. 1.

Remember the distributor rotates at 1/2 speed of the engine.

Best wishes,
Sherwood

[rennch]

Ok, that sounds like a bit easier plan. Fingers crossed.