Need Pertronix help
 

I just installed Pertronix points in my 73 911T and the car won't start.

Using the Pertronix wiring diagram, I traced the wires from the CDI box and:

I connected The green wire with the yellow tracer to the + side of the coil (it was connected to that side of the coil before)

I connected The black wire and the purple wire (tach?) to the black lead on the Pertronix (these were connected to the distributor (points) before.

I connected The red lead to the red lead on the Pertronix



The coil is a Pertronix coil which I also replaced today. I did start the car after I replaced the coil, but before I replaced the points with the Pertronix.


What am I missing? Any help is greatly appreciated.




This is the wiring diagram I used:


http://www.pertronix.com/support/tips/pdf/porsche_cd_diagram.pdf

I can't tell from your description, but is the red lead still also connected to the CD Unit as well? if that checks out, you could also disconnect the tach wire, so the only thing the Pertronix is attempting to trigger is the CD unit.

What is the Pertronix number you have? The first one they sent me was for a 914, and would not work in my 6 cylinder 911.

Did you get the magnet sleeve pushed fully down on the distributor shaft? I always have to file the inside a little to get it to fit.

I've also had one come apart and the magnets spilled out inside the distributor.

The Pertronix I have is the 1863. Says it's for Bosch Distributor 0 231 169 003, 004, 005, 008, 009 and 010. My distributor is 0 231 169 008.

When I put the rotor on, there's no gap between the underside of the rotor and the Pertronix sleeve. Sounds like maybe the sleeve isn't in the proper position.

That is the correct wiring diagram for the Pertronix and here is a link to the 73 wiring diagram that shows that you have the CDI (item 9) hooked to the Pertronix correctly (also per your description).

http://www.pelicanparts.com/911/911_Parts/Electrical/911_electrical_1973_CIS_Part2.jpg

It does not appear to be wiring issue. Do you have the ignitor points module (? the part with the wires) spaced away from the rotor/magnet sleeve? They typically provide a small strip of plastic to use as a spacer.

regards,
Al

You may have a defective unit. That is what happened to me years ago. Returned the unit to Pertronix for a new one and when wired exactly the same way, it fired right up and is still going strong.

Is there any way to test the Pertronix with a VOM to determine if it's working or not?

I don't know if there is a way to test them or not. That was at least 15 years ago and I just remember finally giving up, calling them and they sent me another unit which solved the problem.

Yes, there is an "off-car" test of the Pertronix. I also had received a defective unit and confirmed it with the off-car test. A replacement unit worked fine and has done so for over ten years on two cars. I think the off-car test is on their web site. If not, call them. Great product. Good luck.

How many defective units from just these few posters. JUNK , use points.

i dont know about junk, but iwould just stick with points. it is more reliable.
i see quite a few threads with this same subject.

Fifteen + years of never changing / setting points? JUNK is in the eye of the beholder I guess.. YMMV however.

Three cars with Pertronix, over ten years on each; no problems. Easy spring start after winter storage (one car is only a 6V system). No dwell changes over time, no points replacement. Yes, I carry points.....just in case (they may be rusty by now!).

FWIW I like pertronix. never had a problem, clean install.

re: the no-start. after installing one your ignition timing will be off. sometimes by a fair bit. is the engine firing at all? check with a timing light.

when you put the sleeve on, rotate it slightly as you push down to make sure it fits over the dist shaft lobes.

Very good "point" (sorry) about the timing change. Once reset it's there for good.

I put pertronix in 5 of my cars in the last 10 years and have never had any problems. Sucks that you guys got dead units.

I know some people are loyal supporters and I knew I'd get some subtle grief. I could post stories about how many failures I've seen on customers and friends cars but I digress.

I don't think I'm getting any firing at all. It cranks just like it would with the coil wire removed.

I'll check to make sure the sleeve is down all the way.

Checking whether or not you are even firing with a timing light is very good advice.

Yes, I have had Pertronix failures, but once in and working, they are far superior to points. I was constantly adjusting points, and with Pertronix, I don't touch it. I still carry points just in case, but would not consider going back - and I'm the type that appreciates the challenge of having a vehicle that needs a bit of fiddling to keep it tip top. Not everyone can do that, and that makes old car ownership that much more special.

So, for fun, I swapped back in the original Bosch coil. The car now runs. Any chance there's a compatibility issue between the CDI and the Pertronix coil?