pertronix blues..

[oredith]

for all of you who read every new article.. my car must seem like it's in a big heap right now.. and in a way.. it is.. i love my little car.. but, frustration!..
ok.. this time (i think i've elimiated my electrical problem down to the alternator) my problem is with the installation of pertronix ignition.. i followed the instructions down to a T.. didn't expect it to work the first time.. and not to disappoint me.. it didn't.. it gets a very strong crank.. turns.. but no fire.. the positive and ground are seated nicely on the coil.. condensor away.. and the gap set according to the gap tool.. what am i doing wrong?..

Jeff

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

Make sure you're not getting a spark. Tape the center coil wire somewhere about 1/4" from a ground. Get someone to crank the starter and look for a spark.

If you get any spark, then your problem is in the high-tension parts of the distributor (cap, rotor) or the plug wires, or your timing is off.

If you don't get a spark, and you have good power (+12V) and ground (if needed) then something else is going on. Either the Pertronix is kaput, or there's something wrong with the installation. Not sure what, though, since I haven't played with a Pertronix.

--DD