I'm updating to a Petronix!

[Baz]

My car is a '72 with an update 2.0 and D-jet F.I. and I figure I should get the Ignitor II model, right?

If so.....do I get this one (vacuum advance): PEL-PT91847V

......or this one (mechanical advance): PEL-PT91847A


I'm guessing the vacuum advance unit but just wanted to check before ordering.

Anything else I need to know before ordering?

Thanks!

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

With D-jet, you should get the V one. You have a vacuum advance distributor, and using the Pertronix for the mechanical-only distributors will result in the cap not fitting over the rotor. People have fixed that problem in the past with some careful use of a grinder or Dremel, but it's best to get the right part since they make one.

--DD

[Baz]

Originally Posted by Dave at Pelican Parts

With D-jet, you should get the V one. You have a vacuum advance distributor, and using the Pertronix for the mechanical-only distributors will result in the cap not fitting over the rotor. People have fixed that problem in the past with some careful use of a grinder or Dremel, but it's best to get the right part since they make one.

--DD

OK thanks Dave...ordering one now...cheers!

[Baz]

Ordered a new cap, rotor, and flamethrower coil as well. Should have everything in early November.

Can't wait to get back on the road going into Fall/Winter driving season!

[TheCabinetmaker]

Never crank the motor with the spark plug wires removed if you have a pertronix!!! You may do this if you are performing a compression test. if you do this you wil likely destroy the pertronix, no smoke, flames or anything exciting, it will simply die.

if you do want to crank the motor with the spark plugs removed, be sure to remove the power to the coil or ground out the plug wire, this will protect the pertronix.

If the pertronix cannot discharge as when the plugs are not hooked up, then it will over voltage and brake down the internal transistor, it will be DEAD.

so always have a spark plug hooked up and sparking if the Pertronix is powered up and the motor turning, ALWAYS!!!!!!

I really like the pertronix, have them on several of my cars, great up grade. just don't fry it!!! also keep you old points in your in car tool box, just incase it fails, you have a back up to get you home.

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

I know that with the older Pertronix units, you could kill them by leaving the key on (sending power to the coil, and therefore to the Pertronix) without the engine running. If you did that for more than a half-minute, you could risk the electronics overheating and burning out.

--DD

[Shredhead]

Originally Posted by Dave at Pelican Parts

I know that with the older Pertronix units, you could kill them by leaving the key on (sending power to the coil, and therefore to the Pertronix) without the engine running. If you did that for more than a half-minute, you could risk the electronics overheating and burning out.

--DD

What do you recommend in this case if you want to run some things with the key on. Disconnect the coil?

Kevin

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

Yes, unplug the coil. Make sure the wire that powers the coil (the slightly-thicker black wire, may have a red stripe, stripe may be faded) cannot touch a ground, though, or you will be very very unhappy.

--DD

[Chaznaster]

Still playing with my new to me '74 1.8 single carb conversion in my free time. Would not start the other day - have only ran it about 5 times as there is a bit of safety work to do (gas leak, brakes, etc.). Tonight I opened the distributor cap to check the points and I have none! No condenser either. I had turned the engine with a spark plug cable off a few times. Did I fry what appears to be a Petronix device? Would it be easier to go back to points to get things in order? If yes how do I spec the thing. Any advice is much appreciated, thanks.