Pertronix Woes?!

[Mike Kunz]

OK...I can't figure this one out....

After some extensive transmission housing cleaning (lots of water and citrus cleaner), I cannot get the engine started again....checked the tranny ground strap...cleaned it up, but no spark.

Car has a Pertronix setup which I installed and it worked flawlessly. Coil has power...secondary produces a spark with key on...

What the heck am I forgetting? Is there a way to verify that the Pertronix setup is functioning correct? Resistance check?

Thanks for all that help...I know the solution is out there somewhere!

Mike

[DSPTurtle]

Did you remove the tranny ground strap?

[Mike Kunz]

Removed it...cleaned up the strap and the mounting areas...

I did notice on the Pertronix box where the wires enter it, a small piece of solder sticking out of where the black wire enters the box, could pull this right out of the box....so I am wondering if the thing is fried. The label on the black box is kind of shriveled up too...not sure if this is just the result of heat or also an indication that something cooked.

Thanks,

Mike

[HMeeder]

I too had that shriveling of the label thing going on on inspection of the second unit I had fail. I looked even closer and found a crack in the housing. According to the website BS you can't leave the ignition on for more than 30 seconds or risk frying the thing.

I went back to points and haven't had any trouble since. I've been thinking of trying the Compufire next. Point adjusting is a pain but it doesn't compare to being stranded due to the Pertronix failure. Some guys have taken to carrying points and a condensor just in case. I'm glad I did.

[Mike Kunz]

Interesting...I was starting to think that that may be it as I remember that I had left the ignition on for quite a while at some point...not realizing it.

Their website does makes a big point of it. Kind of ridiculous.

Do you think it's worth pursuing the warranty? All I have is the receipt from Pelican...

Thanks,

Mike

[boxstr]

While driving my 75 1.8 I was feeling a loss of power and then nothing. Tried to restart, no go. Finally pushed the car out of traffic to a safe place, not easy in rush hour traffic, everybody likes to gawk.
Walked home, got some parts and tools, drove the Jeep back and dove in. Found the points had closed up and fried. Change to PETRONIX.....
After three different PETRONIX... units I gave up went back to points and condensor.
I was unable to get the car to start with the PETRONIX. I purchased the units close to home , so I was able to take them back and swap for another unit.
Craig C. Laughlin CAMP 914

[red-beard]

If you go with a Capacitive Discharge unit, the points only wear mechanically. Supposed they'll last about 100,000 miles....

James

[chibone_914]

Hi Mike,

give me a ring in the morning, I'll walk you through.

[Pritchard]

I did not even have a receipt to justify when I purchased my Ignitor. I called them and they replaced it with no questions asked.

David Pritchard