pertronix ignition fried

52FordF3

52FordF3

Member
Had it on the truck for about a year. Always ran fine. Had not started it for a couple of months. Thought I would fire it up and let it run for a little while. Started right up and ran for about 2 minutes and just died. Smoke everywhere from the pertronix. OK I thought these were suppose to be more reliable. Should I even bother replacing it? I have the pertronix coil as well, but I would guess that would work just fine with points since the resistor is built in.
Jeff
 
They are normally a long lasting unit. I'm curious about what the ohm reading is on the coil between the "+" and "-" terminals. If the coil shorts out it puts too much voltage to the Pertronix.
 
Are you running a ballast resistor? The Pertronix Ignitor I can't take more than 8 amps on a 12V system. And that is the maximum. I just checked, that coil is 1.5 ohm. Maybe throw a 1.5 ohm ballast resistor inline or get a 3.0 ohm coil.
Also, check for any shorts. The Ignitor I doesn't have a key on safety shut off. So if there is a short some where, the unit might have been getting power and burned up.
Since you are going to have to get a new unit, I would go with the Ignitor II. Much better unit with more features. I have never had a problem with the Ignitor II. The amperage limit doesn't matter on those, they are self regulating.
 
41Joe said:
Are you running a ballast resistor? The Pertronix Ignitor I can't take more than 8 amps on a 12V system. And that is the maximum. I just checked, that coil is 1.5 ohm. Maybe throw a 1.5 ohm ballast resistor inline or get a 3.0 ohm coil.
Also, check for any shorts. The Ignitor I doesn't have a key on safety shut off. So if there is a short some where, the unit might have been getting power and burned up.
Since you are going to have to get a new unit, I would go with the Ignitor II. Much better unit with more features. I have never had a problem with the Ignitor II. The amperage limit doesn't matter on those, they are self regulating.
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I would agree, but since this is the recommended config from Pertronix and that it has been working for a year now. Also it was running when this occurred. I make sure I do not leave the key on because of the issue of burning them up. I will measure the coil impedance this evening and see if it has changed. Could be a perfect storm. I did email their support but have not heard from them yet, it has only been a day so wait and see what they say.
 
Charlie ny said:
Jim L. are you listening ?
Charlie ny
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Yep pretty common issue. For the most part the pertronix is a good unit but will overheat and doesnt like above 8 amp. The Ignitor 2 is a better unit but will also cut out a above 8 amps. Havent been fond of the pertronixs coil for a few years now , its a off shore coil with a high failure rate and we no longer use them on anything.:eek:
I guess if you are going to use a pertronix , buy the Ignitor II and use with a Bosch Blue coil (internal resisted at 3 ohms) part number 00012 Bosch Blue. And live happily ever after.
 
BUBBAS IGNITION said:
Yep pretty common issue. For the most part the pertronix is a good unit but will overheat and doesnt like above 8 amp. The Ignitor 2 is a better unit but will also cut out a above 8 amps. Havent been fond of the pertronixs coil for a few years now , its a off shore coil with a high failure rate and we no longer use them on anything.:eek:
I guess if you are going to use a pertronix , buy the Ignitor II and use with a Bosch Blue coil (internal resisted at 3 ohms) part number 00012 Bosch Blue. And live happily ever after.
Click to expand...

So what would you use? Is there another more reliable option? I know points :) lol
 
Bubba Should I use the bosh coil with the 'Ignitor 1 ? Using stock GM coil at this time with no problems.
 
I had three successive Pentronix modules in my crab units fail .... no cause found after consulting and working with several professionals at this forum, and over half year of investigating, testing, rebuilding and replacements. Low or excess voltage and high amperage surges deadly. Apparently generators throw "spikes" more easily than alternators.
Beware alternators especially those built/rebuilt off-shore which I found contain faulty internal regulators.

At over $100 per pop per module, I quit. Now using a crab unit with points and a Bosch Blue coil for about a year. No problems. I will still carry a spare set up in my trunk with a Pentronix module but only because I had previously purchased the module.
 
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I did not know there was an Igniter II kit for the crab distributor. Do you know what the PN is? My Igniter I and Pertronix coil were tested at Bubba's shop and passed, but I haven't gotten to the point of firing the motor yet.
 
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