Pertronix With a Generator

Bob G/Spanaway

Bob G/Spanaway

Senior Member
I've heard stories about voltage spikes from a generator killing a Pertronix.
Thinking about putting one on my 6 volt '40.
Looking for some ideas about this.
Thanks in advance.
 
In the past they havent made a six volt for the 40 helmet. Or a 12 volt . They did a great job on the ignitor for the 42-48 crab,
The helmet is still a proto type as far as i know........

Problem with 6 volt electronic is that the margin with 6 volts and a generator causes a problem.
 
Bob, An even worse problem with original 1932 to 41 helmet distributers is the coil on top of the distributors operates on 4.5 volts through the under dash resistor. Voltage here is just to low to trigger any Pertronix unit even a 6 volt one. There are modifications that can be done like a remote coil conversion and change to 12 volts but this takes away the originality of the vehicle. Other issues with some electronic ignitions on early ford V8s are the spark plug leads metal conduits cause some kind of impulse spike into the electronic unit and damaging it. Nothing wrong with the original 40 model ignition system if it is in good order. In my opinion, leave it alone. Don't fix what aint broke. Regards. Kevin.
 
Kevin,I agree,we just did a trip from Gladstone in Qld to Canberra and back in the 33,6v stock ign ,5400klms,towing our home made caravan.
Lawrie
 
koates said:
Bob, An even worse problem with original 1932 to 41 helmet distributers is the coil on top of the distributors operates on 4.5 volts through the under dash resistor. Voltage here is just to low to trigger any Pertronix unit even a 6 volt one. There are modifications that can be done like a remote coil conversion and change to 12 volts but this takes away the originality of the vehicle. Other issues with some electronic ignitions on early ford V8s are the spark plug leads metal conduits cause some kind of impulse spike into the electronic unit and damaging it. Nothing wrong with the original 40 model ignition system if it is in good order. In my opinion, leave it alone. Don't fix what aint broke. Regards. Kevin.
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I agree with Kevin, leave the original 6 volt battery and ignition system on. These systems are vary reliable and seldom break down and if they do you can usually do something to get it running good enough to make it home. With 6 volts you need larger battery cables and good connections. There are always going to be some who think they are upgrading the all ready good system by going to 12 volts, we read about problems a lot of them have on this site after their change. I don't get involved trying to help trouble shoot 12 volt conversion problems. On a stock 6 volts system EVERY car with stock parts and wiring is the same and through standard questions and test procedures the problems can usually be found in a few minutes. That being said there are going to be diehards that want 12 volts with electronic ignition. Anything I hate to see is an old V/8 with some abortion of a coil hanging where it don't belong. For those that insist on 12 volt electronic ignition Skip Haney can rebuild a stock 6 volt coil to a 12 volt NEG ground coil. Some of these electronic ignitions require an additional wire for the power to the igniter, Skip can provide what ever is required if specified by the buyer. G.M.
 
Thanks guys.
I got this pertronix almost free, but I guess I'll just pass it on.
Mine run fine on stock 6 volt systems so I'm not gonna fix what ain't broke!
 
do not do it, petronix will crap out any time, you will need 2 or 3 spares , one little accidental grounding of any wire while your changing it on the side of the road will short out the new unit, and there $75 a pop, keep your pionts, carry some spares no problem
 
Bob G/Spanaway said:
My 40s both are 59A with crabs.
Should've said that at first.
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Yes makes it easier to help you. We have installed quite a few crab units and they work really well , however we use only 12 volt systems .
I would install the unit and carry a spare crab in the trunk , pretty easy to change .
I still agree with the others as 6 volt is a pretty tight votage range with a generator and solid wires.....
 
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