Petronix ignition question

P

patbill@megahits.com

Senior Member
Something came up today that you might find interesting. Apparently Petronix is now requesting that you use carbon track secondary wires with their Petronix conversion on 12 volt systems. I have a Petronix ignition on my 48 ford F-1 which I converted to 12 volts several years ago. I still use the copper core wires and have never had a problem. Petronix says that some failures of their system have been traced back to the use of copper versus carbon track spark plug (secondary) wires.

Has anyone had a problem or have anything to add to this?

Thanks!

Bill on Conn.
 
Nothing new, I have been running Pertronix 12 volt conversion for well over 10 years and seem to recall that it was a recommendation back then just as this one is as provided with Mallory Unilite conversions.
You may well get away with what you are running but if you experience problems it may be time to revisit the ignition wire recommendation.
384365
 

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Nothing like a good set of points, condenser & run resistor to solve all your 6 & 12 volt ignition woes. 8^) Jack E?NJ
 
Hard to beat the Pertronix conversions its simply a copy of the Ford and Chrysler ignition systems form the seventy's which were extremely reliable. I believe its called a hall effect switch triggered by magnets and some by a metal edge crossing the face of the module a very simple system with no wearing parts. Its always been a requirement listed in the instructions to use suppression ignition wires another important consideration is the proper coil used the instructions list the ohm rating needed. Using the copper core wires will work BUT in time that may not be the case. Using the correct wires will show an improvement in performance at least thats what I have experienced when working on similar installations like yours installed by others using the parts listed as do not use.
Ronnieroadster
 
I've found PertroniX ignitions about bullet proof. Had one go bad but it was caused by my coil going south. 15 yrs or so and 10's of thousands of miles.
.
 
My '47 had a pentronix for many years, together with copper wires, but then the alternator decided to put out too much voltage and started killing the pentronix modules, one after another at the rate of $100 each. In some known cases, as soon as voltage hit more than 14.6 they would blow. After many replacements (modules and alternators) and lots of head-scratching with Bubba, I had Charlie NY set me up with a stock points crab unit and a Blue Flame coil, and Bubba set me up with a back-up unit to store in my trunk. No more problems; starts /runs like a charm. Still using the copper wires.
 
I use Pertronix in all my cars. I've never had a problem. I also use copper Packard 440 plug wires.
I do carry conventional points just in case.
 
I also use the Pertronix with Packard 440 wire. My 39 is still going after 29 years & the 32 more than 11.
Just lucky, I guess. I'm too lazy to change them now
 
I changed my 50 to the pertronix early 2018 along with resistor wires because of radio noise, my family gave me a custom auto sound radio for Christmas 2017. Interference would get really bad as I gained engine rpm, now the radio is clear all the time. Time will tell if it lasts but for now I can listen to Merle when I want.
 
They sucked when they were called PerLux and they still suck as Pertronix.
(I ran them merely as a trigger for either Jacobs or MSD boxes back in the
day) Inside a distributor where it's hot..... just what switching electronics
like for a working environment..... sarcasm.
After having more than 2 or 3 failures over about a 5 year period, I gave
up on them.
Unilite and Alison opto electric were other solutions looking for problems.
(both with sensitive electronics around searing underhood heat)

51 MERC-CT said:
Nothing new, I have been running Pertronix 12 volt conversion for well over 10 years and seem to recall that it was a recommendation back then just as this one is as provided with Mallory Unilite conversions.
You may well get away with what you are running but if you experience problems it may be time to revisit the ignition wire recommendation.
384365
Click to expand...

Hadn't heard that about solid core wires...... seems like they're trying to
lump spiral wound core wires into that as well.
For years now I've run spiral core secondary wires, a gen 1 Jacobs box and a Hays
reluctor with a Chrysler style PU coil for a trigger. I have that same setup on a few
vehicles, including my F-1 truck's flathead.
 
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1948F-1Pickup said:
Hadn't heard that about solid core wires...... seems like they're trying to
lump spiral wound core wires into that as well.
For years now I've run spiral core secondary wires, a gen 1 Jacobs box and a Hays
reluctor with a Chrysler style PU coil for a trigger. I have that same setup on a few
vehicles, including my F-1 truck's flathead.
Click to expand...
Lumping spiral wound core wires into what?
They are in fact recommending the use of spiral core wires.
Don't know what you are talking about.
 
fordor41 said:
I've found PertroniX ignitions about bullet proof. Had one go bad but it was caused by my coil going south. 15 yrs or so and 10's of thousands of miles.
.
Click to expand...
When mine went bad I had a spare. The new one wouldn't work either. I called them and they said to return them (both at least 8 yrs old). They sent me 2 new ones, free, with instructions on checking my coil. Great service
 
Greg58
How do you like the custom auto sound radio?? The fitment and sound quality. My wife is very adamant on keeping the dash stock.
thankx
 
Gene its good, it fits the dash without alterations, comes with a face plate that makes a clean look. The sound is good. The problem is finding high quality speakers, I've tried a few but can't find the look I'm after. I want the wedge style for the package tray like everyone had in the 70's. I found some high quality marine speakers and mounted them under the dash at the top of each kick panel, the sound is not BOSE but is good.
 
51 MERC-CT said:
Lumping spiral wound core wires into what?
They are in fact recommending the use of spiral core wires.
Don't know what you are talking about.
Click to expand...

Spiral wound are characterized as solid core. They don't suppress
by resistance. They also can (and do) false trigger. The Mallory statement is BS.
When spiral wound wires wear out (like all secondary wires), they leak.
 
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