electronic ignition question

Charlie M · Mar 18, 2018

Put a pertronix kit from this website on my IH184 today and now can't get it to start. Its a 12 volt, negative ground system. Wasn't sure if there was a resistor on it but I got 12 volts at the plus side of the coil so guess no resistor. Got black wire to the minus side of coil and red wire to plus side. Instructions in kit says for 12v, negative ground so I'm sure I have the right kit. Seemed simple enough. Any idea what I'm missing? Tractor ran with the points installed.

Bob · Mar 18, 2018

If the module is "open" or never triggering you will read full battery voltage on the (+) side of the coil whether or NOT there's a primary resistor in place.

What is the voltage between the coil's (-) terminal and ground?

Does it alternate between near zero and battery voltage while cranking?

Is the magnet ring properly installed/all the way down on the cam lobes as far as it's supposed to go?

Is the air gap between the magnet ring and the module correct?

Is the distributor shaft actually turning while the engine cranks?

(P.S. welcome to the "wonderful" world of pertonix!)

300guy · Mar 18, 2018

Be sure to read and look at the wiring connections. The battery voltage goes to the trigger coil first than to the coil. The other terminal of the coil is connected to a good ground. I wired it just like the points were and mind would not start either until I talked to the Pertronix tech who told me to look at the wiring diagram. After connecting it correctly, mine fired right up. One other thing the tech told me is to be sure to never leave the switch on without it running. The trigger coil can overheat and be damaaged very easily if the trigger coil does not open and close like the points.

300guy · Mar 18, 2018

I have had my system not for 7 years and the tractor starts after going over less than 2 times. With points I had more problems starting, cleaning points, etc. Plus you do not have to worry about the wear in the distributor shaft to change point setting. I would never go back to points!

khouse6 · Mar 18, 2018

old saying, if it ain't broke, do not fix it

Bob · Mar 18, 2018

The battery voltage goes to the trigger coil first than to the coil. The other terminal of the coil is connected to a good ground. I wired it just like the points were and mind would not start either until I talked to the Pertronix tech who told me to look at the wiring diagram.

Your other tractor must be a front-mount distributor "N"-series Ford!

That ignition system is "unique" and gets connected as you describe, but NOT SO with the tractor this thread is about!

300guy · Mar 19, 2018

Mine is a 300 Farmall and that is the way it was to be hooked up and is the way it is running now.

electronic ignition question

Charlie M

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Bob

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300guy

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300guy

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khouse6

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Bob

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300guy

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