How do you like your Pertronix Ignition?

martyh

Member
I decided to treat my 12V 640 to electronic ignition (module #1244A and the recommended Pertronix 12V coil as well). I've installed Pertronix modules in other engines before and they always worked fine but I don't have those around long term to know what I thought about them over time. For those that have installed Pertronix modules on your tractors, what model tractor and how did it work out for you?
 
I used one on a JD 420c. Loved the ability of fire anytime I wanted to start it. I might put one on my 641. Just dont have the money yet.

37193.jpg
 
Installed on my 4 Star Moline a few years ago. Works fine. Only negative observation, it appears that if the battery is less than fully charged, it doesn't work well. You know, if you hope that the last turn over of the engine and she's going to fire off, forget it, it's not going to happen. If the battery is low, best put a charger on it and wait a while.
 
had it on our 3000 for at least 5 yrs, maybe 7 or 8. Haven't been back inside the distributor since then. Starts like a champ, and our tractor has mucho hrs & is a bit low on compression.
 
It makes a nice wall ornament on my peg board.
I had it installed on a Ford 8N.
12V with the side mount distributor.
It fell apart in less than a week.
Literally came unglued and fell apart in pieces.
Probably just a manufacturing defect.

Pertronix support was great, they replaced it at no charge.
Mailed a new one out to me right away but I needed to use
my tractor before it got here so I put the points back in it.

I didn't notice any difference in how it started or ran while the
Pertronix was in there so I have never bothered to put it back in.
Maybe some day when I have it apart to replace the points.
 
I converted every gas tractor I had before I went with all diesel. Solved a lot of hard starting problems on cold damp days especially with seldom used tractors.
 
I installed(12v) on my Jubilee and 860. Forget about setting/cleaning points. Battery needs to be up on charge. Cold weather starts are easy. I will install on any more tractors I may buy. Great product.
 
I installed it in a 3000 about ten years ago.
Sold the tractor about 5 years later.
New owner calls me on occasion to ask questions about implements, etc. I always ask about "my tractor".
I know the distributer cap has not been off in 10 years.
 
Ford 2000; 3 cyl. gas; 4/1 trans....I bought a Petronix for my tractor but have not yet installed it. I put in regular points a few months ago and 'timed' it by twisting the distributor until it ran well, by 'ear'. Question is...how well timed does the tractor need to be before installing the electronic ignition? Thanks.
 
The module simply replaces the points and condenser so there is no difference in the timing by ear.
 
I have put the pertronix ignition on a 601 Ford, a 4000 Ford, and a Ford Jubilee and its the best upgrade you can do to an old workhorse.....All three of my gas burners have always started and have never had a problem with the conversion, back when I had the points it was always the condenser going bad, some of the diehard tractor enthusiasts may have a difference of opinion as I know some that believe a tractor needs to be kept original but if your like me and want one that will always be dependable and crank when you need it then go for the pertronix....
 
Quality points, adjusted properly seem to work just fine.
They have for, what, 106 years or more?
Granted, they may require a bit more maintenance.
Perhaps we've just forgotten how to maintain them.
However, they're a lot cheaper to keep a spare set around. :)

First start of the day on my 6V 9N with BlueStreak points.
YouTube
 
Not knocking the points but when you live way out in the country like I do and you need your tractor to crank and right now and not tomorrow but the piece of crap condenser is bad then you will appreciate the electronic ignition , no more troubles once the pertronix is installed ...
 
I tested that range of timing on one unit and it was a very wide range. Don't remember but way wider than with points. On one I even forgot to time it afterwards and it ran for a long time on who knows what timing.
 
Good to know that perfect timing is nor a requirement. I may install the electronic ignition this weekend. Also have a Tiny Tach to install so may get them both done. Thanks for the info.
 
(quoted from post at 11:53:17 06/23/16) Ford 2000; 3 cyl. gas; 4/1 trans....I bought a Petronix for my tractor but have not yet installed it. I put in regular points a few months ago and 'timed' it by twisting the distributor until it ran well, by 'ear'. Question is...how well timed does the tractor need to be before installing the electronic ignition? Thanks.
Question is...how well timed does the tractor need to be [u:3c9fca558c]before[/u:3c9fca558c] installing the electronic ignition? ".....does not matter, as the change from points to EI will alter that timing! You need to set it AFTER the change NOT BEFORE! :roll:
 
How many,truly verified bad condensers have you seen I your life. I've seen darn few, and that includes general electronics, not just ignition stuff.

I think condensers he blamed for a bunch of other problems that just happen to be corrected during the steps to change the condenser.
 

We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today.

Back
Top