Pertronix Ignition System

Bobl1958

Well-known Member
Have a good friend that is wanting to install a Pertronix Ign system on a late JD 60. I thought I had heard horror stories about the Electronic Ign. Does anyone have experience with them to determine if they work good on the two cylinders? I know they work on other applications, but what about 2 cyl's? Thanks in advance - Bob
 
I installed petronix ignition on my '52 60. I didn't realize that there were 2 different distributors used on this model, so I ordered the wrong one initially, and as a result my tractor only fired on one cylinder. Once I realized the error, I got a replacement part and it has worked flawlessly since then. Be sure and order per your serial #. It was a little touchy to find the exact position to index the 'ring' on the distributor post. Even when I got it right, it took a fair bit of force to seat it. I was afraid I might not be in the right place and would break it, but I got it right the first time. I upgraded to a higher output coil from YT(not the whiz-bang racing coil) and find the fire to be plenty hot. I would be curious to know what other folks who reply have to say about gapping spark plugs. I gathered from reading posts on here that the gap could be widened to get a 'bigger bang' with electronic ignition. I'm up to 0.038 in. and will be pulling at our show this weekend. Has anyone else found any advantage to going higher than that?
 
Lots of guys have them on here and like them. I'm wondering if the horror stories are because someone really never checked into why the original system did not work and thought the electronic was a cure all. Get all the problems out of the original system first and then order the correct one and it should work out.
Myself, so far I'm sticking to points and condensers. They have served me well.
 
I put one in a 630 done to spec in the instructions. Worked great, did a pull with against an A all souped up on av gas and beat him. the 630 was stock with farm clothes on just drove it from the field to fairgrounds.
 
Additionally, the "module" is quite easy to "smoke", sometimes that can be done by simply accidentally forgetting to switch off the ignition on a stalled engine, and, occasionally, the "magic smoke" will just leak out for no apparent reason at all.
 
I have Pertronix ignition on my G, and my 520. Love it! Be careful to get the module for the correct voltage, and whether + or - ground. I also installed the Pertronix "Flamethrower" coil to each unit.
 
I have opened up plug gap on both of my ei tractors. I believe 35 on the 430 and 40 on my IH SMTA. The 430 used to foul plugs occasionally but doesn't anymore. Not sure if it is the increased gap or not. I have seen guys, on here, argue that you can't open the gap on these add on EI systems but it has worked for me. I think the only way to check for sure would be to put it on a dyno.
 
I have a set in the 60 I have that I used to pull and have installed several for other folks. You will not gain any noticeable power with the conversion but you will have easier starting, a little better throttle response and fouling of plugs is about a thing of the past. This tractor is currently serving as my auger tractor so easy starting and dependability are very important (as they always are anyway). The system has been on this tractor since 1998 and has given zero problems. I have other tractors with the original ignition setup and they work fine as well but the electronic system is, in my estimation, a little better. I also have the setup in my current pulling tractor (70) and the system is very crisp and throws a very hot spark which is necessary in higher compression engines. Both of these tractors are higher compression than stock (the 70 is much higher) and the regular system just wasn't enough. Hope this helps. Mike
 

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