My UB has burned out two Pertronix Ignitions

dfarmann

Member
Hello to ALL.

Bought a UB-lp this early spring to run the whole farm generator. I have used it so far around the moving wagons hauling water
to the cows, just a all around yard dog. Never runs very long and not worked hard.

It has just burned out its second Pertronix Ignition 1142, both times tractor ran fine was shut off and when tried to restart
not a pop, never ran after that.

Tractor has one wire Alternator, changed to 12v negative ground, new coil, new wiring. Tractor has ran less than one hour on
each of the two Ignition part changes.

My question is, has anyone gone through this burning out this conversion. What do I have wrong?

Thank you for the help.
 
I would recommend using the pertronix coil along with the ignitor. Their coil will have the right built in ohms of resistance for the 4 cyl. ignitor. Requires 3.0 ohms of resistance. If the ohms of resistance is not right it will burn them out. Also make sure it is wired properly and connections are tight. Make sure the ignitor is gaped to specs. Part number for the pertronix coil for 4 cyl ohms is 40611 that is gel filled. Oil filled is 40511. Hope this helps.
 
Solid state devices demand a smooth current flow and do not tolerate spikes or interruptions that mechanical points can ignore.

A few possibilities: Are wiring connections soldered and not just crimped? Is there rust or corrosion where the base of the distributor mates to the engine? Is there rust or corrosion where the Pertronix module seats to the base in the distributor? What about a flaky or erratic ignition switch? How old are your battery cables? Are all connections clean, bright and tight?

Is moisture getting into the distributor?

Is there 3 ohms resistance between small posts of the coil?
 
Wire connections are crimped. Battery cables were replaced after the first Ignition quit, as I was told that might be a cause.
The rest of your list I need to check. Thanks for the help.
 
In addition to what others have suggested, make sure it has graphite core plug wires. Metallic plug wires are not recommended with solid state systems as they set up electronic interference that can damage the module. I had it happen on one of the first tractors that I converted and that is what I was told by Pertronix. Has now been running for over 20 years with no more problems. Also, they are voltage and polarity sensitive so check to be sure you have the right kit for the way your tractor is set up. They offer several combinations.
 
Thank you for the info, very well could be the problem. I had put new solid core plug wires on it as part of getting it running again.
 
I agree with Cliff. I had the same problem and Pertronix told me the same thing. Use silicon core wires same as cars and trucks, but never with points fired ignition.
MMDEL
 
Thank You for all the help/advise.

I have ordered the correct parts to make the changes that you have been so kind to offer. Tractor never ran more than a total of an hour before burning out both ignitions so won't take long to see if the problem is cured.

Thanks again.
 
Silicon was not the right term. But you can not edit your post. I meant to say carbon core. but maybe Cliff is right, graphite. Whatever.
MMDEL
 
hi if you can call 618=975=8645 I can help you with a fool proof set up that will last we have ben running our system for several years with no problems.
 

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