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Installation of Ignitor Electronic Ignition

C

chamsher

New User
I'm installing an Pertronix Ignitor electronic ignition with the 40,00 volt coil. It's instructions indicates a minimum primary resistance of 3.0 ohms is required.
My question is: Do I go directly to the 12V battery though the ignition switch or do I need to go though either the ceramic resistor or the spring look resistor, or both, before going to the coil with the positive wire.
 
Measure the primary resistance of the coil, if less than 3 Ohms, add an external resistor of appropriate value to bring the combined resistance of the resistor AND the coil primary up to a minimum of 3 Ohms.



Trouble is, many cheap meters are not accureate when measuring low resistance values, and using a very good quality meter may be needed to gat a useful/accurate measurement.


Of course, you could call Pertronix tech support and ask them the primary resistance value of the coil, and if they recommend a resistor with it or not.

Note in the Pertronix instructions that if a primary resistor is used, the red Pertronix wire goes to the ignition switch side of the resistor, so that the module gets full battery voltage and the coil gets reduced voltage/current through the resistor.

Final proof of having a chance for the thing to last is if you can measure the primary current accurately with the module switched "ON" (same as the breaker points being closed).

If it exceeds 4 Amps, it's NOT good for the module, (pretty much the same as breaker points) and more primary resistance is needed.

Don't waste time making this test with the ignition switch "ON" and the engine not running, or the $$$$ smoke will be let out of the (relatively delicate) module.

And, of course, if the engine ever stalls, be SURE to turn off the igntion, if you forget and walk away, most likely you will be replacing the module, and perhaps ths coil.
 
Good question, here's my advice:

ASK PERTRONIX versus relying on anything posted here !!!!!!!!!!!!! THEY (better then us) know how much current a certain electronic switch can pass and switch...??... THEY (better then us) know the LV primary resistance of coils they manufacture/sell...??.YOUR ohm meter may not be accurate enough at such low ohm scales...??.THEY (better then us) can recommend what value of any external ballast is required.

After spending big bucks and not wanting to risk frying a new EI system WHY NOT ASK PERTRONIX ???????????

That being said, in order to limit the current a cil passes, it MUST flow through the external ballast. That means it starts at say an ignition switch then to and through a ballast (drops voltage and limits current) and only then to the coils input.

Of course feel free to measure the coils LV primary resistance if you trust the results, its your money and your choice.

NOTE with ignition on and switch closed and ballast in the circuit theres a voltage drop and the switches control circuitry likely (ask Pertronix) requires full unballasted battery voltage NOT ballast reduced voltage ?. THERES A DIFFERENCE IN VOLTAGE TO THE COIL (perhaps via a ballast) AND VOLTAGE TO OPERATE THE SWITCH

I would expect (no warranty ask Pertronix) voltage to operate the switch is battery NOT ballast reduced voltage so wire accordingly

John T
 

Unless the engine is a 5500rpm supercharged V8. The whiz bang 40,000 coil will have no advantages over the generic Napa 12V ignition coil.
Solid core wires will burnout a pertronics . Unless spiral wound "solid" wires are used. Or a resistor cable or spiral wound high tension cable is used between the coil and distributer.
 
"The whiz bang 40,000 coil will have no advantages over the generic Napa 12V ignition coil."

Good point Glen, most lay persons don't understand that the voltage necessary for current to arc jump a spark plug gap is a function of the gap distance and the medium in which the spark takes place IE given the same stock type conditions a stock coil or a so called high voltage coil WILL FIRE AT THE SAME VOLTAGE NOTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT NECESSRILY 40,000 VOLTS !!!! Its just that a so called HV coil has the CAPACITY to achieve higher voltages if necessary due to an extra wide gap etc.

On some of the high energy elec ignitions I believe spiral wrapped wires are used for their inductive properties.

For low compression low RPM old tractor engines a high energy ignition isn't all that much advantageous (yes still some) as compared to a super high compression high RPM exotic fueled racing engine NOTWITHSTANDING most report improved starting and idling. That's due in part to the increased spark energy afforded from a high energy elec ignition system often running wider plug gaps.

There's advantages and disadvantages of a stock or elec ignition, its a persons own choice, to each their own

John T
 
(reply to post at 13:05:24 12/02/18) Thank you all for your advise to my question. I have sent in a inquiry to Yesterday's Tractor Co., the dealer I purchased the part from. If they are unable to answer regarding the resistance of the coil, I will go to Pertronix. It appears from the picture with the instructions that I wire directly to the coil from the switch i.e, then hook the ignitor Red wire to that side of the oil giving it full voltage. I'm a bit confused regarding all of your discussion, but understand it enough to make sure with the company, their views. Thanks again.
Click to expand...
 
battery polarity , pertonix module and coup polarity must all match . Otherwise results will vary from sub optimal operation , to bad sounds, burning smells and total loss of spark.
 
I agree with B&D, there is no advantage to a high voltage coil, it will not provide any advantage.
 
Sorry if I cornfused you lol. My intent was to say iffffff ?? the COIL requires the external ballast, the wire FROM Ignition TO coil wires first to and through ballast then to COILS input. HOWEVER if the SWITCHES input voltage requires full unballasted battery voltage (ahead of and before any ballast) that would wire direct to the ignition switch. Being both an engineer plus an attorney I just cant keep it short sweet n simple LOL LOL its not in my DNA, sorry

John T
 
What does it say on the coil. I've seen several Pertronix coils that have the resistance printed on the label
 
DUH, My Pertronix coil does not have an inscription but the part tag says 2.9 ohm. I assume that it is the resistance of the coil and would indicate direct hook up to the 12 v through the switch without any additional resistance. Right?

Thank you for directing my attention to the coil inscription.[/b]
 
A full charged 12 volt battery is around 12.6 volts (higher say 13 to 14 when coupled to a good working charging system) and if the coil is 2.9 ohms the current the coil uses and the switch must handle is around 12.6/2.9 = 4.34 amps (at 12.6 volts).

THEREFORE if your elec switch can pass and switch around 5 or so amps you should be fine no ballast required ASK PERTRONIX instead of trusting us however lol

John T
 
(quoted from post at 18:38:08 12/02/18) DUH, My Pertronix coil does not have an inscription but the part tag says 2.9 ohm. I assume that it is the resistance of the coil and would indicate direct hook up to the 12 v through the switch without any additional resistance. Right?

Thank you for directing my attention to the coil inscription.[/b]
Click to expand...
ery likely just fine. You won't get answer from YT. Pertronix has toll free help number. Call.
 
It appears that I have put you all though a considerable effort in response to my problem unnecessarily. However, less you think it was completely without purpose, I want to remind you of the good electrical engineering lesson you have taught me. :oops: :D
Thank you so very much!!
 
I am obviously electrically challenged but could you explain the first paragraph of your response? Are you saying if the resistance is less than 3 ohms, say 2.9 then you add another resistor to bring the ohm value up to 3? Adding more resistors increases the ohms? I am really confused on this whole topic. Thanks
 
(quoted from post at 04:07:10 12/04/18) I am obviously electrically challenged but could you explain the first paragraph of your response? Are you saying if the resistance is less than 3 ohms, say 2.9 then you add another resistor to bring the ohm value up to 3? Adding more resistors increases the ohms? I am really confused on this whole topic. Thanks
Click to expand...

"Are you saying if the resistance is less than 3 ohms, say 2.9 then you add another resistor to bring the ohm value up to 3?"

YES, and YES!

Ballast resistors are not all the same resistance, they vary by application, and it's also possible to use a wirewound ceramic resistor from an electronic parts supplier.
 
Compared to running a stock ignition....if you switched to a higher voltage coil and widened the plug gaps to take advantage of it for hotter spark....would the larger gap change the timing of the ignition? Yes or no, or not enough to make a practical difference?

Brandon
 
(quoted from post at 23:16:44 12/06/18) Compared to running a stock ignition....if you switched to a higher voltage coil and widened the plug gaps to take advantage of it for hotter spark....would the larger gap change the timing of the ignition? Yes or no, or not enough to make a practical difference?

Brandon
Click to expand...
o!
 
(quoted from post at 23:16:44 12/06/18) Compared to running a stock ignition....if you switched to a higher voltage coil and widened the plug gaps to take advantage of it for hotter spark....would the larger gap change the timing of the ignition? Yes or no, or not enough to make a practical difference?

Brandon
Click to expand...

Well............technically yes the timing would advance a wee bit as the outer electrode extended farther into the combustion chamber.
 
(quoted from post at 13:39:03 12/08/18)
(quoted from post at 01:00:29 12/08/18) bs prove it!
Click to expand...

Think about it .
Does extra washers on a diesel injector retard the timing ? Does a longer reach spark plug advance the timing ?
Click to expand...
es, sir, thinking would be a good plan! At 300,000,000 meters per second for speed of light electricity travel in this case), increasing gap fro 0.125" to 0.045" or an increase of 0.020", will increase the time to complete the arc by 1.67/1,000,000,000,000 seconds. So you just go out to your tractor and advance the timing by that amount! Some people!
 
(quoted from post at 13:39:35 12/09/18)
(quoted from post at 13:39:03 12/08/18)
(quoted from post at 01:00:29 12/08/18) bs prove it!
Click to expand...

Think about it .
Does extra washers on a diesel injector retard the timing ? Does a longer reach spark plug advance the timing ?
Click to expand...
es, sir, thinking would be a good plan! At 300,000,000 meters per second for speed of light electricity travel in this case), increasing gap fro 0.125" to 0.045" or an increase of 0.020", will increase the time to complete the arc by 1.67/1,000,000,000,000 seconds. So you just go out to your tractor and advance the timing by that amount! Some people!
Click to expand...
ealizing that your adjustment will be in degrees rather than seconds, I did the math for you. You need an additional 11/1,000,000,000 degrees of advance. HTH
 
(quoted from post at 14:18:56 12/09/18)
(quoted from post at 13:39:35 12/09/18)
(quoted from post at 13:39:03 12/08/18)
(quoted from post at 01:00:29 12/08/18) bs prove it!
Click to expand...

Think about it .
Does extra washers on a diesel injector retard the timing ? Does a longer reach spark plug advance the timing ?
Click to expand...
es, sir, thinking would be a good plan! At 300,000,000 meters per second for speed of light electricity travel in this case), increasing gap fro 0.125" to 0.045" or an increase of 0.020", will increase the time to complete the arc by 1.67/1,000,000,000,000 seconds. So you just go out to your tractor and advance the timing by that amount! Some people!
Click to expand...
ealizing that your adjustment will be in degrees rather than seconds, I did the math for you. You need an additional 11/1,000,000,000 degrees of advance. HTH
Click to expand...

Totally missed the point. The speed of electricity has nothing to do with it.
 
(quoted from post at 21:07:48 12/09/18)
(quoted from post at 14:18:56 12/09/18)
(quoted from post at 13:39:35 12/09/18)
(quoted from post at 13:39:03 12/08/18)
(quoted from post at 01:00:29 12/08/18) bs prove it!
Click to expand...

Think about it .
Does extra washers on a diesel injector retard the timing ? Does a longer reach spark plug advance the timing ?
Click to expand...
es, sir, thinking would be a good plan! At 300,000,000 meters per second for speed of light electricity travel in this case), increasing gap fro 0.125" to 0.045" or an increase of 0.020", will increase the time to complete the arc by 1.67/1,000,000,000,000 seconds. So you just go out to your tractor and advance the timing by that amount! Some people!
Click to expand...
ealizing that your adjustment will be in degrees rather than seconds, I did the math for you. You need an additional 11/1,000,000,000 degrees of advance. HTH
Click to expand...

Totally missed the point. The speed of electricity has nothing to do with it.
Click to expand...
have absolutely no doubt that you did!
 
When I had this brainfart of an idea, I was thinking of the time it would take to build up a the amount of charge needed to jump the larger gap. Larger gap, longer time.

But me and sparks have never had the best understanding.

Brandon
 
(quoted from post at 00:41:06 12/10/18)
(quoted from post at 21:07:48 12/09/18)
(quoted from post at 14:18:56 12/09/18)
(quoted from post at 13:39:35 12/09/18)
(quoted from post at 13:39:03 12/08/18)
(quoted from post at 01:00:29 12/08/18) bs prove it!
Click to expand...

Think about it .
Does extra washers on a diesel injector retard the timing ? Does a longer reach spark plug advance the timing ?
Click to expand...
es, sir, thinking would be a good plan! At 300,000,000 meters per second for speed of light electricity travel in this case), increasing gap fro 0.125" to 0.045" or an increase of 0.020", will increase the time to complete the arc by 1.67/1,000,000,000,000 seconds. So you just go out to your tractor and advance the timing by that amount! Some people!
Click to expand...
ealizing that your adjustment will be in degrees rather than seconds, I did the math for you. You need an additional 11/1,000,000,000 degrees of advance. HTH
Click to expand...

Totally missed the point. The speed of electricity has nothing to do with it.
Click to expand...
have absolutely no doubt that you did!
Click to expand...

First move a abundant makes . They accuse others of the very thing they themselves are guilty of.
 
(quoted from post at 13:26:23 12/11/18)
(quoted from post at 00:41:06 12/10/18)
(quoted from post at 21:07:48 12/09/18)
(quoted from post at 14:18:56 12/09/18)
(quoted from post at 13:39:35 12/09/18)
(quoted from post at 13:39:03 12/08/18)
(quoted from post at 01:00:29 12/08/18) bs prove it!
Click to expand...

Think about it .
Does extra washers on a diesel injector retard the timing ? Does a longer reach spark plug advance the timing ?
Click to expand...
es, sir, thinking would be a good plan! At 300,000,000 meters per second for speed of light electricity travel in this case), increasing gap fro 0.125" to 0.045" or an increase of 0.020", will increase the time to complete the arc by 1.67/1,000,000,000,000 seconds. So you just go out to your tractor and advance the timing by that amount! Some people!
Click to expand...
ealizing that your adjustment will be in degrees rather than seconds, I did the math for you. You need an additional 11/1,000,000,000 degrees of advance. HTH
Click to expand...

Totally missed the point. The speed of electricity has nothing to do with it.
Click to expand...
have absolutely no doubt that you did!
Click to expand...

First move a abundant makes . They accuse others of the very thing they themselves are guilty of.
Click to expand...
bundant=plentiful, in rich supply.
 
(quoted from post at 17:33:34 12/11/18)
(quoted from post at 13:26:23 12/11/18)
(quoted from post at 00:41:06 12/10/18)
(quoted from post at 21:07:48 12/09/18)
(quoted from post at 14:18:56 12/09/18)
(quoted from post at 13:39:35 12/09/18)
(quoted from post at 13:39:03 12/08/18)
(quoted from post at 01:00:29 12/08/18) bs prove it!
Click to expand...

Think about it .
Does extra washers on a diesel injector retard the timing ? Does a longer reach spark plug advance the timing ?
Click to expand...
es, sir, thinking would be a good plan! At 300,000,000 meters per second for speed of light electricity travel in this case), increasing gap fro 0.125" to 0.045" or an increase of 0.020", will increase the time to complete the arc by 1.67/1,000,000,000,000 seconds. So you just go out to your tractor and advance the timing by that amount! Some people!
Click to expand...
ealizing that your adjustment will be in degrees rather than seconds, I did the math for you. You need an additional 11/1,000,000,000 degrees of advance. HTH
Click to expand...

Totally missed the point. The speed of electricity has nothing to do with it.
Click to expand...
have absolutely no doubt that you did!
Click to expand...

First move a abundant makes . They accuse others of the very thing they themselves are guilty of.
Click to expand...
bundant=plentiful, in rich supply.
Click to expand...
d@mmed spell checker. Supposed to be L i b e r a l instead of abundant.
 
(quoted from post at 16:47:52 12/12/18)
(quoted from post at 17:33:34 12/11/18)
(quoted from post at 13:26:23 12/11/18)
(quoted from post at 00:41:06 12/10/18)
(quoted from post at 21:07:48 12/09/18)
(quoted from post at 14:18:56 12/09/18)
(quoted from post at 13:39:35 12/09/18)
(quoted from post at 13:39:03 12/08/18)
(quoted from post at 01:00:29 12/08/18) bs prove it!
Click to expand...

Think about it .
Does extra washers on a diesel injector retard the timing ? Does a longer reach spark plug advance the timing ?
Click to expand...
es, sir, thinking would be a good plan! At 300,000,000 meters per second for speed of light electricity travel in this case), increasing gap fro 0.125" to 0.045" or an increase of 0.020", will increase the time to complete the arc by 1.67/1,000,000,000,000 seconds. So you just go out to your tractor and advance the timing by that amount! Some people!
Click to expand...
ealizing that your adjustment will be in degrees rather than seconds, I did the math for you. You need an additional 11/1,000,000,000 degrees of advance. HTH
Click to expand...

Totally missed the point. The speed of electricity has nothing to do with it.
Click to expand...
have absolutely no doubt that you did!
Click to expand...

First move a abundant makes . They accuse others of the very thing they themselves are guilty of.
Click to expand...
bundant=plentiful, in rich supply.
Click to expand...
d@mmed spell checker. Supposed to be L i b e r a l instead of abundant.
Click to expand...
alling me a abundant just goes to show that you don't know Jack Schitt! Go back to wiring houses or inspecting or something you may know a bit about. :)
Of course I guess that is the optimist in me, because I recall you as being the guy, a few years back, who tried (and ultimately failed) to convince the world that power could not be transmitted through a capacitor!!??
 
(quoted from post at 17:00:55 12/12/18)
(quoted from post at 16:47:52 12/12/18)
(quoted from post at 17:33:34 12/11/18)
(quoted from post at 13:26:23 12/11/18)
(quoted from post at 00:41:06 12/10/18)
(quoted from post at 21:07:48 12/09/18)
(quoted from post at 14:18:56 12/09/18)
(quoted from post at 13:39:35 12/09/18)
(quoted from post at 13:39:03 12/08/18)
(quoted from post at 01:00:29 12/08/18) bs prove it!
Click to expand...

Think about it .
Does extra washers on a diesel injector retard the timing ? Does a longer reach spark plug advance the timing ?
Click to expand...
es, sir, thinking would be a good plan! At 300,000,000 meters per second for speed of light electricity travel in this case), increasing gap fro 0.125" to 0.045" or an increase of 0.020", will increase the time to complete the arc by 1.67/1,000,000,000,000 seconds. So you just go out to your tractor and advance the timing by that amount! Some people!
Click to expand...
ealizing that your adjustment will be in degrees rather than seconds, I did the math for you. You need an additional 11/1,000,000,000 degrees of advance. HTH
Click to expand...

Totally missed the point. The speed of electricity has nothing to do with it.
Click to expand...
have absolutely no doubt that you did!
Click to expand...

First move a abundant makes . They accuse others of the very thing they themselves are guilty of.
Click to expand...
bundant=plentiful, in rich supply.
Click to expand...
d@mmed spell checker. Supposed to be L i b e r a l instead of abundant.
Click to expand...
alling me a abundant just goes to show that you don't know Jack Schitt! Go back to wiring houses or inspecting or something you may know a bit about. :)
Of course I guess that is the optimist in me, because I recall you as being the guy, a few years back, who tried (and ultimately failed) to convince the world that power could not be transmitted through a capacitor!!??
Click to expand...
I do recall that. Could not get you to understand what a power factor correction capacitor's function is.
 
(quoted from post at 00:25:35 12/13/18)
(quoted from post at 17:00:55 12/12/18)
(quoted from post at 16:47:52 12/12/18)
(quoted from post at 17:33:34 12/11/18)
(quoted from post at 13:26:23 12/11/18)
(quoted from post at 00:41:06 12/10/18)
(quoted from post at 21:07:48 12/09/18)
(quoted from post at 14:18:56 12/09/18)
(quoted from post at 13:39:35 12/09/18)
(quoted from post at 13:39:03 12/08/18)
(quoted from post at 01:00:29 12/08/18) bs prove it!
Click to expand...

Think about it .
Does extra washers on a diesel injector retard the timing ? Does a longer reach spark plug advance the timing ?
Click to expand...
es, sir, thinking would be a good plan! At 300,000,000 meters per second for speed of light electricity travel in this case), increasing gap fro 0.125" to 0.045" or an increase of 0.020", will increase the time to complete the arc by 1.67/1,000,000,000,000 seconds. So you just go out to your tractor and advance the timing by that amount! Some people!
Click to expand...
ealizing that your adjustment will be in degrees rather than seconds, I did the math for you. You need an additional 11/1,000,000,000 degrees of advance. HTH
Click to expand...

Totally missed the point. The speed of electricity has nothing to do with it.
Click to expand...
have absolutely no doubt that you did!
Click to expand...

First move a abundant makes . They accuse others of the very thing they themselves are guilty of.
Click to expand...
bundant=plentiful, in rich supply.
Click to expand...
d@mmed spell checker. Supposed to be L i b e r a l instead of abundant.
Click to expand...
alling me a abundant just goes to show that you don't know Jack Schitt! Go back to wiring houses or inspecting or something you may know a bit about. :)
Of course I guess that is the optimist in me, because I recall you as being the guy, a few years back, who tried (and ultimately failed) to convince the world that power could not be transmitted through a capacitor!!??
Click to expand...
I do recall that. Could not get you to understand what a power factor correction capacitor's function is.
Click to expand...
'm sorry, Bub, but it was you that failed to understand.....or was simply too hard headed to admit you
 
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