Update on Pertronix issue

big jt · Nov 19, 2011

Couple days ago I asked about some issues I was having with a pertronix unit on my JD 3020.

Got a lot of good suggestions and thought I would update Y'all as to what happened.

Dug out the old breaker plate and changed it out for the pertronix one. Tractor fired right up and stayed running. The keeping running was the difficulty before. Looks like I will be ordering a new pertronix unit Monday.

jt

rustyfarmall · Nov 19, 2011

(quoted from post at 13:44:16 11/19/11) Couple days ago I asked about some issues I was having with a pertronix unit on my JD 3020.

Got a lot of good suggestions and thought I would update Y'all as to what happened.

Dug out the old breaker plate and changed it out for the pertronix one. Tractor fired right up and stayed running. The keeping running was the difficulty before. Looks like I will be ordering a new pertronix unit Monday.

jt

I guess I don't understand completely, but If it's running just fine now, why spend the money for a new Pertronix?

Allan in NE · Nov 19, 2011

I'd throw the "fad" toy away and stick with the points.

Allan

Allan in NE · Nov 19, 2011

I'd throw the "fad" toy away and stick with the points.

Allan

LJD · Nov 19, 2011

A few years ago I had to transport a British 1972 MGB sports car. It was 300 mile trip. Got maybe 100 miles and it died, instantly, in the middle of the New York State thruway. No spark. Pulled the cap and found Pertronix inside. Thank the Lord that the old distributor and breaker parts were in a box in the back. After a little cursing and wrench turning -and setting the points with a match-book cover - it started up and I drove it the next 200 miles with no problems. If I didn't have the old parts I would of really been in trouble. Where the heck are you going to find repair parts for a Pertronix? Certainly not at an auto parts store.

I can't figure why anybody would want a kit like that UNLESS your gas tractor was an all day, every day user and you kept an extra new kit on hand for emergencies. Standard Pertronix kit gives you NO gains except for less maintenance (until it quits).

Lamar Fudd · Nov 19, 2011

Get that pertronix. I've had on in mine for nearly seven years and it's great. No high speed miss-improved highway mileage from 16 MPG to 20 MPG. And the added benefit of NO side loading of the distributor cam, which will make your points gap/timing vary. You are supplying a full 12 volts to your pertronix, aren't you? When I first got mine, I connected to the wire that came from the ignition switch, and wasn't impressed with the performance. When I later realized it was a resistance wire, I ran a new wire from the switch to the Pertronix and That's when she really began to run like a fine watch.

Allan in NE · Nov 19, 2011

Yep,

They are just like sheep. They're either alive or they're dead. :>)

My sorry azz bought two of 'em before I quit 'em on the third failure.

Allan

LJD · Nov 19, 2011

If you had a high speed miss before you installed the Petronix - you had something wrong with your original system. I.e., you are comparing "apples to oranges." And a 4 MPG gain? Again, your breaker system obviously was not working as designed.

Standard Petronix Ignitor kit offers no difference in potential firing voltage. Ignitor II and Ignitor III does raise "potential" voltage if you opt for a different coil.

I've got over 50 old farm tractors and crawlers. For the ones with gas engines? None miss-fire at high RPMs when tuned correctly.

Also have a 1970 Chevy Nova with a 307 V8. Ran fine with breaker points but needed a tune up once in awhile. Stuck in a later OEM GM breakerless high-energy ignition. Runs just the same and MPGs didn't improve AT ALL. But, no more tune ups and if a part fails - I can easily get at an auto-parts store since it's OEM GM parts and not after-market.

Ultradog MN · Nov 19, 2011

I think EI is worth the money.
I installed it in my Ford going on 7 years ago and haven't had to touch it since.
There is nothing wrong with points mind you.
But EI is easier - both to install and to own.

toadady · Nov 19, 2011

(quoted from post at 18:44:16 11/19/11) Couple days ago I asked about some issues I was having with a pertronix unit on my JD 3020.

Got a lot of good suggestions and thought I would update Y'all as to what happened.

Dug out the old breaker plate and changed it out for the pertronix one. Tractor fired right up and stayed running. The keeping running was the difficulty before. Looks like I will be ordering a new pertronix unit Monday.

jt

sold one to a guy years ago, I think he was having the same issues, it turned out the distrubitor was worn to the point the shaft was wobbling and some how not making a good ground, or a bad magnetect signal, It runs fine now, it's been over 10 years ago!

our toyota forklift has a pertronix in it, it will fire up on the coldest of days when our other points lift won't

Jerry/MT · Nov 19, 2011

I"m with you. I was a big proponent for them until the one I had for 5 years crapped out for no good reason. I just don"t like futzing with points when I have other work to do with the tractor. And I hate to have a machine I can not get on and turn the key and have it start. I bought the Pertronix to elimate the maintanence with a point ignition system. They are certaimly not going to improve engine performance relative to a properly adjusted points ignition but I hoped to not ever have to install and adjust points again. No need for me to keep this "old skill" alive!
I did the tests and found that the module was bad and it was out of warranty. I bought a new module and that crapped out about 6 months later under warranty. While I was waiting for the new module to be delivered I switched back to the points and I haven"t changed. For something as simple as they are, I am disappointed in the reliability. Maybe they started making them in the "land of almost right". When something more reliable comes out I might go back to EI for the same reasons I bought a Pertronix.

Hobo,NC · Nov 19, 2011

soder33 gave you the test info ,,, did you do the test,,, The average Joe can not get a Handel on all these SIMPLE test...

I have done the simple test all passed and switched it back to points it then ran good,,, I hate to get beat and found the issue was not the EI it was a failing coil... I am not sure what the EI did not work well with a failing coil but did on points but it was so simple I was not gonna let it beat me like it does the EI nasay'ers......

You can also do the same simple test you would do with a points set up all that's needed is a test light... a logic probe would B nice but $20 bucks is a little steep for most folks to part with even tho it would come in handy diagnosing any no spark issue on any gasoline engine EI are points...

big jt · Nov 19, 2011

Well I had put on a new coil, cap & rotor. Cap
and rotor were needed and the coil had something
in it that thunked when I shook it so replacing
those components probably was ok anyhow.

After putting on the new coil I hooked up my
special homemade LED test light. Wasn't sure it
would do as well as it did but I wanted to
eliminate the rest of the circuitry before
replacing the EI.

Worked perfect. Pulsed with the spark. showed
that the ignition switch was OK and when I hooked
it up to the point side of coil it blinked when I
was getting spark and went dark when the engine
died. This little tool I dreamed up while on the
road will take a long term spot in my tool box.
All it is, is a Radio Shack LED put into a piece
of angle iron with leads on it so I can clamp it
where I can see.

jt

Anonymous-0 · Nov 20, 2011

Pertronix,best thing ever made!!got one in 67 chevlle sinse 79,one in oliver super 77 for over 12 years,one in 880 for 5 years,had a 73 chevy truck with one, never any trouble at all!!!

Charles E. McNelly · Nov 20, 2011

I put the pertronix in 2 tractors I pull with 5 years ago. Never had an issue with either to date.
Charles

TomA in CA · Nov 20, 2011

The biggest problem with points ignition is it is pretty hard to find a decent set of points. Even back in the '70's they were all plated points. Once they wear though the plating they are no good. Once in a while in an old mag you can find a set of tungsten points, you can grind them clean forever.

Bob · Nov 20, 2011

In my experience it's kind of tough to find a junktronix with long-term durability, as well!

36 Coupe · Nov 22, 2011

4 mpg increase sounds fishy.Bet you have a fish stretcher too.

Update on Pertronix issue

big jt

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rustyfarmall

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Allan in NE

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Allan in NE

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LJD

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Lamar Fudd

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Allan in NE

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LJD

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Ultradog MN

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toadady

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Jerry/MT

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Hobo,NC

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big jt

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Anonymous-0

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Charles E. McNelly

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TomA in CA

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Bob

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36 Coupe

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