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Opinions on Pertonix ignition

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Anonymous-0

Well-known Member
What is the general consensus on the Pertonix "points replacement" units?

I'm fond of the idea of not having to mess with the points anymore but I've heard these Pertonix units are fairly easy to "fry" if they have a poor ground............

Opinions from those who have or are using them??

Thanks in advance,

Glen
 
The original unit, the Ignitor, is basically a replacement for points, NOT a high energy ignition. They are NOT recommended by the manufacturer for driving low impedence, high-output coils. They provide a level of spark much like the points they replace, but never "wear", "burn", or need adjusting to keep performance at a peak level.

HOWEVER, if the engine stalls at a point where the module is "triggered" (much like points being closed), the modules are too dumb to shut off, and will sit there and get hotter and hotter (along with the coil), 'til the battery is dead.

Sometimes, when this happens, the $moke gets let out of the module and/or the coil.

Pertronix has come out with the Ignitor II module for POPULAR applications. That unit will drive a HIGH output coil, and is SMART, shutting off coil current when the engine is not running/ turning over. The module controls dwell, based on engine speed.

An advantage EITHER unit has over points is that the Ignitors are less affected by distributor bushing/shaft wear/cam wobble than breaker points.
 
I have used one Ignitor and two Ignitor II module thus far in projects. I have been please everytime with the Ignitor II. The Ignitor I used was purchased long before the II was available but it still works great for the purpose of replacing points.
 
Mess with points ? Put a new set in our 4020 back when we got it maybe 1993 ? has been ran some every year since, though it is getting used less each year, and have never had to "mess" with them since. I guess that's why I like points because I can "mess" with them if I ever need to. I can scrounge around and get anything up and running with no cost outlay. These electronics can be very sensitive and costly to get back up and going. Just part of these throw away times we in. Something don't work-throw it away and go to China and buy another ! Nothing is repairable anymore.
 
I have upgraded to the ignitor electronic ignition and petronix coil on 3 tractors. I think the combination works great. Opened my plug gap from .023 to .045 inches. I would do it again.
 
I"ve had an Ignitor I on my TO-30 for 3 years and really like it. No points to fiddle with and it starts in half a turn.
 
"Messing" with points = filing and re-gapping, replacing failed condensors, etc. I realize not all breaker type arrangments are like that, some go forever, I just like the idea of installing the "spark control" once and forgetting about it.

Although I agree with you, there's something to be said for a system you can fix with a peice of sandpaper and screwdriver on a Saturday/Sunday when the all parts stores are closed and you've got 30 more acres to finish before the big rain storm comes.........

6 of one and half a dozen of the other I suppose.........
 
I have them in to "Vintage Cars". They have been excellent.
When I had a few questions on how to setup the first one their customer support was excellent.
I would certainly buy another one.
 
I got a kit for my 1600 a couple years ago. It always used to burn through points and condensors like they were candy. Put that in and havn't had a problem since.

Donovan from Wisconsin
 
The things that cause points to screw up will also cause the electronics to fail too. Improper installations. Poor grounds , dirty,loose or poor connections. Improper voltages. Bad plugs and wires. All too many people overlook the "little" details.
 
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