Coil Failure
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,553
Likes: 381
From: Strongsville, OH
2016 C2 of the Year Finalist
Coil Failure
I'm running a Pertronix I (1811) Ignitor and Flamethrower Coil in my 327/300 and had a coil failure during a drive yesterday. I have had the Flamethrower coil and ignition setup for 7 or so years without a problem. A few months back after reading about how the resistor should be bypassed if using the above combo, I checked my setup and found I still had the resistor in the circuitry. Reading here that I wouldn't get full voltage with the resistor wired in, I changed it to bypass the resistor and placed all resistor wires on one post. Now I have a failure after a few months. At time of failure, the coil was far too hot to touch and held that heat for a very long time. Luckily I had the original coil with me for replacement and the long drive home.
I've never had a coil go bad on a car. Did I do something wrong by changing the wiring config or do Pertronix coils have a history of going bad?? Would like to know any experiences you've had with this setup since I'm wondering if I want to buy another Flamethrower or something else. Thanks.........dave
I've never had a coil go bad on a car. Did I do something wrong by changing the wiring config or do Pertronix coils have a history of going bad?? Would like to know any experiences you've had with this setup since I'm wondering if I want to buy another Flamethrower or something else. Thanks.........dave
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 38,897
Likes: 1,926
From: Washington Michigan
Call the Pertronix tech line and check with them; the latest Flamethrower coil is designed to run on 12 volts (no resistor in the circuit), but I believe the older ones still required the resistor. 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 7,246
Likes: 21
From: Going too fast over the hill. Iowa
I'm running a Pertronix I (1811) Ignitor and Flamethrower Coil in my 327/300 and had a coil failure during a drive yesterday. I have had the Flamethrower coil and ignition setup for 7 or so years without a problem. A few months back after reading about how the resistor should be bypassed if using the above combo, I checked my setup and found I still had the resistor in the circuitry. Reading here that I wouldn't get full voltage with the resistor wired in, I changed it to bypass the resistor and placed all resistor wires on one post. Now I have a failure after a few months.
I don't have a high opinion of their coils.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 6,539
Likes: 1,970
From: Temple Terrace Florida
Coils
Petronix makes two coils, one is 1.5 Ohms and the other is 3 Ohms. They cannot be mixed. One is to be used with the resistor, the other is to be used without the resistor. I also fried one of their coils as a result of a mismatch. Jerry
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,123
Likes: 2
From: Sandia Park NM
Now, I'm really scared. I installed a Accell coil and it failed. I have the same set up you have. I had my distributor rebuilt by T.I. Specialty's as it was in poor shape and did not want any problems with this 40+ year old car I was rebuilding.
The car would die at a stop for no apparent reason. I kept thinking it was a fuel problem. Well guess what, it was the coil, I installed and wired it as instructed. It work intermittently.
I put the old coil back, and it works great.
Called the supplier Jegg's they told me to take a hike, as I had it to long. I tried to explain that the car was under construction and I ordered the part earlier then needed. Sorry your SOL.
I contacted the mfg Accell which is really Mr Gasket. They had me return it and were to send me a new one, that was May of this yr. still waiting. I contacted them and they told me it's still coming. The mfg went out of business[no surprise]and they have a new supplier, and I should get it in the next couple of weeks. Glad I don't need right away.
Dennis
The car would die at a stop for no apparent reason. I kept thinking it was a fuel problem. Well guess what, it was the coil, I installed and wired it as instructed. It work intermittently.
I put the old coil back, and it works great.
Called the supplier Jegg's they told me to take a hike, as I had it to long. I tried to explain that the car was under construction and I ordered the part earlier then needed. Sorry your SOL.
I contacted the mfg Accell which is really Mr Gasket. They had me return it and were to send me a new one, that was May of this yr. still waiting. I contacted them and they told me it's still coming. The mfg went out of business[no surprise]and they have a new supplier, and I should get it in the next couple of weeks. Glad I don't need right away.
Dennis
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 11,593
Likes: 173
From: Clayton NC
Now, I'm really scared. I installed a Accell coil and it failed. I have the same set up you have. I had my distributor rebuilt by T.I. Specialty's as it was in poor shape and did not want any problems with this 40+ year old car I was rebuilding.
The car would die at a stop for no apparent reason. I kept thinking it was a fuel problem. Well guess what, it was the coil, I installed and wired it as instructed. It work intermittently.
I put the old coil back, and it works great.
Called the supplier Jegg's they told me to take a hike, as I had it to long. I tried to explain that the car was under construction and I ordered the part earlier then needed. Sorry your SOL.
I contacted the mfg Accell which is really Mr Gasket. They had me return it and were to send me a new one, that was May of this yr. still waiting. I contacted them and they told me it's still coming. The mfg went out of business[no surprise]and they have a new supplier, and I should get it in the next couple of weeks. Glad I don't need right away.
Dennis
The car would die at a stop for no apparent reason. I kept thinking it was a fuel problem. Well guess what, it was the coil, I installed and wired it as instructed. It work intermittently.
I put the old coil back, and it works great.
Called the supplier Jegg's they told me to take a hike, as I had it to long. I tried to explain that the car was under construction and I ordered the part earlier then needed. Sorry your SOL.
I contacted the mfg Accell which is really Mr Gasket. They had me return it and were to send me a new one, that was May of this yr. still waiting. I contacted them and they told me it's still coming. The mfg went out of business[no surprise]and they have a new supplier, and I should get it in the next couple of weeks. Glad I don't need right away.
Dennis
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 1,016
Likes: 1
From: Maine
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,105
Likes: 96
From: Sunrise FL
I just had the same question. Went to the Pertronix site and they say to use a coil and resistor based on amps drawn. The 1.5 ohm coil would just pass their amp test (NO resistor).
I would call to verify...and PLEASE post your response!!!!!!
Thanks, Mike
I would call to verify...and PLEASE post your response!!!!!!
Thanks, Mike
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,553
Likes: 381
From: Strongsville, OH
2016 C2 of the Year Finalist
I found the paperwork that came with the coil I fried. It was the 1.5 ohm and the instructions say if your ignition circuit has a resistor wire or ballast resistor then LEAVE THEM IN. But the last sentence states "Eight cylinder applications DO NOT REQUIRE a ballast resistor". Confusing??? you bet!! I think I'll call Pertronix like John Z suggested.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 1,016
Likes: 1
From: Maine
I found the paperwork that came with the coil I fried. It was the 1.5 ohm and the instructions say if your ignition circuit has a resistor wire or ballast resistor then LEAVE THEM IN. But the last sentence states "Eight cylinder applications DO NOT REQUIRE a ballast resistor". Confusing??? you bet!! I think I'll call Pertronix like John Z suggested.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,553
Likes: 381
From: Strongsville, OH
2016 C2 of the Year Finalist
My neighbor just purchased a 1.5 ohm Pertronix coil last month and I just went over and asked if he had the instructions. Mine had been printed in 5/99 and his on 1/03. They now have a chart for 1.5 and 3.0 coils and whether a resistor is needed or not. I wouldn't think there'd be any more recent instructions than with the coil he got from Summit last month. Here's the chart info.
1.5 ohm....8 cyl all applications...............remove resistor
4 & 6 cyl racing applications....remove resistor
4 & 6 cyl normal applications... keep resistor in place
3.0 ohm....8 cyl all applications...............coil not recommended
4 & 6 cyl racing applications....coil not recommended
4 & 6 cyl normal applications....remove resistor
I think I"ll still call them and I'll post what they say.
1.5 ohm....8 cyl all applications...............remove resistor
4 & 6 cyl racing applications....remove resistor
4 & 6 cyl normal applications... keep resistor in place
3.0 ohm....8 cyl all applications...............coil not recommended
4 & 6 cyl racing applications....coil not recommended
4 & 6 cyl normal applications....remove resistor
I think I"ll still call them and I'll post what they say.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 1,016
Likes: 1
From: Maine
My neighbor just purchased a 1.5 ohm Pertronix coil last month and I just went over and asked if he had the instructions. Mine had been printed in 5/99 and his on 1/03. They now have a chart for 1.5 and 3.0 coils and whether a resistor is needed or not. I wouldn't think there'd be any more recent instructions than with the coil he got from Summit last month. Here's the chart info.
1.5 ohm....8 cyl all applications...............remove resistor
4 & 6 cyl racing applications....remove resistor
4 & 6 cyl normal applications... keep resistor in place
3.0 ohm....8 cyl all applications...............coil not recommended
4 & 6 cyl racing applications....coil not recommended
4 & 6 cyl normal applications....remove resistor
I think I"ll still call them and I'll post what they say.
1.5 ohm....8 cyl all applications...............remove resistor
4 & 6 cyl racing applications....remove resistor
4 & 6 cyl normal applications... keep resistor in place
3.0 ohm....8 cyl all applications...............coil not recommended
4 & 6 cyl racing applications....coil not recommended
4 & 6 cyl normal applications....remove resistor
I think I"ll still call them and I'll post what they say.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 4,142
Likes: 704
It occurs to me that Pertronix still doesn't have a clue. Here are some highlights from the instructions for the part numbers 1164,1165 and 1181.
The ignitor is compatible only with a points style coil with a minimum resistance of 1.5 ohms.
If your ignition system presently has a ballast resistor, do not remove it.
To check coil resistance, remove all wiring from it and place the test leads on the positive and negative terminals. You must have at least 1.5 ohms ( they don't say what the maximum is ).
And, the wiring diagram:
The ignitor is compatible only with a points style coil with a minimum resistance of 1.5 ohms.
If your ignition system presently has a ballast resistor, do not remove it.
To check coil resistance, remove all wiring from it and place the test leads on the positive and negative terminals. You must have at least 1.5 ohms ( they don't say what the maximum is ).
And, the wiring diagram:
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,553
Likes: 381
From: Strongsville, OH
2016 C2 of the Year Finalist
Thanks Buns....I think the last note at the bottom of the diagram says it all. "not to be changed in any way" from original setup. Why don't they just say that on the installation instructions. They must have changed their thinking since the 01/03 instruction sheet included with the coil my neighbor just bought. 
they don't have a clue!!
I guess I fried it by the change to non-resistor....Oh well, I've made more costly mistakes. This one was only $30!!
they don't have a clue!! I guess I fried it by the change to non-resistor....Oh well, I've made more costly mistakes. This one was only $30!!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 7,246
Likes: 21
From: Going too fast over the hill. Iowa
I use the manufacturers instructions and if the product dies in a relatively short period of time, I find another supplier. I think I'm being reasonable. IMO there are too many vendors with good products and good installation instructions to accept substandard components.
Vote with your $$
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,553
Likes: 381
From: Strongsville, OH
2016 C2 of the Year Finalist
Talked to a Pertronix tech today and he said to leave the resistor in the circuit with the Flamethrower coil and Ignitor module as long as the car runs well that way. The Ignitor module needs only 6 volts to function properly. If the car is used for long drives, cruises, etc the resistor should stay to prevent excess heat in the coil. If the car is used for short trips or racing it would be okay to bypass the resistor since there wouldn't be the long term heat buildup issue. Bottom line of the conversation was that if the engine runs smooth with the coil, resistor and module in place then leave it alone.
He couldn't explain the variations in instructions nor the fact that the instructions I have that were printed as late as 1/03 said to remove the resistor.
My car ran fine for years before removing the resistor from the circuit so I'll return to that setup.
Thanks for all the input and experiences from you guys!!
He couldn't explain the variations in instructions nor the fact that the instructions I have that were printed as late as 1/03 said to remove the resistor.
My car ran fine for years before removing the resistor from the circuit so I'll return to that setup.
Thanks for all the input and experiences from you guys!!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 1,016
Likes: 1
From: Maine
Talked to a Pertronix tech today and he said to leave the resistor in the circuit with the Flamethrower coil and Ignitor module as long as the car runs well that way. The Ignitor module needs only 6 volts to function properly. If the car is used for long drives, cruises, etc the resistor should stay to prevent excess heat in the coil. If the car is used for short trips or racing it would be okay to bypass the resistor since there wouldn't be the long term heat buildup issue. Bottom line of the conversation was that if the engine runs smooth with the coil, resistor and module in place then leave it alone.
He couldn't explain the variations in instructions nor the fact that the instructions I have that were printed as late as 1/03 said to remove the resistor.
My car ran fine for years before removing the resistor from the circuit so I'll return to that setup.
Thanks for all the input and experiences from you guys!!
He couldn't explain the variations in instructions nor the fact that the instructions I have that were printed as late as 1/03 said to remove the resistor.
My car ran fine for years before removing the resistor from the circuit so I'll return to that setup.
Thanks for all the input and experiences from you guys!!
Pertronix was to give you the 12 volts ,so you would get more spark Maybe Jeff and some others that know allot more than me will jump in
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 221
Likes: 10
From: Oregon
I use the acell 300+ with the regular coil & no resistor.....works great
10 years now.......still have the resistor mounted for looks only or if
i ever need to switch back on the road some where........
10 years now.......still have the resistor mounted for looks only or if
i ever need to switch back on the road some where........
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,302
Likes: 26
From: Cave Creek AZ
I use a MSD Blaster-2 coil (rated at .700 ohms) and the PerTronix Ignitor-II and no ballast resistor. No problems at all.
The Blaster-2 instructions state... "WARNING: When using the Blaster coil with a points or stock style distributor, a 0.8 ohm ballast resistor must be used in-line of the positive wire. Failure to use a ballast resistor could result in personal injury or component failure".
The PerTronix Ignitor-II instructions state... "The Ignitor-II can be used in conjunction with most ignition coils rated at 0.6 ohms or greater. To achieve optimum performance from the Ignitor-II, we recommend removal of the ballast resistor".
Roy
The Blaster-2 instructions state... "WARNING: When using the Blaster coil with a points or stock style distributor, a 0.8 ohm ballast resistor must be used in-line of the positive wire. Failure to use a ballast resistor could result in personal injury or component failure".
The PerTronix Ignitor-II instructions state... "The Ignitor-II can be used in conjunction with most ignition coils rated at 0.6 ohms or greater. To achieve optimum performance from the Ignitor-II, we recommend removal of the ballast resistor".
Roy