73jst4fun

Recently while checking compression on my engine/ disconnecting the coil wire, removing the plugs, and cranking 8 revolutions to get a reading upon reconnecting the coil wire the engine was hard to start and keep at an idle. After checking everything the only conclusion was to change the Pertronix, which I did. Gordonm wqs over and we got it running but then it was like a switch was turned and the engine just died. We changed the coil which was not giving a spark and the Pertronix unit and the engine ran again. Just wondering if this is what happens when a Pertronix unit gets damaged/goes bad. I've never had a coil go bad before so I have to base this on the Pertronix got damaged during the compression testing......

AzMotorhead

Not really adding anything here but that is why I switched from a Pertronics to the Breakerless SE that can be purchased through
M&H Fabricators
I've spoken with Tom there for length on several different problems I've had from Ignition systems to 1 wire alternators.They are always very helpful and easy to get ahold of

Michel B

A lot of people love them,, a lot of people hate them, Mine went bad 3 months after intallation, the car just died like turning a light switch. They do have the best warrantee. I replaced mine with crane cams because it has a rev limiter, Also the instructions with the crane states to make sure you have a risistor on the the circut. I did not have one so question myself about the pertronix. After reading a bit,,, this risistor wire was standard on my car (73), its use was mainlly to extend points and plug life considerably.

Jc3vette

Pertronix II suggests that you bypass the resistor wire. I have had a Pertronix II on my car for about a year and a half. I also have the Pertronix Flame Thrower II epoxy filled coil. So far no Problems. I went the cheap way. Next time I think I will go with the MSD standard pro billet distributor with tach drive and the MSD 6 Series Ignition.

73, Dark Blue 454

I run the Petronix I (part number 1181) on four cars with the 45v "Flamethrower" coil..no problems ever, over the course of 4-5 years. I'm running a full 12v to this coil per their instruction. I simply removed the resistor wire and ran a white braided 12-14g wire from the "IGN" port of the fuse box to the coil. If you're running 12v to the stock coil, I would imagine things can get hot somewhere.

That's my story,..

vettfixr

I ran a Pertronix unit (original one) in my car for a couple of years with no problems. Then suddenly the car started to buck and backfire at various speeds including highway driving. It felt like the engine wanted to shut down. After a lot of troubleshooting I changed the Pertronix out for a Crane XR-1. I've been running the Crane for about 3 years now without issues. Also, the Crane was much easier to install because you don't have the magnetic ring to install. The Crane picks up it's signal directly from the distributor lobes.

BlueL36

I agree with the Breakerless SE. I put mine in 4 years ago and it has worked flawlessly. I got mine at Lectric Limited.

73jst4fun

Thanks guys for all the info, looks like I damaged my unit when I did the compression test, should of disconnected the red wire from the coil, replaced the module with a spare I had and it runs fine now, I won't make that mistake again. There is a test procedure available from Pertronix showing how to test the module if it's bad or not, give them a call/tech service and they will email the test sheet to you, this way when it goes you can test the module.

70vert

Please specify Pertonix I or II. If Pertronix I, it is possible to burn it if the ingnition is left on without the motor running. I've been running II for several years without any problem.

73jst4fun

Thanks Vettfixr, the Crane XR-I looks like a good unit, I like the idea of the adjustable rev limiter, cutting out cylinders, so I ordered one today, from what I understand you really don't need a special coil either....Thanks...and about $30.00 cheaper than the Pertronix so you can carry a spare just in case... I find that Crane makes quality components, they just don't advertise like MSD and others....

vettfixr

I use basically a stock chrome coil on mine which is still powered by the resister wire so no changes are required to the system whatsoever. The unit installs with only 2 screws directly to the distributor baseplate. just make sure you use the paste they supply when installing it.