Pertronix I, II problems
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,951
Likes: 1
From: Shore NJ
Pertronix I, II problems
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......
Limping across the line
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 5,299
Likes: 109
From: Peoria Az
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
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
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 758
Likes: 14
From: Ville de la Baie Quebec. A winner is just a loser who tried again.
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. 
Instructor
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 221
Likes: 1
From: Albuquerque New Mexico
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.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,838
Likes: 10
From: Austin TX
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,..
That's my story,..
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 9,206
Likes: 17
From: Sewell NJ
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.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 6,217
Likes: 1
From: End of the Ike IL
Cruise-In V Veteran
Cruise-In VI Veteran
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
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
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,951
Likes: 1
From: Shore NJ
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.
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Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,951
Likes: 1
From: Shore NJ
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.
I find that Crane makes quality components, they just don't advertise like MSD and others....
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 9,206
Likes: 17
From: Sewell NJ
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....
I find that Crane makes quality components, they just don't advertise like MSD and others....
cams, car, crane, distributor, flamethrower, hard, installation, pertronix, problems, resistor, start, testing, troubleshooting, wire, xr1, xri
