Second Pertronix failure this year........

Ok, on my last run I had a couple backfires, and now it won't start been running hot as always........her Today I ordered a new HP water pump from TA.

But now, I cooled it down from 195 to 180 with the hose, a few minutes later drove it around the block and it died before I got it home. Put in a points distributer but didn't seem go solve the problem. What the heck?????????

 

How do I verify consistent spark?

 

Try changing the coil could be weak get ready to go bad from the car running hot. That happened to me couple years ago car just quit running .

 

When these Pertronics conversions first came out way back when I lost my first one after 8 months of day to day driving, the replacement lasted 4 months and took out the coil with it ( was boiling hot!) , the next day it was junk yard time for a HEI, spelled Distributor, not ter.

 

There are many reports here about Pertronix failures. Use the Lectric Limited or Crane units.

 

I'm going to swap in the points. How do I gap them? I can barely see to gap with the condenser there?

 

Bump the starter until the points block rests on the apex of the distributor cam. At this postion the points will be max. open. Using an Allen Key gap to 0.016". Then use a dwell meter to fine tune it to 30 degrees dwell. The resistor wire often removed for Pertronix installs will need to be put back in the primary circuit.

I would go with one of the modules referenced above.

 

Thanks Jim, I use the dwell meter once it starts I guess. Are the Crane units available locally or mail order only?

 

I have no idea. I suspect you can buy one off Amazon, Summit or JEGS.

 

I have had failures with every type of stock and aftermarket ignition system. More than a few that would not even start on the dyno or test stand... those are just manufacturing/QC issues. Latest one was the Crane XR-1, now renamed the FAST XR1.

One thing is for certain, get the proper pertronix coil with the correct primary circuit resistance for whichever pertronix unit your using, and they are different between the versions. They are very sensative to current flow, especially the older ones. The Version 3 actually wants a full 12V, with a low resistance coil.

That is the most likely cause of premature failure with a Pertronix.

As far as factory systems, I had an HEI in my tow vehicle for many years.. and I never left home without a module and the tools to replace it. Saved me several times.. Towing the race car somewhere, stop for gas, and then no start... no spark.. the quality of the module did not seem to influence it's life span.

Failed HEI Modules were bread and butter for repair shops for a couple decades. I replaced dozens of them in the 7 years I worked for an independent service center.

If you want reliability, put points in, service them regularly.

JW

 

CONFIMED! Bad Pertronix again.....

 

Are points really that bad? I could reminisce all day long about the travels in our family Buicks with points distributors through the 60's and early 70's and we never had ignition issues. But everyone wants the next best thing. And I'm as guilty as the next guy.

 

And coil.

 

I'm with you Now, but my set from Autozone needed the spring cut so I could get to 0.016". NAPA next.

 

I run Accel points, condenser, rotor, and cap. Well made and no issues after 5 years and 10k miles. Just check the dwell every Spring.

 

I have had points close and bring me to a stop more than once. Not too long ago I rescued a guy in a 57 Chevy convert who was stranded by points closing down. Boy it was tough getting to them with the distributor on the back of the 283.

 

Problem is NO ONE DOES THE PROPER MAINTENANCE. They DO NEED TO BE SERVICED & GREASED!!!!!

 

Sorry but who wants to do that maintenance...or deal with the day to day issues. It's not just failure -- look at the millions of running hours where points create issues other than absolute failure. A bit out of adjustment or float after mechanical wear or some other less than ideal performance. Poor starting, lower gas mileage, reduced top end performance -- all common issues. If you compare the risk of a limited number of absolute failures (yes they happen) on a decent quality electronic ignition Vs all the other issues with points -- they fail too -- no comparison. Not a Pertronix fan but not interested in the old days either. Better choices from other vendors.

 

Another reason I like Buick engines, the distributor is up front.

 

I think the moral of this story is we all drive 50 year old cars. No matter what ignition system we have or how modern we make our cars we should hope for the best but expect the worse. Always have a set of tools and spare parts.

My 72 was my first car while I was in college. I always had a spare belt, points, all fluids and a full toolbox. Plus some other small things.

I have had tons of things happen to me at my college or on the side of the road. Blown tires, thrown belts, failed water pump, blown brake line, bent shift linkage, loose battery cable, bad starter, wet distributor, lost all my torque converter bolts once (and all were under the car, still cant explain that one).

All of them stunk but with basic tools and supplies I made it work. It made me a much better mechanic. Now driving newer cars daily I take it all for granted how maintenance free they are.