Anyone use Hot-Spark ignition?

[mrsprite]

I had a Pertronix kit in my Bugeye (has Datsun engine) and it failed. I decided to try the Hot-Spark brand kit and I installed it this afternoon, but after the install it did not start. I fiddled with everything as much as I could, but it never tried to start. I re-installed the points and it fired right up. Any ideas? Bad one out of the box? Hooked it up wrong? I can't figure it out. I have an e-mail to their customer support, but it may be a few days before I hear back from them.

At this point I am wishing I bought another Pertronix!

 

[Nelson]

Why did your Pertronix fail? Mine went when the HT wire was not connected to the coil while trying to start the engine.

 

[mrsprite]

I think it's because of my coil. I had an Accel in there and I guess the primary resistance was too low and it slowly fried the module. That's the only thing I can think of. I didn't realize that the coil wasn't the correct resistance when I installed the Pertronix a few years ago. I had no issues with the Pertronix, but the Hot Spark was a bit cheaper (famous last words!). I'm hoping I can get it figured out in the morning.....hopefully I didn't fry something.

 

[nomad]

Datsun guys claim the datsun "matchbox" distributor is super reliable and should be a drop in for you. I think I'd try it, salvage yard cheap!

Kurt.

 

[Pythias]

The Crane units are a pain in the butt to install, but once done, I've NEVER heard of a failure. If you put in a Pertronix, carry a spare. That's cheaper than a tow bill because you forgot to carry retro points either. ...

 

[Sarastro]

I recently saw the web site for Hot Spark and wondered if anyone here had had any experience with it. It's definitely cheaper than the Pertronix and seems to be the same idea.

I have always been a bit skeptical of the Pertronix, because I've heard so many stories about how easy it is to fry. Still, I was seduced into putting one on my Porsche 912, just to see how it went, and because the Crane (which I have on the bugeye) is such a pain to install. So far, it's working.

As for your installation--do you have the unit spaced properly from the (whatsit called...) the cylindrical thingy that fits over the points' cam? This can be critical in such systems, and the manufacturer should specify a minimum distance.

Or it could be, as you suggest, just a bad unit. It happens.

 

[Guest]

Datsun guys claim the datsun "matchbox" distributor is super reliable and should be a drop in for you. I think I'd try it, salvage yard cheap!

Kurt.

X2! Plus, the modles for them are small and a spare can be easily carried.