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Gremlin strikes

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B

boc

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Well, it only took 600 miles for the gremlin to show up. The 4 had been performing flawlessly, including attending the largest British car gathering on the European continent yesterday. We are experiencing a very late Indian summer here and with temps a balmy 74 today, I just couldn't resist a Sunday drive. About 30 miles from home and in very rural area up in the mountains, she just died. Although I have tools with me, I thought what could possibly go wrong as it has just had a complete restoration so i did not have any spares with me. Turned out to be a burnt coil. I used a pertronix flame thrower in the rebuild and am surprised on how short it's lifespan was.
As I didn't have a spare, I had to call the TCS ( equivalent of AAA) and amazingly he had an extra coil with him. Even better, he said if I mailed it back after I got home, I wouldnt have to pay for it. Talk about service with a smile.

I would very much appreciate views on alternative brands of coils. I don't have a lot of confidence in the flamethrower as you might imagine.

Many thanks,

Brett
 
Going back several months a regular on the 6-Pack forum informed us of a confirmed problem with a certain batch of Pertronix coils. Sorry I don't recall the details and the way to identify the particular members of that batch.
 
Sorry for the troubles Brett- but you made it to the show!

Sounds like bad luck struck you - I've been running with a Flamethrower coil for about 4 years now so I can confirm that Flamethrower coils aren't all bad (yet!).
 
I'll throw in another option:
Borg Warner E502.
 
I've got a Bosch Blue coil (w/points). My Lucas Sport coil failed after two years and 10,000 miles (luckily I was a block from home).

I've heard the Flamethrowers made outside the US are not as reliable. I don't know how to identify the difference besides maybe a Country of Origin sticker on the original box.
 
I installed a Flamethrower coil in my car only a couple of months ago.... :eeek: :shocked: :eeek:
 
Ken- Thanks for posting the link regarding the Flamethrower recall. After looking at the info I feel better.... it seems the recall only relates to the epoxy models and the one I purchased is the oil filled model so I am good to go.

Here's the info on the recall from the site that Ken posted showing the effected models... see link for more info:

40611 - Flamethrower 3ohm Epoxy Coil
MGIGKIT - Unimog Civilian Ignition Conversion
MGIGKIT2 - Unimog Civilian Ignition Conversion Less Ignitor
PZIGKIT - Pinzgauer Civilian Ignition Conversion
PZIGKIT2 - Pinzgauer Civilian Ignition Conversion Less Ignitor
 
I also use a Bosch Blue Coil (w/points). I installed it within the last few months and seems to be doing a great job. I guess only time will tell.
 
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