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need help with electronic distributor

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Tim_Creger

Tim_Creger

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I've converted my '72 MGB (late 70's engine) to electronic ignition/distributor. It is a Pertronix unit. I made the mistake of pulling out the old 45D without noting rotor and spark plug wire positions, (I know, I know - rookie mistake).

I've reinstalled the new dizzy following both Pertronix's instructions and the primary static timing setup in my Haynes manual. I have "spark" at the test light plugged into #1 plug, but no luck getting it to fire to life. By spark, I mean I get the inline test light to light up, but I am uncertain if the light color changes with the strength of the spark. Right now is a medium yellow color.

Given I don't have a very good idea of exactly what position the old dizzy was when removed and where the new dizzy should sit, I followed Moss Motors and University Motors videos on YouTube to get as close as I could (since static timing can't be done on an EI dizzy the way it can on a points dizzy).

I've got a few things left to check, such as low batteries not generating enough juice, improper coil for the new dizzy (still using the old one), and... what else? Can anyone think of some trick I can use to get this critter running again?
 
If all else is well and only your timing is slightly off here is how I have started the car with a Pertronix fit.

Loosen the distributor clamp so you can turn it by hand.

Have someone crank the motor while you turn the distributor back and forth until it catches (use a glove, sometimes the high voltage spark wants to arc through your paw, won't kill you but doesn't feel good) once it is running dial it in by hand to get it running decent and do the fine tuning with a timing light and or seat of the pants tuning.

I have done this a couple times with fresh rebuilds and Pertronix installs, works pretty well.

If this does not work you have other issues.

Good luck!
 
ALso check to make sure that you have the plug wires, firing order in a clock wise configuration. Silly me, done that too.
 
Dave,

Clockwise?!? My MGB manuals and the rotor turn counter-clockwise. Wouldn't you want to have the plug wire firing order (1342) going the same direction as the rotor rotates?
 
That's a head-scratcher. You had spark but it's a defective distributor?
 
Pertronix tested it as defective, claimed the module wasn't working. I've received the new dizzy, but want to check the timing gear alignment first, just to make sure it isn't something more serious before I try to install it.
 
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