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Pertronix Ignitor failure mode

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Michael Oritt

Michael Oritt

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It is my understanding that the failure mode of a Pertronix Ignitor is simply TOTAL failure: No missing, no warning, no recovery, etc.

I'd appreciate input from any listers who have experienced problems directly attributable to Pertronix ignitors--how they diagnosed and solved the situation, etc.

PLEASE let's not morph this into a discussion of the general merits of points versus electronics ignitions, originality, etc.
 
I haven't had one fail, but know people who have, usual method of diagnosis is make sure all connections are good, if it still doesn't work swap back to points (most people keep the old set they took off) and see if she goes, if she does its probably the Pertronix, if it doesn't work I think they have a 30 month warranty, I have a friend who just went through these steps, called Pertronix support and they agreed to exchange for a new one.

Not aware of a fix, think they work or they are DOA.
 
One sure way it to look at the label, if it looks cooked it's most likely fried.

There isalso a quick test you can do with a meter, I think the procedure is on the Petronix web site, had one go and I was able to tell in a few minutes.

Hope that help,
Michael.
 
I have seen issues with the Pertronix where they start to advance the timing in large increments - 2, 3, 4 degrees at a time instead of a smooth transition. This is generally the sign they are about to fail. It will result in reduced performance without total failure. More often than not this isn't even noticed. Rather yes, they just drop dead 90+% of the time.

On the other hand, if the engine ground is failing, perrformance will be greatly reduced and the Pertronix WILL work intermittently. I generally suggest that a sreet car have at least 2 effective ground straps from the engine/tranny to body and a race car have 3 ground straps from the engine/tranny to body. You need to over come bleed-off voltage from any electric gauges, radios, temp senders, etc... with a surplus of ground to handle incidental voltage spikes.

If you run no charging system in your Elva, also be wary that Pertronix units are stressed by running on low voltage. They like to have a constant voltage input of 12-14V. Their "engineers" (salesmen) claim they work well on 9 volts, but that's just not the case. The car may run, but not well & certianly not at speed.
Jeff
 
I forgot to mention. If this is in your 3000, the solid core spark plug wires in the side-entry cap of the DM6 distirbutor throw off a LOT of RFI noise. That RFI noise can actually shield the Pertronix from reading its own magnetic signal, resulting in random misfires. This may be what you are experiencing? If so you'll be able to see "missing" sparks by using an inductive timing light to watch the timing mark. Misfiring will result in erratic lost strobe function.
 
I'd agree w/Michael,normally the label looks fried. I've installed quite a few units over the last few years & only had a few fail. Usually they fail completely,but I did have 1 a couple weeks ago w/misfire & the magnet that fits over the dist. shaft hadn't been properly seated by the installer. I tapped it down & miss when away. cheers Geno
 
In completion to your original question, I test these on one of 3 Sun distributor testers or the Snap-On Distrib-U-Scope in my shop. I've sold/installed a couple thousands kits in the last 5 years and estimate mortality rate of them to be around 20% in 3 years, usually due to miswiring or mismatching with the wrong coil or a poor engine ground. 3 years seems to be the average module life when attached to a Sport Coil.

About half the time they fry the label will be discolored and you can see/smell the problem. Smaller issues CAN and DO happen resulting in partial failure.
 
So, why would one want a Pertronix when we have you,Jeff. You did my Dizzy two years ago and I haven't had to touch it (yet). Rotor excellent, points haven't changed in dwell at all, advances nicely. I'm very happy with the "old" technology. (and, thanks!)
TH
 
tahoe healey said:
So, why would one want a Pertronix when we have you,Jeff. You did my Dizzy two years ago and I haven't had to touch it (yet). Rotor excellent, points haven't changed in dwell at all, advances nicely. I'm very happy with the "old" technology. (and, thanks!)
TH
Click to expand...


Some folks just old fashioned and there ain't no way to change em. Course now he could ah told Jeff to install a Pertronics then he would know what performanx really is.--- :laugh:
 
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