Fried Pertronix &$*%&#

[helocat]

Fried Pertronix

I have not moved my 78’ for some time, tried moving it last night DOA. Toss in a new battery, it turns over but nothing. Pop the cap on the F distributor (ya PO put it on) thinking I might have pulled the rotor a month + ago to disable it. Under the cap is a gooey mess of molasses looking stuff, rotor is caked in it. Closer look the Petronix module was fried, and I mean its nasty. (Has that smell to it too) Turns out the last person (a friend) to move the truck did not fully shut off the ignition. My fault since I have had the ignition switch dangling so I did not need the key. He could not tell he still had it in the on position after the motor stopped. So word of warning! Don’t let you Petronix mod stay on without the motor running too long. Just ordered another $&%^$& $83 Petronix module. Man I wish I had the OEM dizzy in there!

Mark

[cruiserbrett]

That must have been cooking for a while. pertronix are pretty durable. I had one puke some stuff when hooked up wrong and after it cooled off following the melt down it kept on working for years. That sucks though.
Cant you switch back to points/condensor??

Also, $83 is pretty steep.

[mantis]

Originally Posted by helocat

Fried Pertronix

I have not moved my 78’ for some time, tried moving it last night DOA. Toss in a new battery, it turns over but nothing. Pop the cap on the F distributor (ya PO put it on) thinking I might have pulled the rotor a month + ago to disable it. Under the cap is a gooey mess of molasses looking stuff, rotor is caked in it. Closer look the Petronix module was fried, and I mean its nasty. (Has that smell to it too) Turns out the last person (a friend) to move the truck did not fully shut off the ignition. My fault since I have had the ignition switch dangling so I did not need the key. He could not tell he still had it in the on position after the motor stopped. So word of warning! Don’t let you Petronix mod stay on without the motor running too long. Just ordered another $&%^$& $83 Petronix module. Man I wish I had the OEM dizzy in there!

Mark

I have a Unilite I would've sold you for dirt cheap... back on the shelf it goes to collect more dust.

[green73]

My roomie has fried 2 Pertronix modules in his VW, hooked up exactly like I have in my FJ. I have never had an issue with mine. We even removed the MSD box from his bug before the second Pertronix and he still fried it. Good luck!

[cruiseroutfit]

I have warrantied a couple, in both cases the key was left on for extended periods of time?

Pertronix is really good about the warranty (at least they used to be), and I agree with CruiserBrett, shop around, a Pert kit can be scored for a little less.

[baldredhead]

wasn't the pertronix II introduced in part to fix this problem?

[helocat]

Originally Posted by cruiseroutfit

I have warrantied a couple, in both cases the key was left on for extended periods of time?

Pertronix is really good about the warranty (at least they used to be), and I agree with CruiserBrett, shop around, a Pert kit can be scored for a little less.

Yes the key was left on for over a month, enough to drain the yellow top that was in the truck.

$83 is the look around price in Portland, OR. in fact thats my discounted rate. Obviously not the best rate as I dont order alot of parts on the shop account. (Metal Tech does not do regular service work or sell retail parts) Most places are pushing them for $90-100 each around here. I would send it in for warranty but, it looks like it was deep fried and no doubt my fault and not Pertx. I will give you a call next time I need a part like this!

Mark

[helocat]

Originally Posted by mantis

I have a Unilite I would've sold you for dirt cheap... back on the shelf it goes to collect more dust.

Thanks Mike. I will just toss this one in and pull the bat. for delayed use.

Mark

[Landpimp]

I think so, at least that what I thought I read.

and in general its not a good idea to leave the key in run if not running, the FSM even says to......it will kill the coil and/or points I think.

Originally Posted by baldredhead

wasn't the pertronix II introduced in part to fix this problem?

[cruiseroutfit]

This thread and a couple emails sparked my interest... so I did some reading on the new Pert. II kit.

The Ignitor II senses current levels in the coil and adjusts the dwell to maintain
peak energy throughout the entire RPM range. Dwell angle is increased or
decreased with changing engine RPM and operating conditions. This provides
more energy at high RPM, reducing misfires while improving engine
performance.
Compared to point-type systems, develops on average 4 times more available
energy between 3000 and 5000 RPM, and 2 times more available plug voltage.
Compared to the original Ignitor, develops on average 3 times more available
energy between 3000 and 5000 RPM, and nearly doubles available plug voltage.
Higher RPM performance is improved when used with the new Flame-Thrower® II
super low resistance (0.6 ohms) 45,000 volt coil. Also compatible with other coils.
Peak current level is reached just prior to spark, so ignition energy is sustained
with less heat build-up, increasing coil and module life.
Adjusts spark timing over the entire RPM range to compensate for the inherent
electronic delay, resulting in more stable timing.
Senses engine startup and increases dwell time, providing more energy
for starting.
Senses incorrectly wired Ignitor II or a “key left on” condition and shuts down the
system, protecting the module, coil and other components from damage.
Temperature Range: -50° to 300° F.
RPM Range: 0 to 15,000 RPM.
Compatible with 12-volt negative ground systems.
Legal in all 50 states and Canada (C.A.R.B. E.O. #D-57-2).
Guaranteed for 30 months...We Stand Behind It!

I still havn't been able to get one of these in stock, they are BO'd as per my vendor.

[64fj40]

Originally Posted by helocat

Man I wish I had the OEM dizzy in there!

Been there. I went through 2 coils and 3 sets of melted points before I figured out that my ignition switch wasn't turning off. I got tired of dealing with points - that's why I went to Pertronix in the first place. No problems ever since.

Eric

[dietoy]

cruiseroutfitters,
Have you been able to get ahold of any Pertonix II yet? (I am unfamiler with the term BO'd)
Thank you

[makibaka]

(I am unfamiler with the term BO'd)

"backordered"?

[dieselcruiserhead]

Mark you gotta change that funky ignition system, I still remember that. And the clutch pedal still in there?