how does pertronix ignition work
The position in which the Ignitor red wire is attached to is not supplying sufficient voltage. On one of the forums I regularly peruse, I find people trashing Pertronix when what failed on them was actually some unbranded module bought on eBay. When either of these things happens, your vintage car dies. Simply remove your points and condenser (or old electronic unit) to install the kit into the distributor, attach the two wires to the appropriate positions, and you're done. Its pretty subtlejust a red and a black wire from the distributor to the coil. It doesnt give you a hotter spark (despite the fact that one vendor is literally named Hot-Spark) or fire the plugs multiple times in rapid succession. I do not know if this is supposed to apply to the standard Pertronics Ignitor model. This creates a temporary charge across the primary coil winding, bringing the voltage up to several hundred volts. This is providing you have the original Ignitor. Since the coil is a basic transformer, a pulse of up to 50,000 volts moves across its secondary windings. Simply install the kit into the distributor attach the two wires to the appropriate location, and youre done. At high engine speeds, a weak spark often becomes the limiting factor for performance and even causes misfires. The best possible remedy for this problem is to wire the Ignitor units RED WIRE directly to a switched 12-volt source away from any voltage reduced circuit, such as a resister wire or ballast resistor. This rubbing block wears, which changes the timing and the point gap, altering both the performance and the amount of spark available," Don explains. | Barn Find Hunter, Faster Than An F1 Car! "Float is where the spring can't keep up, and the points don't close all the way, causing misfires. Required fields are marked *. The burning mixture expands, creating the energy needed to force the piston down against the crankshaft to make power. What applications are covered with the Pertronix Flame-Thrower coils? There are currently more than 70units in the IgnitorII range that suit most popular makes of car, truck, bus and marine engines. We're talking more than four times the available energy from the coil than in a point-triggered distributor! Your email address will not be published. Get our monthly blog articles right in your inbox. However, a lot happens between turning the key to the ignition system and the small explosion within the cylinder. The perfect combinations are planned and we've done just that taking two of our best sellers and combining them in one package for the optimal pairing. Its for these reasons that the ignitionparticularly the pointsis one of The Big Seven reasons that a vintage car may die. Buried in Pertronixs documentation is a procedure to measure the modules voltage with a multimeter as you move the magnetic ring toward and away from it. Electronic things do that sometimes, which is why I don't like them in my car. Some people express concern that if a triggering module dies, it cant be diagnosed, only replaced. From my experience rebuilding in excess of 15,000 Lucas distributors, failure rate is at least 50% in the first 3 years of ownership (and that's being generous). More importantly, when you switch it off quickly the current keeps flowing for a bit. In cars with a push-button start, a small computer in the ignition switch sends a signal telling the battery to start releasing energy into the ignition system while activating the starter. Remote igniters send a signal to the igniter that then lights the fuel in a furnace. Since I have installed the Ignitor the engine won't start. includes the Digital HP Capacitive Discharge Ignition Box and a Flame Thrower III Canister Coil. Any ignition switch is going to work just like the light switch in a home. Pertronix Brings Modern Distributor Technology To Obscure - EngineLabs Don't have an account? In most modern cars, the standard ignition coil has been replaced with a coil for each cylinder of the engine. There are no parts to wear out, so in a healthy electrical system, the Ignitor can operate indefinitely. Do you need vacuum advance with electronic ignition? For that reason, solid core wires have lower resistance than other wires to get maximum energy to the plugs. This is the basic change that occurs in every modern electronic ignition system. It is the user's responsibility to operate and use the product in a safe and responsible manner, and to ensure that all necessary precautions are taken to avoid any potential damage or loss. It is common to find the car sitting on the side of the road on a Sunday afternoon, and the owner on a cell pone trying to figure out where he might buy another Pertronics module on short notice. They feature precision machined bodies, and tempered distributor shafts that have low torsion displacement for more accurate timing," says Don. In older cars this is done with a distributor timing light, much like a times strobe light. However, once the ignition key is turned on, a circuit is completed, allowing the batterys electricity to start flowing. Yes, all prices, pictures, and descriptions on this website are subject to change. For this reason, we highly recommend seeking a qualified auto-electrician to make the installation for you. Attach an 18 or 20 AWG jumper wire from the negative coil terminal to an engine ground. Troubleshooting for Pertronix Ignitor and Coil Installation With the tremendous growth of the performance industry in the 90's, PerTronix began to shift our emphasis to our automotive product offering. Each cylinder needs to receive its spark to ignite the fuel and air mixture at the correct time. "Introducing multiple sparks ensure that the all of the air/fuel mixture inside the combustion chamber gets burned for maximum efficiency and peak power. Any one of those 60 sparks going amiss can at best be mildly annoying, and at worst cost you a race or an engine. We will issue you an RMA and provide instructions for returning your product. Resistance 1.5 Keep in mind PerTronix ignitions needcarbon-suppression, or spiral-wound wire:https://www.hotrod.com/articles/1006rc-ignition-wiring/. One was due to my simply wiring it incorrectly. Most cars built in the mid-1970s and after stopped using ignition points as the electronic ignition system became popular. If you have trouble getting it to run (usually no spark), then see these documents before you ask questions: Troubleshooting - - - Individual coils also allow for different dwell times, which can increase spark at higher rpm and let the coils run cooler for longer life. The basic workings are familiar to any car buff. Now the maximum system amperage can be determined. Pertronix Ignition "Problems & Failures" (It's Actually YOU) Butlets start with the basics. Most people are familiar with the components in an ignition system, such as the distributor, coil, plug wires, plugs, and ignition box. The ground wire inside the distributor is not connected. Todd, since you need a new coil, I would suggest you buy the PerTronix 1.5ohm coil part #40001 for chrome or #40011 for black and run without a ballast resistor. PerTronix has all of the information and parts needed for any car or engine. Did the Ignitor install without any modification? What type of applications can the Ignitor be used in? To understand what is it and how it works, we first need to define dwell and how it can impact performance. The spark plug wires then carry the voltage to the spark plug where the current amps the gap, creating a spark inside the combustion chamber. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. No, we do not currently ship our products internationally from our web store. 35 for most consistent performance. I only have 1.3 V at the coil when the coil is hooked up to the pertronix igntion. NOTE: THE PERTRONIX IGNITOR IS EFFECTIVELY A "GO" OR "NO" SYSTEM. While there were optical systems where light from an LED was detected through a rotating slit, its the magnetic Hall Effect-based systems that have come to dominate the aftermarket. How To Install a Pertronix Ignitor Ignition System Classic - YouTube Adjust your meter to the lowest ohm scale. Testing MSD Street Fire ignition & Pertronix Ignitor #28 - YouTube Sometimes a prior owner removed the resistor in an attempt to always provide a stronger spark. What can I check? Do not be terribly surprised if the module is just dead. Sign up today! The coil is fine (3 ohms), but the pertronix ignition is not working (no spark). The distributor cap sends the current to the rotor, which in turn sends it back to the distributor cap sepal plug wire terminals for each cylinder in a timed manner. Turn ignition on. (See 'Misfiring' point above for 'Voltage Testing' tips). ", Sometimes, one spark isn't enough, which is why many aftermarket ignition systems feature multiple spark technology. Some applications may require a little more work, which may add to the level of difficulty. However, due to globalization, even if you buy the parts at the dealer, you really have no idea where theyre coming from and what their quality is. From Barney: -- I have replaced a few Pertronics modules after failure. Our innovative Digital HP Ignition Box represents our continued commitment to lead the ignition industry. So do your own research and make up your own mind. Shipping and handling fees will not be refunded unless returns are for defective products, products that were not described accurately, or incorrect orders. This circuit is for Negative Earth conversion only. The spark plug wires then carry the voltage to the spark plug where the current amps the gap, creating a spark inside the combustion chamber. a flange on the distributor shaft may need to be shimmed, or a Vacuum Advance screw and or bracket may need to be filed back) which may add to the level of difficulty. I do have a report of solid core HT wires messing up function of the Pertronics-II unit so it doesn't run right, but was okay after changing to resistor wires. "The shaft's upper ball bearing and extra long oil impregnated bronze lower bushing work together to reduce friction and high-rpm vibration, thereby extending longevity. Click on the diagram below to view the proper Ignitor wiring. The tune-up of a vintage car usually includes replacement of the points and condenser. When I disconnect the pertronix ignition from the coil, I have 12 V at the coil again. The product gained wide acceptance with fleet managers, who came to realize the dramatic improvement in reliability and reduced maintenance cost it offered. In addition to all that, inside the distributor are springs and weights that conspire to advance the sparkhave it fire sooneras engine RPM increases. In modern cars, distributors have been replaced in the ignition system with a set of coils sitting directly on top of each spark plug. How It Works - Pertronix Ignition Systems - MotorTrend To update your account information go to our Account page by clicking on this link. Cars have multiple cylinders (e.g., 4-cylinder, 6-cylinder, etc.). IF THE VEHICLE HAS AN INTERMITTENT FAULT, AT CERTAIN TIMES OR REVS, THIS IS GENERALLY AN ENGINE PROBLEM, AND IS NOT THE FAULT OF THE IGNITOR. See all 18 photos (above and next two photos) The Pertronix Ignitor and. Thats not entirely true. The precise amount of voltage is determined by the spark plug's requirement to fire, which can be anywhere from 5,000 volts or slightly more depending on the condition of the spark plug, the gap, and what is happening inside the combustion chamber. I quit selling them 3-4 years ago and I'd bet less than 20% of the units I sold are still functioning. PerTronix ignition products are maintenance free systems that are unparalleled in the industry.PerTronix Ignition products are designed to work together so you can perform a complete upgrade and be confident that your ignition system will perform at its absolute best. The spark plug wires then carry the voltage to the spark plug where the current amps the gap, creating a spark inside the combustion chamber. Your jeep sounds like what I am interested in. No, we do not accept responsibility for any damage or loss of parts incurred during the operation or use of our products. The suppression wires do an excellent job of controlling the EMI with no degradation to the ignition performance.If, you don't know how to identify thetype of wire on the engine. PerTronix Second Strike ignition box provides the best of both worlds, featuring a long inductive spark followed by a powerful capacitive second spark. As modern vehicle features evolve, the purpose remains the same. Make sure that the ignition switch is off and disconnect all wires from the coil. Pertronix ignition can be static timed in the same manner as points ignition. The 2023 NASCAR Clash at the LA Coliseum Was Another Hit, Victory and Disappointment for Corvette Racing at Sebring, Anatomy of a Street Racer: 1967 Chevy Camaro SS 396 Clone, You'll Nova Believe What This Woman Endured to Get Her Stolen Classic Car Back. What happens if ignition points are too close? This high current is carried from the coil's high tension terminal, through the coil wire, and to the distributor. A coil is a coupled inductor, consisting of two windings around a common magnetic core. What are the signs of a bad ignition coil? In contrast, when you install a PerTronix Ignitor in a factory original distributor you are gaining all the electronic benefits described above, but if the distributor is worn or not performance oriented, it will not allow for all the performance upgrades Flame Thrower distributors have to offer. When you order one for positive earth application it comes with one wire in a different color and different instruction paper for installation. The most obvious is that regardless of whether the subject at hand is a performance vehicle or a grocery getter, ignition points wear out. Any ignition switch is going to work just like the light switch in a home. 6213). PerTronix manufactures the aftermarket's finest ignition products for enthusiasts who want to upgrade the spark in their system resulting in a noticeable gain in horsepower. When the points open and close, the electric charge can cause an arc to jump between the point faces. These circuits usually are in the wire from the ignition switch to the coil. It sends the spark to each cylinder at exactly the right moment, it triggers the coil when to fire, it advances the ignition timing and, in most cases, is used to spin the oil pump. We perform an enormous amount of testing to ensure that each coil meets our quality standards. At 7,000 rpm, a spark plug ignites the air/fuel mixture nearly 60 times per second. By doing this, you eliminate the mechanical trappings that now allow more control and reliability in the spark management," says Don. (Part No. Pertronix lobe sensing kits use unique lobe sensor technology, which uses the point cam to trigger, rather than a magnet sleeve or ring. Shop the. What type of coil can I use with the Ignitor? If its less, the ignition will draw more current than the Pertronix is rated for, and fry it. If a credit card authorization fails, we reserve the right to cancel your order without notifying you. The Ignitor II differs from the Ignitor in that it's a "smart" ignition system, able to sense current levels of power in the ignition coil and adjust the dwell as you drive. Each cylinder needs to receive its spark to ignite the fuel and air mixture at the correct time. Don't have an account? To figure this out, a quick look at the two wires on the Ignitor's is all that is needed. Its easiest if you remove the distributor, as working the little rubber grommet into the hole previously occupied by the plug for the condenser sometimes requires a little dexterity, but if you do it with the dizzy in place, great. By passing the electricity through this ignition coil, the low-voltage electricity coming from the battery is converted to the high-voltage needed to jump the spark plug gap and ignite the air fuel mixture. This does not apply to the accessory position of the ignition switch. Next-Gen Ford Mustang Shelby Spied Testing, 2022 Mercedes-EQ EQB350 First Test: Please, Sir, Can I Have More Range? When Jim Hairston from Pertronix sent us the Ignitor II drop-in electronic ignition for older, point-triggered Autolite and Motorcraft distributors, it was deja vu all over again. Starts faster, idles smoother, all around a very nice upgrade. Price differences related to future or past prices in our store or any other store are not refundable. An inductor resists changes in current, so when you switch it on it takes a while for the current to start flowing. Check to see if vacuum increases dramatically when you rev the motor well past idle. ", While many stock-style ignition systems inductive spark technology, aftermarket ignition systems usually employ capacitive discharge technology instead. While its the perfect coil to go with the PerTronix Ignitor breakerless ignition, our 40,000 volt Flame-Thrower canister coil can benefit virtually any distributor type inductive system. Pertronix has never been a company to rest on its accomplishments. And this raises a third problem. Standard ignition systems have a fixed dwell angle, meaning that the coil is charged for a fixed period of time during the engine cycle. All claims for shortages, damages, etc. How do you troubleshoot a Pertronix ignition? For the Pertronix Ignitor II installation, the gap should be . Sign up today! Was the Ignitor installed according to the instructions? Many 1960s muscle cars did not come with rev-limiters from the factory, but fear not, PerTronix offers a way to add a digital rev-limiter without having to install an aftermarket ignition box. Pertronix Ignitor conversion | Cadillac Owners Forum PerTronix Electronic Distributor Ignition Systems for Flawless Engine Voltage 12 Attach the black lead of the multimeter to the Ignitor module black wire. These types of electronic ignition systems without distributors need even less maintenance. This causes high-voltage current to flow through the secondary windings, out the coil, and to the center of the distributor cap, where it is carried to the spark plug that the rotor is in contact with. All packages must be inspected upon receipt for any missing or damaged goods. Yes, most capacitive discharge boxes are compatible with the Ignitor. Strangely, ignition systems are one of those things that hot rodders seldom think about until something goes wrong. This substantial growth, along with the addition of our Flame-Thrower coil and spark plug wire product lines made it necessary for PerTronix to expand production and relocate to a brand new 22,000 square foot custom manufacturing facility in 1997. With electronic ignition systems, which began in 1972, the points in the distributor were eliminated. You can also order personally inscribed copies here. Benefits of a conversion to electronic ignition | Hemmings An electronic pick-up replaced the points eliminating the need for maintenance or replacement. How do I check my coil's resistance? Normally, when a car is sitting and the ignition is off, the battery is not connected to the system and holds energy. For more information or to find the right ignition system part for your car, truck, or motorcycle, contact PerTronix Performance Brands today. Turn the ignition switch off. The Pertronix Ignitor does essentially the same thing as the original points and condenser, making and breaking the ground connection for the coil. So it seems that the pertronix ignition is fried and I must purchase a new one. Testing MSD Street Fire ignition & Pertronix Ignitor. Additionally the pertronix iii needs the flamethrower iii coil that is .32 ohms. While the benefits of these systems are obvious, they come with drawbacks as well. "In an ignition system, the purpose of the coil is to multiply the 12 volts supplied by the battery into tens of thousands of volts. This change in the magnetic field causes a sharp spike in the primary windings amounting to several hundred volts. Sparkor rather the high voltage that generates sparkis created inside the ignition coil, but components inside distributor act as the triggering mechanism for that high voltage, releasing it at the proper time. If the voltage measured is approximately 12 volts, no resistance wire is present. When you add the Pertronix Flame-Thrower II coil, ignition energy doubles. Discounts cannot be applied to previous orders or orders outside the designated dates within the promotion. Divide your voltage measurement by your coil resistance measurement. Install the Ignitor module onto the adapter plate. Connect the red Ignitor module lead to the battery positive terminal using a jumper wire if required. If youre lucky, it happens someplace where you can pull over, diagnose the problem, replace the points with a spare set you have in your glovebox, use a matchbook or feeler gauge to re-gap them, and be on your way, as happened to my wife and me in her 71 VW bus in Texarkana in 1982. Our innovative Digital HP Ignition Box represents our continued commitment to lead the ignition industry. If your car is experiencing any of the problems listed below, you may have a faulty ignition coil on your hands: One of the most common symptoms associated with a faulty ignition coil is engine performance issues. The magnetic field in the coil will charge and then discharge based on the points opening and closing sending the spark through the coil wire into the distributor where it is sent to the appropriate cylinder by the rotor inside the distributor.