Testing a pertronix set up

[1lo620]

So I have had some issues with getting my truck running after swapping points for a pertronix. It came off another truck and was fine.. I have static timed it..many times.still won't run. So thinking it may be pertronix. Any help on how to test would be helpful. Thanks 

[Stoffregen Motorsports]

I don't think you can test a Pertronix, or at least, I don't know how.

 

I do know that they will burn out if you use the wrong coil. They require a set range of OHMs. Pertronix figured out a long time ago that many people were doing this wrong and started selling coils too.

 

Did you install the Pertronix coil too?

[datzenmike]

Pull a plug wire, put an old plug in the end, hold against the head and turn the engine with the starter. Got spark?

 

Set TDC compression stroke on number one cylinder. Check that both number one cam lobes are pointing upwards at 10 and 2 o'clock to be sure you are on compression stroke. Now look at rotor position. It should be under or near the number one plug wire on the cap.

 

With spark and approximate timing it should at least try to start.

 

 

Coil should be for a points distributor with a 1.5 ohm resistance and a 1.5 ohm ballast resistor. Or you can run a 3 ohm coil without the ballast.

[Stoffregen Motorsports]

Oh, yeah. I was thinking bench test, like with a multi-meter.

[1lo620]

I knew I could count on you Datzenmike...lol. I would give this a try. Been driving Redeye crazy with all my questions 

[datzenmike]

If he's like me it's more of a put than a drive.

[1lo620]

He is a good guy. He has always helped me out. Just feel I drive him crazy at times...I am not much of a mechanic..but I am learning.  

[bananahamuck]

if you leave key on with power to ignition system without engine running,  for a sizeable period of time , it will roach the pertronix. 

[datzenmike]

Good to know. The EI in Datsuns has a safety circuit that shuts it off if no pulses detected from not running. It also has a current limiter so won't blow up if you use some wizz bang low impedance after market coil.

[banzai510(hainz)]

just pull the center wire from the dist cap and place near ground. START. if it sparks and starts snapping the Pertronix is good. weither the motor is timed up or not.

 

I never had a Pertronix go bad myself. I had the Magnet ring tape peel off the the magnets get stuck to the dist.  I I buy a extra magnet ring. Nail Polish the edge of the tap so it dont peel.

 

Pertronix will go bad if not ballast resisitor in system and left ON.

 

Mallory Unilites would go BAD also if no Ballast resisitor.

 

Shit I was in San Antonio recently!!1 I could have installed it then.  Horribly Place too HOT.  I was right on the River Walk Crockett street(hotel)

 

 

Edited September 22, 2023 by banzai510(hainz)

[banzai510(hainz)]

update???????? on checking if this Pertronix works

[David Krouse]

Ok so I checked my Pertronix and I got spark. And I also got spark at spark plug #1. So it has to be timing? Yes/no? I hate this crap. I feel I had it timed right. But still nothing. I sure don't know what the heck I am doing. Sorry I am not much of a mechanic. Steve (Redeye) and Hainz have always helped me out with the big stuff. I am not sure what up I guess back to the drawing board. 

[]2eDeYe]

Check cam and crank tdc at #1 

 

The rotor should be pointing at the #1 spark plug wire. 

[datzenmike]

I guess the signal wheel may be in a different position than the points were. Get a timing light.

[banzai510(hainz)]

pertronix use a ballast resistor unless this is a 3ohm coil

[1lo620]

Well the picture is the coil set up I have, it is a stock 77 620. With factory tach. No ballist resistor...does that mean so what 

[banzai510(hainz)]

I think a 77 was Point truck vehicle like your chop top that installed the Lat Pertronix.

Your photo DONT have a ballast just coil so was this truck running with points?????????????????

 

What does the coil say?

 

If you can find a Old School VW or British car place I bet they can get this going fast

Edited October 2, 2023 by banzai510(hainz)

[datzenmike]

'78 and '79 L20Bs were EI except California emission trucks which had some kind of EI from '76.

 

The blue coil does not look stock so find out what the primary resistance is because without a ballast it should be around 3 ohms. Otherwise 1.5 ohm coil and 1.5 ohm ballast.

[David Krouse]

Yes this was a points truck up to a few month's back when I put the Pertronix in it. The coil was put in by a shop 4/5 yrs ago and never had any issues with it ..with the points that is. 

[David Krouse]

Hell at this point should just go back to points..

[datzenmike]

[banzai510(hainz)]

did you leave the wires on the cap? so you didnt mess with the fire order?

just unclip the dist cap and flip over and pull the dist.  Some people dont even pull the dist and replace it right there.

 

maybe you just needed to adjust the timing plate adjustment under the dist,

[]2eDeYe]

21 hours ago, 1lo620 said:

Well the picture is the coil set up I have, it is a stock 77 620. With factory tach. No ballist resistor...does that mean so what 

 

19 hours ago, David Krouse said:

Hell at this point should just go back to points..

What is happening here lol.
Do you need me to fix your account again? 

[1lo620]

It may seem simple for you all but I am not a mechanic. I have explained this to Steve.and Hainz. I don't have a timing light I am struggling to statuc time it. As steve has shown me...I enjoy the custom aspect and the style of the 620s. But unfortunately I really have nit learned to work on them. I have had friends and shops do the work over the years.  So if I can't get this figured out. More than likely it will need to go to a shop. You all are mechanics and the 5he how toos and enjoy it...I do not

That being said,, the coil had no ballist resistor .. if I need to put one on how is that done. And I don't know how to adjust the pertronix distributor plate 

[banzai510(hainz)]

21 hours ago, 1lo620 said:

And I don't know how to adjust the pertronix distributor plate 

How about take the 10mm hold down bolt out  for the timing adjust (the slot).  rotate the dist left or right maybe it will get more in time to fire off. so the module lines up to fire.

Edited October 4, 2023 by banzai510(hainz)