Technical 59ab flathead crab distributor with pertronix need HELP!!!!

I have a 59 ab crab distributor flathead with pertronix installed. Starts fine, idles fine, no misses. At a little over 2000 rpm it starts to stumble and miss. I have a 94 and 97 carb, both rebuilt and It does the same with either carb. Correct coil, and wires. It runs a little better some times, but does not like full throttle. I have tried every thing I know, maybe a someone on the hamb will have some ideas. I need help please. Thanks Ron

 

You don’t need a hamber, you need a hammer.

 

Thanks for your help!! Flathead is stock, single carb

 

Is this a new build? New pertronix unit to an already road proven vehicle? How’s the charging system?

 

Is your vacuum brake hooked up or are you running full advance all of the time. Was the distributor set up on a timing machine after the conversion?

 

older rebuild, .060 over. Rebuilt gen, usa voltage regulator, all work good. Thanks for the reply.

 

set up on a sun, vacuum brake on and set up at the time. Thanks

 

Put the points back in it.

 

Look over your grounds. Try grounding the distributor at one of the mounting bolts. Or just go back to points.

 

I thought the vacuum brake was ditched do to the better fuels we have today compared to back then. Not getting enough advance?

 

You can’t “ditch” the vacuum brake on a Ford distributor. You need to keep at least a very slight resistance on the unit to prevent bouncing.

And, I’ve heard Pertinux experts say they can’t be run with generators.

 

So I looked up the unit for the dist you're running. Spec's say Neg ground and 12-V. By my own experience I've learned they also like a steady 12.6 current feed. How does your charging current compare to that?
Specifications:
Part Type
Ignition Conversion Kit
Product Line
Pertronix Ignitor Kits
Advance Type
Vacuum and mechanical
CARB EO Number
D-57-22 (pdf)
Conversion Kit Trigger Style
Hall effect
Ground
Negative
Package Depth
1.70
Package Height
5.70
Package Width
4.80
Part Category
Performance Parts
Part Fitment
Semi Universal
Quantity
Sold as a kit
Rev Limiter
No
Shipping Weight
.32
Title (Custom)
PerTronix 1285LS Ignitor Ford 1942-48 Flathead 8 cylinder
Vendor Part Number
1285LS
Volts
12 volts

 

128p6 6 volts pos ground. lots of grounds, clean, engine starter, frame, none to distributor. Many have generators with no issues. Thanks Ron

 

Also, many have.

 

Might check fuel pressure and flow, if you haven't already.
The generator could be making electrical noise and scrambling the ignition signal. One way to check is to disconnect the generator and connect a battery charger to the battery. Run the engine and see if things change. Good luck!

 

I will say I'm a big supporter of Pertronix. I currently have 4 vehicles with them in place and functioning very well and have been for years. I have also had excellent service from there Tec support Line when customers show up with issues. I have yet to find an issue that wasn't brought on by the installer thinking past the instructions. My solution and starting point has always call them when it isn't obvious. 909-599-5955 end result has always been a happy customer.

 

Thanks for all your help and ideas. I will be calling the tech line tomorrow!!

 

Put the points back in it as suggested.

 

as I have heard I need at least another set of points and condencer because the good ones are so hard to find. I understand that some folks hate pertronix, got it. I have taken the crab off on the lift, no prob. Now lets take it off on the road, hot engine, hot ground, and hope I have the right tools. You points people are tougher them I am. Thanks Ron

 

I thank all who chimed in. This is a great forum with a wealth of information. If and when I figure this out, I will let the pertronix people know what I have learned. Ron

 

Ron I have installed a number Pertronix conversions in the 59A type crab distributers. Tuned most of them as well. In every single one of them that primitive brake retard adjustment on the top of the housing I always back it completely off. Another detail I always do is increase the length of the breaker plate adjustment slot in the side of the distributer housing so more timing if needed can be set.
Ronnieroadster

 

Thanks Ronnieroadster, I will back the vacumn brake off. I also wondered about the small amount of timing advance. I really appeciate you reply. Ron

 

Pist-N-Broke nailed the normal issue that causes problems with Pertronix. Those that don't follow directions or try to cut corners and don't buy the full meal deal for the conversion.
I'd say that this is a get it dialed in tuning issue and you got some good advice to go with.

My boat came with one on the 350 it has in it and I do have on the water towing insurance but it does fire right off when you go to start it.