This was what happened to the Pertronix in our '54 Ranch Wagon,the carbon wire from the coil to the distributor failed and shorted out the module,I replaced it with points. HRP
I also have the II, supposedly you can leave the key on and not hurt it. Haven't done that (yet), but I did do a compression check without disconnecting it or grounding the plugs (dumb**** at work) and that didn't seem to bother it.
I have used Pertronix in four of my vehicles. The first an Ignitor 1 It failed in a few years. Pertroomix replaced it with the Ignitor 2. That too failed in a few years. This time Summit replaced the unit. It is performing fine with the exception of the noise the radio makes when the tach is hooked up. Sent from my 9024W using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
All the talk about the reliability of points, I think many folks have conveniently forgot about those times they had to clean and set the points sitting on the side of the road. At night. In the rain. I'm not as old as some of you, but I grew up with cars and bikes that used breaker point ignition systems, I haven't completely forgotten about doing that at least a few times. I recall being stranded out on El Mirage dry lake bed one camping trip, and having to catch a ride into Adelanto to get a new set of points and condensor at a local auto parts store, who thank God happened to have what I needed for the Holley distributor in my IH. Oh yeah, the good ol' days.
FYI, it seems that the weak link these days is with the condensor. And I've read a couple of places that .22uf is the right capacitance, but you need high voltage. Here's Mallory .22uf, 630v, film capacitor, for $1.40 US : https://www.tubesandmore.com/products/capacitor-mallory-630v-150s-axial-lead Is that the right capacitance/voltage?
Yes. Should work OK. 0.22uF @600 volts or better. Should fit inside the distributor, though there isn't anything that says they need to.
Good news - I was able to find the supplier that I purchased the Pertronix from - JEGS. They were great to deal with and honored the warranty. Sending me a new unit. I will find another distributor to use as a spare and install points, condenser, etc. in it along with a spare coil. Happy ending.
Most electronics get a longer life at lower temperatures, so inside the distributor might not be an ideal place. But it's a nice, dry place, and out of sight for those who care about keeping modern capacitors hidden.
Right, Tubman (I think) makes the external Mallory type reproduction condensors with modern innards for the restoration crowd.
Negative lead goes to the mounting bracket base screw, positive lead goes to the primary terminal. Capacitor will be marked for polarity. Or... if you buy a bipolar cap, it can be wired in either direction.
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