Technical Pertronix Ignitor III

Trying to trouble shoot Ignitor III module without pulling distributor . I have power to the coil from switch. If I use a test light in the coil plug socket on distributor cap shouldn't I have power there when I key the switch?

 

no.

 

Before doing any more troubleshooting, sit down and do some reading on basic auto ignition systems. A system with a Pertronix Igniter works the same as a basic points style system, except take the points out and insert the Igniter, it does the job of controlling primary current through the coil. Understand how the system works first and you'll spend far less time figuring out what's wrong with your's, and wth fr less frustration.

Here's a good article:
https://www.carparts.com/blog/a-short-course-on-ignition-systems/

 

Thanks

 

No the igniter switches the primary windings off and on. Every time the primary side is switched off the electromagnetic field collapses around the secondary windings which induces high voltage through the terminal you're checking. Your test light will not like the 10's of thousands of voltage present at that terminal.

 

I probably pull the distributor tomorrow and test the module like Petronix instructions state, was just trying to short cut it. I would think there should be spark at the spark plug if it was working when cranking the engine

 

Yes, providing the plug body is grounded.

 

Yes the plug will not fire if you're holding it in your hand, it needs to be grounded to complete the circuit.

 

Unless perhaps if he is also holding the engine with his other hand... to find that ground.

 

Thanks, knew it had to be grounded.

 

Three months ago, I installed an Ignitor III in my model T (350). Sitting in the shop, I got it running good enough to pull outside so I could time it without fuming out the garage. It ran long enough to get it outside, then quit after 5 minutes of running. No spark. I called Pertronix tech. He gave me a couple diagnostic checks to verify that the module was good. Even though I never called the Ignitor III a POS, the tech was pretty testy. I got the feeling that he handles a lot of "no spark" calls. I put it back in the package and returned it to Summit for a refund.

 

Starting to look like that, thanks. I have read some reviews like that before I bought, but had figured any reviews you reed have some negative posts.

 

Pet II’s seen to be pretty bullit proof if you use their coil. Keeping the ballast resistor maybe more so....III’s not so much.

 

Did the " pertronix guy" that used to come on & answer all the questions pertaining to that product stop coming / posting here ?

 

I’ve used a ignitor II for several years with their pertronix flame thrower coil, no problems. I’ve always had good interactions with their customer service. I would recommend calling them to troubleshoot


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Why are so many guys afraid to pull a distributor?
An often overlooked item with Pertronix is the clearance between the magnet ring and ignitor when the dist. shaft moves up and down.
If not within the specified parameters, the unit will not function correctly.
To obtain the specs the distributor must be out of the engine.

 

Not afraid to pull distributor, just was looking for short , pulled it , tested , bad, went back, installed points distributor back in.

 

I think you are referring to @hotroddon
his profile shows him still active here.