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I'm wanting to switch to a Pertonix system but am having a frustrating time finding the correct one. I've tried the 1261 and the 1266 but neither of them fit. It's a '67 F100 with a 240. Web searches and discussions with the Pertronix and Summit reps have led me to where I am now.
The distributor is very corroded so I can't clearly pull the numbers. Here are a couple of pictures in case someone has better eyes than me.
Any help would be very much appreciated.
Thanks,
Don
What is the overall condition of the distributor? A Pertronix unit will not work well if the bushings are bad, for example. If you want to run a Pertronix, the 1261 should work according to some searches of old FTE threads but there does seem to be a transition in the 1967 timeframe where earlier cars/trucks use the 1266. Is your engine original to the truck?
Exactly how does the Ignitor not fit? Is it not fitting over the shaft or does the pickup not mount to the plate? You may be better off getting a replacement distributor for a 1974, for example, that is known to support the Pertronix 1261
For a little more money, look into a full Duraspark conversion. I've seen several with searches either as kits or from from parts found at pick and pulls. This gives you a distributor with all Ford parts and that might come in handy if you get stranded somewhere in the future.
The overall condition of the distributer is pretty good. The ring fits over the shaft. The pickup fits from pinhole to screw but is wedged tight between the ring and the diaphragm link. I've included a picture. The engine is original to the truck.
I've also included a picture of a distributer that came with a 300 from the early 70's. It is a Motorcraft. The only number stamped on it was a 27. I wasn't sure if I should even consider trying to use that. It looks incredibly different than the one from the '67.
I think that says C8AF-12127-A, 1968, 240 std. trans and the date code says it is from a 1968 model. The Duraspark would be a good choice if it is in good condition but it will require an ignition module to work. The Duraspark can trigger the stock Ford box or a Mopar box and even the 4 pin GM module. The GM 4 pin looks a little redneck when wired up but works well and is cheap. The Ford box is fine but a lot of wires. I prefer the Mopar boxes less wire and you can get one anywhere. If you decide to use the Duraspark I can post a wiring diagram for which ever module you choose.
The one out of the 300 might be a duraspark but that is outside my range of experience. It should fit into your 240 and with the correct duraspark wiring, module, and coil it should work and no Pertronix is needed. What did the 1266 look like when you tried to install it? I'd be tempted to shim it up a little to clear the vacuum advance actuator. Either the 1261 or 66 should fit and should run if you have the correct gap between the sensor and rotor. I found this distributor on Ebay and it sure looks like your unit. It shows a range of cars and trucks. You might try searching for one of the car applications and see if it comes up with a different Pertronix part number. https://www.ebay.com/itm/17581304772...r5FBZNd9PxsNDw
Thank you for all your input. I think I'm going to back burner the Duraspark direction because it's much more involved than I was planning and I'd like to keep things pretty close to what it would have looked like in '67.
The idea of placing a shim to clear the vacuum advance actuator is appealing. Do any of you see a problem with filing down the edge of the base of the Pertronix (where it contacts the vacuum advance actuator) just enough to get the clearance needed between the unit and the ring?
Other than potentially not being able to return it, I'd grind to fit. Pick the unit that seems to fit the best and have at it. Make sure you use an appropriate coil and bypass the pink resistor wire to give you a full 12 volts and you'll be in good shape.
I picked up the 1261 unit a while ago when I had a much more optimistic/unrealistic idea about how long this was going to take! Yeah, I know. Rookie mistake. Anyway, it's beyond the time window to return it so I may as well try to modify it.
You need to take your distributor apart including the breaker plate and make sure there isn't any missing parts, nothing is bent or twisted, and it is together correctly. Looking at the pictures something isn't right. Also your Duraspark is likely junk, someone has beat the reluctor to death and the roll pin isn't in right.
Also you can get a new points distributor at any parts house for less than $100.
As much as I like the Duraspark, my 81 f100 with 300 six has one, I also think it is junk with the rust I am seeing and the reluctor hitting the pick up coil.
You do have another option if the stock dist. and filing down the unit to work dose not work.
That is to pick up a HEI dist. off ebay for about $100 and only takes 1 power wire to power it up.
I dont know if the resister wire with resister removed would have the power to power it or not?
Some say in the 80's truck area it is even if not a 10ga wire like used on GM's
Others also said to use the factory resister wire with resister, to turn on / off a relay that will power the HEI.
Thanks Crop and Dave. The stock distributor looks ok to me and was working well when I started the rebuild. I had a feeling the Duraspark was toast but appreciate your input. It's going in the trash bin.
Dave - thanks for mentioning the option of a HEI distributor. What does the HEI stand for?
Any other thoughts on the Pertronix angle? Even with a bit of filing the 1261 or 1266 aren't going to fit. Is there another option for a distributor in that era that I'm not finding?
I have rebuilt dozens of Ford distributors and there is something about yours that isn't right. Without having the thing in my hands, I can't say for certain, but looking at that one picture it appears someone has installed a new breaker plate. My conclusion is they put the wrong breaker plate in there, a 1261 should bolt right into a 6 cyl. distributor.
And the fact that the engine ran before is meaningless. Here is an I6 distributor if your breaker plate doesn't look like this one then you need a new distributor. Cardone Distributor - Remanufactured 30-2610 | O'Reilly Auto Parts (oreillyauto.com)
It looks like you are absolutely right. They look nothing alike. I attached a picture.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience.
My wife's been asking me what I want for Christmas. Now I know what to tell her.
Thanks Crop and Dave. The stock distributor looks ok to me and was working well when I started the rebuild. I had a feeling the Duraspark was toast but appreciate your input. It's going in the trash bin.
Dave - thanks for mentioning the option of a HEI distributor. What does the HEI stand for?
Any other thoughts on the Pertronix angle? Even with a bit of filing the 1261 or 1266 aren't going to fit. Is there another option for a distributor in that era that I'm not finding?
Thanks,
Don
HEI = High Energy Ign. its a GM thing.
I ran a Chevy 250 six HEI dist. in a 73 Toyota Land Cruiser that had a straight six. The factory Toy dist was not made for power and I was racing the truck off road at the time.
As for the Pertronix I cant help as I have never done the swap just read post of others and said it works great, sorry.
Dave ----
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