ignition wires
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New User
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Mineral Bluff GA
ignition wires
Hi, I have a 1972 ford 360 ci. just put in petronix ignitor in it now it run real rough. I put the timing light on plug number 1 and did not get a light , then I checked the other seven wires about half of them lit the timing light. Do you think the stronger spark is breaking down my wires? they look real good. Any ideas . Fred.
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Joined: Feb 2001
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From: Missouri
Nope, my buddies actron light would not read very well through my 8.5mm MSD wires. You may have a problem with the cap. If some are hitting and some aren't your cap may be worn.
What did you set the gap at on the pertronix?
Do a resistance check between your pertronix unit arm and a ground on the frame. You should have very little resistance. About a half an ohm is acceptable I believe. Are you still running a condenser? Pitch it.
Did you change coils? The pertronix and accel cannister coils require a full 12V. Your positive wire from the key as an inline resistor in it. With a stock coil this resistor should stay put.
What did you set the gap at on the pertronix?
Do a resistance check between your pertronix unit arm and a ground on the frame. You should have very little resistance. About a half an ohm is acceptable I believe. Are you still running a condenser? Pitch it.
Did you change coils? The pertronix and accel cannister coils require a full 12V. Your positive wire from the key as an inline resistor in it. With a stock coil this resistor should stay put.
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From: Mineral Bluff GA
Ratsmoker I found the problem, When I installed the new ignition I put the ground wire under it this cocked the ignition and it was only getting half the sparks it should. Dumb huh? well I relocated the ground wire and fired it up and rins like a champ. Thanks. Fred
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From: Seattle
Ratsmoker,
You mentioned an inline resistor in your original post to this thread.
I'm about to put pertronix Ignitor II in my '69 F250 390. Do I have this resistor, also? What do I do about it, if I do?
You mentioned an inline resistor in your original post to this thread.
I'm about to put pertronix Ignitor II in my '69 F250 390. Do I have this resistor, also? What do I do about it, if I do?
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Joined: Feb 2004
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From: 30 miles west of Phoenix, Az.
Hi,
I'm also thinking of converting to the Petronix system. I have a 72 F-100 with a 390. My stock ignition has a large ceramic resistor mounted by the coil (I think it's all stock). Do I still have the resistor wire coming from the ignition switch, or does this ceramic resistor eliminate the need for the resistor wire?. My factory shop manual shows the resistance wire but no resistor by the coil.
I'm also thinking of converting to the Petronix system. I have a 72 F-100 with a 390. My stock ignition has a large ceramic resistor mounted by the coil (I think it's all stock). Do I still have the resistor wire coming from the ignition switch, or does this ceramic resistor eliminate the need for the resistor wire?. My factory shop manual shows the resistance wire but no resistor by the coil.
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Joined: Feb 2001
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From: Missouri
The resistor by the coil is more than likely an aftermarket deal but I'm not positive ford never installed one. The resistor wire can be found under the dash. Pertronix or points has nothing to do with whether you run the resistor. Coils can only take so much voltage depending on the design. The stock coil must retain the resistor but some aftermarket ones (accel super stock cannisters and pertronix flamethrower) don't use a resistor. If you get an aftermarket coil that does require a resistor (MSD and Accel supercoil) it is best to eliminate the stock resitor wire and run the recommended resistor.
If you install a resistor with a pertronix coil you will have very poor spark. If you don't run a resistor with the MSD or stock coils then you will have premature coil failure.
If you install a resistor with a pertronix coil you will have very poor spark. If you don't run a resistor with the MSD or stock coils then you will have premature coil failure.
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New User
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From: Seattle
Thanks for the info! It's lead me to a couple questions:
Is this 'resistor wire' the wire running from the ignition switch all the way to the coil? How do I identify it so I can eliminate it, since I have now installed my Pertronix coil and electronic ignition?
Not trying to be dense, it's just that way.
Is this 'resistor wire' the wire running from the ignition switch all the way to the coil? How do I identify it so I can eliminate it, since I have now installed my Pertronix coil and electronic ignition?
Not trying to be dense, it's just that way.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,624
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From: Missouri
If you trace the wire all the way back from the coil to the ignition switch you should see it. I wanna say its orange but I am stretching here. It will be a slightly thicker part of the wire I believe. Maybe someone else can offer more help.
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