Sputtering engine
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Tuned
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 372
Likes: 1
From: Walnut Creek, CA
I called Pertronix and they said that most of the problems with their ignitors occur at high rpms or with insufficient voltage at low rpms especially with cars equipped with generators. He suggested I test the voltage at idle to make sure that I have at least 8 volts which is the minimum. I think I will test out/change the plugs and the wires or maybe even switch back to points and condenser for a test before sending the Pertronix back. It looks like my weekend is starting to get full. Thanks for the input.
Chris
Chris
Elder User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 553
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From: MN - NW of Twin Cities
Originally Posted by bobbytnm
Chris,
Years ago I would check my plug wires by runnignmy hands down each one with the engine running, you would know when you had a bad one. (I quit using that method with the advent of electronic ignition....ouch).
Years ago I would check my plug wires by runnignmy hands down each one with the engine running, you would know when you had a bad one. (I quit using that method with the advent of electronic ignition....ouch).
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 4,489
Likes: 5
From: Valley Center, CA
Brucewolf is right. Do the easiest/least expensive checks first:
1. Run the engine in the dark. If it's a spark problem you may see the flash when the miss occurs. If that doesn't work-
2. Put a timing light on each plug wire in turn to see when the light fails to light during the miss. That would mean the prob is ahead of the spark plug wire. Plug end, cap, rotor, distributer, pertronix unit. No help?
3. Replace the plug that bit you. Still doesn't help?
3. Try your single new wire idea on each plug in turn. Still no clue as to why it's missing?
4. Go to a shop and spend some money on the scope. By the way, what did you gap these plugs at? And your generator should not be putting out 8 volts. Around 7.2v is just right. Let us know your solution, Jag
1. Run the engine in the dark. If it's a spark problem you may see the flash when the miss occurs. If that doesn't work-
2. Put a timing light on each plug wire in turn to see when the light fails to light during the miss. That would mean the prob is ahead of the spark plug wire. Plug end, cap, rotor, distributer, pertronix unit. No help?
3. Replace the plug that bit you. Still doesn't help?
3. Try your single new wire idea on each plug in turn. Still no clue as to why it's missing?
4. Go to a shop and spend some money on the scope. By the way, what did you gap these plugs at? And your generator should not be putting out 8 volts. Around 7.2v is just right. Let us know your solution, Jag
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,283
Likes: 1,046
From: NM
Is this a 6v truck?
The 8v value is for a 12v system with a ballast resistor, I don't know if Pertronix uses a ballast? What I didn't like about the Pertronix I saw was that it uses the stock cam lobes to generate a signal. The stock cam doesn't have nice crisp corners like a modern HEI-type system (toothed wheel). I can't believe it will provide an accurate, repeatable signal. Add in some wobble and it looks like a crap-shoot to me.
The 8v value is for a 12v system with a ballast resistor, I don't know if Pertronix uses a ballast? What I didn't like about the Pertronix I saw was that it uses the stock cam lobes to generate a signal. The stock cam doesn't have nice crisp corners like a modern HEI-type system (toothed wheel). I can't believe it will provide an accurate, repeatable signal. Add in some wobble and it looks like a crap-shoot to me.
Roast em' if you got 'em
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 21,955
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From: Rio Rancho, NM
Originally Posted by brucewolff
Another way is to check your running engine for arcing at night in your garage with the lights off. My son found a plug wire this way.
I inherited a much abused 1968 F-100 from my brother when I was 16. The poor ol 360ci would barely run. One night I fired it off and opened the hood. WOW, I could see every wire
Basically, use all your senses, eyes, ears, feel, etc. intermittant misses and ones that occur only on light load can be a real devil to track down.
Chris,
I think I would start by just swapping one thing at a time. Start with the the spark plug of the cylinder that "bit" you, if that doesn't work, move on to the plug wire of that same cylinder. No sense "shotgunning" a bunch of parts at it, you'll never know what the actuall problem was that way. Take a systematic approach. Start with the simple and cheap
I wish you well
Bobby
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Tuned
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 372
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From: Walnut Creek, CA
Thanks, the first dilemma is that I can't find anyplace to sell me a single plug wire they all come in sets. I will get a single plug and start from there. I will fill you all in in the future once I have a solution.
Senior User
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 334
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From: Airdrie Ab. Canada
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: NM
Originally Posted by DonMckay
Can you still buy bulk plug wire and put your own ends on them?
Don
Don
(and you think you're cheap, Bobby???
)
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 4,489
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From: Valley Center, CA
Speed shops sell bulk wire. In Sac the place to go is Tognotti's. If you don't have one of these around, maybe just buy the set of wires when you get to that stage of the investigation. Jag
Jag
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Tuned
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 372
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From: Walnut Creek, CA
Thanks, Sunday I just changed out the plugs for some Autolites. I haven't driven it much since then because it's been raining and it isn't really water tight at the moment if you catch my drift. I'll keep you up to date on my investigation as it progresses.
Chris
Chris
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