[Tigers] Pertronix Ignition

[Andy Walker]

James: 

 

I read your post and Ron's answer regarding the possibility of a problem
with the ballast resistor.  I have experienced the same issue that you are
having, only mine was with a standard point-type ignition.  The car would
run just fine with no hint of a problem; all of a sudden, it would quit just
like someone had turned off the key.  

 

As it turned out in my situation, however, it wasn't the resistor that was
the problem, but the wiring connecting to the resistor.  The previous owner
had done some wiring work and had failed to crimp the connector down on one
of the wires coming from the ballast resistor.  The end result was when the
wiring and resistor would heat up, the wire would arc off the connector,
thereby shutting the ignition down instantaneously.  Once it cooled off, the
wire would lay back down into position and it would start back up.  Moral of
the story.check all of your connections in the ignition circuit for loose
wires or bad connections before getting too far into other things.  It very
well could be as easy as that.

 

Keep us posted,

Andy Walker

Edmond, OK

 

From: Tigers [mailto:tigers-bounces at autox.team.net] On Behalf Of James
Burruss via Tigers
Sent: Monday, October 16, 2017 2:35 PM
To: tigers at autox.team.net
Subject: [Tigers] Pertronix Ignition

 

On a Saturday drive, my Tiger's engine shut off instantly as if the ignition
key had been turned off.  It would not restart.  I suspected that the car's
Pertronix II ignition had died, as they have been known to do.  Mine had
been reliable for several years, although the car is not driven often any
more.  I had the car taken home on a rollback.

 

This morning, I began a series of checks.  I ruled out the ignition switch
as a possible culprit because the starter, gauges and fuel pump all worked.
I checked the wiring connections, coil resistance, voltage to the coil, and
even fuel in the carburetor; all were fine.  So I connected an induction
timing light to confirm that there was no spark - except that there was!
Then I got in the car and started it.  It ran fine.

 

Which brings me to my question for those who have experience with these
ignition systems:  Are they known to become intermittent due to heat?
Saturday was a warm day, mid-80s, the car had been driven moderately for
about 10 miles and its temperature was normal.   Needless to say, I no
longer trust this system; but I would appreciate knowledgeable comments
and/or recommendations for a replacement ignition for a stock 260.

 

Many thanks!

 

Jim Burruss   

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