[Tigers] Pertronix Ignition

[Will Seay]

James,

I have had a Pertronix unit in my car for about 9 years with no problems.  If you suspect the ballast resistor, the solution is simple, bypass the ballast resistor.  The ballast resistor serves no useful purpose if you have a Pertronix unit fitted and, in fact, does more harm than good.  Pertronix recommends removing or bypassing the ballast resistor.

Before I installed the Pertronix I experienced the same problem with the wiring to the resistor that Andy described.  You can tell that the wiring is the problem because the car will start and then die.  That’s because the ignition switch bypasses the ballast resistor while cranking (so the car starts) but removes the bypass when not cranking (so it dies).

Good luck

Will - 382001570 
Tigers at embarqmail.com

From: Andy Walker via Tigers 
Sent: Monday, October 16, 2017 10:27 PM
To: 'James Burruss' 
Cc: tigers at autox.team.net 
Subject: Re: [Tigers] Pertronix Ignition

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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