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Posted by: Ansbacher Feb 6 2020, 05:20 PM

It is an accepted fact that the ORIGINAL Pertronix Ignitor (not the II or II versions) will fail if the ignition is left on and the motor is not turning. My question is HOW LONG does the ignition have to be on before the Pertronix burns fails? I have carbs and like to turn my ignition on to prime the bowls for about 10 seconds prior to cranking the engine. Will that result in Original Pertronix failure or does it have to be on for a more extended period? I know that I could wire an independent switch to activate the fuel pump, but am trying to avoid that if unnecessary. Thanks for any input.

Ansbacher

Posted by: raynekat Feb 6 2020, 05:54 PM

Pertronix are magnetic points.
Shouldn't matter how long you leave the ignition on.
It's not like "points."
The shouldn't fail in this mode of leaving the ignition on.
I've had these in a couple of cars and never had a problem ever.

Posted by: 914werke Feb 6 2020, 09:02 PM

This issue isnt how long, but in the event that the magnetic PU/inductor happen to be aligned in that circumstance (Ign. key on), coil current can be allowed to flow and overload its circuit....I think

Posted by: Ansbacher Feb 6 2020, 09:03 PM

The "original" Pertronix Ignitor WILL fail if ignition is left on. That is why Pertronix added safety circuitry in the Ignitor II and III versions to prevent that. I just want to know how long of an exposure to ignition on juice without cranking will take it out- seconds, minutes, hours?

Ansbacher

Posted by: Tdskip Feb 7 2020, 10:04 AM

As said directly above that is a major No No. Common failure cause that people overlook and then get upset at Pertronix over.

Ignition off unless running.

How long OK to leave on, that is a tough one. Minute or less but that is unscientific...

Posted by: cuddy_k Feb 7 2020, 10:09 AM

I remember reading somewhere in the installation instructions a while back that they recommended "no more than 30 seconds." But get the II

Posted by: 76-914 Feb 7 2020, 10:55 AM

30 seconds is the critical mark.

Posted by: brcacti Feb 7 2020, 12:41 PM

JUST WONDERING, is this issue something I have to worry about with the xr700 ?

Posted by: Mark Henry Feb 7 2020, 01:13 PM

No,

Pertronix 1 I think it would take more than 30 seconds, but who knows. I've replaced a few for customers, but I've never personally had one fail.
When ever I work on body electrical I just pull the + lead off the coil, MSD, etc.

Posted by: cosm3os Feb 7 2020, 05:32 PM

Is there a way to tell if I have I II or III. Been doing electrical work, and I know I've had the ignition on