Troublesome Pertronix Install, something to watch out for Options

[McMark]

I rebuilt a distributor today and installed a Pertronix unit, and ran into a problem that I never had/noticed before. This was a 039xxx205A distributor and the problem was that the little 'finger' in the bottom right was running into the Pertronix mounting plate. This interference was completely eliminating any vacuum advance.

5 minutes with a file and it was all fixed.

If you've got a Pertronix, this would be something to look for and should be visible simply by removing the cap and rotor and jumping in the engine bay with a flashlight.

Always learn something new. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/shades.gif)

[dr914@autoatlanta.com]

WE thought that the pertronix and compufire units, when introduced for the type four distributor, were the be all end all, and in the beginning it was: Units that eliminated the messy points condenser, kept the dwell and timing steady, provided better fuel economy, easier cold starts, and smoother idle, AND would hide under the distributor cap.
What we have learned over the years is that it has a high failure rate due to the excessive heat of the air cooled engine, actually reduces the total horsepower of the engine, AND has clearance problems! I would NEVER drive my 914 on a long trip without carrying a set of points and a condenser with me.
Too bad we thought that we had a solution. I have one in my Dad's 64 Riviera and it has never failed, but of course that is a water cooled engine with a BIG distributor!

[windforfun]

WE thought that the pertronix and compufire units, when introduced for the type four distributor, were the be all end all, and in the beginning it was: Units that eliminated the messy points condenser, kept the dwell and timing steady, provided better fuel economy, easier cold starts, and smoother idle, AND would hide under the distributor cap.
What we have learned over the years is that it has a high failure rate due to the excessive heat of the air cooled engine, actually reduces the total horsepower of the engine, AND has clearance problems! I would NEVER drive my 914 on a long trip without carrying a set of points and a condenser with me.
Too bad we thought that we had a solution. I have one in my Dad's 64 Riviera and it has never failed, but of course that is a water cooled engine with a BIG distributor!

Do you still sell these?

[Rand]

WE thought that the pertronix and compufire units, when introduced for the type four distributor, were the be all end all, and in the beginning it was: Units that eliminated the messy points condenser, kept the dwell and timing steady, provided better fuel economy, easier cold starts, and smoother idle, AND would hide under the distributor cap.
What we have learned over the years is that it has a high failure rate due to the excessive heat of the air cooled engine, actually reduces the total horsepower of the engine, AND has clearance problems! I would NEVER drive my 914 on a long trip without carrying a set of points and a condenser with me.
Too bad we thought that we had a solution. I have one in my Dad's 64 Riviera and it has never failed, but of course that is a water cooled engine with a BIG distributor!

Do you still sell these?

Nah, he would never sell a product he didn't believe in. That's not his style...
http://www.autoatlanta.com/detail.php?Part...al_number=28882

Kidding aside, I like the Pertronix. Sure, I would always carry points in the onboard parts/toolkit just in case. But I never had trouble with them and appreciated the benefits. To each his own.