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> Troublesome Pertronix Install, something to watch out for
McMark
post Dec 31 2010, 10:23 PM
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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)


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tradisrad
post Dec 31 2010, 10:30 PM
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I will go and check mine. I am pretty sure I have no interference, but...
So I wonder how may people will go and check their dizzys now?
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76-914
post Dec 31 2010, 10:39 PM
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Thx for the tip. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smilie_pokal.gif)
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silver74insocal
post Dec 31 2010, 10:45 PM
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great info! what were the symptoms that led you to this?
at some point i will go install mine..
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McMark
post Dec 31 2010, 11:09 PM
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Well, since this was just a distributor rebuild, I discovered it when I was testing the vacuum canister. I would suck on the advance tube and it would only move the slightest bit. I knew the canister was working (tested it before installing it) so I started pulling parts off until I found the hangup.

But if a running car were suffering from this 'condition' it would lack some acceleration oomph, especially WOT acceleration.
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JRust
post Dec 31 2010, 11:24 PM
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Ooh! That is mine I think (IMG:style_emoticons/default/drooley.gif)

Big shocker something else a little screwy with my LE (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)
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detoxcowboy
post Dec 31 2010, 11:27 PM
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Nice heads up..
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Cap'n Krusty
post Jan 1 2011, 12:11 AM
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Sure you bought the right Pertronix model? That question assumes there IS a right Pertronix model, which, IMO, doesn't exist.

The Cap'n, the anti-Pertronix.
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914werke
post Jan 1 2011, 04:24 AM
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Cap'n, respect your experience but ...get over it.
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sean_v8_914
post Jan 1 2011, 11:27 AM
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thats one of those goofy things that could make a guy chase ghosts for days

..sometimes the rotor will not seat all the way down due to the clearance taken up by the magnet sleeve thing. a little grinding wheel action may be required
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Cap'n Krusty
post Jan 1 2011, 11:41 AM
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QUOTE(rdauenhauer @ Jan 1 2011, 02:24 AM) *

Cap'n, respect your experience but ...get over it.


Personal opinion aside, there are TWO different Pertronix models for VW based distributors. One for distributors with vacuum control, one for those without.

The Cap'n
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McMark
post Jan 1 2011, 01:10 PM
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1847V for vaccuum.
1847A for non-vacuum.

I bought the right one. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)
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Drums66
post Jan 3 2011, 06:13 PM
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(IMG:style_emoticons/default/yellowsleep[1].gif) ....Weird (IMG:style_emoticons/default/happy11.gif)
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realred914
post Jan 3 2011, 11:12 PM
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QUOTE(tradisrad @ Dec 31 2010, 08:30 PM) *

I will go and check mine. I am pretty sure I have no interference, but...
So I wonder how may people will go and check their dizzys now?


Tradisrad you are ok, we checked for it when your pertronix was installed.

, I have for years since my first pertronix in a Bug, bench tested the dizzy advacne / retard operation every time i do a pertronix install. also areas of concern are the rotor hitting the unit, some roters are wider and can hit them.

So make sure you test for rubbing with the ROTOR INSTALLED ALSO!!!!! in addition to the part mcmark pointed out.

also note you can buy different pertronix ,some modles will fit better than others, but always please check the advance,/ retard operation on each new install, thats part of the install.
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Root_Werks
post Jan 4 2011, 10:57 AM
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Not sure what all the beef is. I had one fail on me some 15 years ago, run them in just about every POS I've ever owned and they seem to hold up and work great. Shoot, I even ran one for 5 years in a 914 that logged over 20k miles. Never skipped a beat.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)
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dr914@autoatlanta.com
post Jan 4 2011, 11:24 AM
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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!
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realred914
post Jan 4 2011, 11:50 AM
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QUOTE(dr914@autoatlanta.com @ Jan 4 2011, 09:24 AM) *

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!


near 20 years running a pertronix in my aircooled cars, and no failures. maybe something is wrong causing it to over heat?

had plenty of points fail on me however. some even melted!!!! repaired one set of points on a road trip once, with a match book cover. points suck dick, always drifting and needing adjustment. but yes i do keep the old spare points in the spare kit, just is since using pertronix, I have never the need to install the spare points, ever. i am happy with pertronix!!! nice product
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Als914
post Jan 4 2011, 12:14 PM
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I guess I am one of the fortunate few who has dodged all the Pertronix failures. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif)

I have been running my Pertonix, model 911E, part #1847 in my daily driver since 1996 without any issues. BTW, I bought it from A.A. and had my local mechanic install it...Have been happy with it all along and have not seen or touched points since then. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/piratenanner.gif)

Based on my experience I would by another.
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GTeener
post Jan 5 2011, 03:38 PM
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I had 2 fail before replacing it with an MSD which has never failed.
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windforfun
post Jan 5 2011, 04:17 PM
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QUOTE(dr914@autoatlanta.com @ Jan 4 2011, 09:24 AM) *

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?
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