CRG Discussion Forum

Camaro Research Group Discussion => General Discussion => Topic started by: gbowman on April 11, 2019, 11:57:00 AM

Title: 69 Coil Wire Issue
Post by: gbowman on April 11, 2019, 11:57:00 AM
I recently installed a Pertronix distributor module and Flame Thrower coil in my small block 69. I'm in the process of replacing the carb and was looking for a (12V switch on) source to hook up the electric choke. So I turned the switch on to the run position and was testing wires with my test light when I noticed smoke coming from the wiring harness on the driver's side, not good! I pulled all the tape off that hadn't already melted and isolated the cause as the resistor wire that comes off the positive side of the coil going to the fuse box bulkhead. When the switch is on, (car not running), the wire gets $hit hot very quickly, (too hot to touch) and starts smoking. Even with the car running, it still gets too hot to touch. Changed the coil out with the original known good coil, same result, very hot wire in a matter of seconds. Don't see any blown fuses. My only thought at this point is maybe the resistor wire is not heavy enough of a gauge to carry the voltage since I did away with the points. Any and all advice will be much appreciated. Thanks.
Title: Re: 69 Coil Wire Issue
Post by: Sauron327 on April 11, 2019, 12:12:18 PM
Pertronix requires a 12 volt source, you should not be using the factory resistor wire. Read the installation instructions. Breakerless SE utilizes the stock resistor wire, unlike Pertronix.
Title: Re: 69 Coil Wire Issue
Post by: gbowman on April 11, 2019, 12:22:52 PM
OK, thanks. I'll take a look this afternoon when I get home. I assume I'll have to run another wire to accomplish what you're describing. Thanks again.
Title: Re: 69 Coil Wire Issue
Post by: crossboss on April 11, 2019, 02:07:22 PM
Pertronix has a failure rate over 50%. Junk in my opinion. Would never use/buy it. Some of my Ford buddies have had the same issues on their cars. There are better choices. Just me...
Title: Re: 69 Coil Wire Issue
Post by: gbowman on April 11, 2019, 04:56:52 PM
First one I've tried so I can't attest to their reliability, However, a friend of mine has had one in a big block 427 Camaro for several years and not experienced any issues. Thanks for the comments.
Title: Re: 69 Coil Wire Issue
Post by: HawkX66 on April 11, 2019, 05:56:46 PM
I and many other guys have been running Pertronix in our OE distributors for years without any issues. The so called "failure rate" is mostly if not all due to poor installations. When I ran my Pertronix I used the factory coil wire to trigger a relay that provides the full 12 volts that the Pertronix needs.

Title: Re: 69 Coil Wire Issue
Post by: gbowman on April 11, 2019, 06:59:25 PM
I talked to Pertronix today and the tech told me to take the stock resistor wire out of the circuit and install a new switched wire to the positive side of the coil to provide constant 12V when the key is in the run position. Guess we'll see how that works today. Thanks again for all the input.
Title: Re: 69 Coil Wire Issue
Post by: crossboss on April 11, 2019, 10:25:00 PM
I and many other guys have been running Pertronix in our OE distributors for years without any issues. The so called "failure rate" is mostly if not all due to poor installations. When I ran my Pertronix I used the factory coil wire to trigger a relay that provides the full 12 volts that the Pertronix needs.



Yes, I agree 'some' failures are the cause of bad installs. However, I should have been more clear on my comments: Pertronix DOES have quality issues that can be compared to the older Mallory Unilites that just give out at a moments notice. Some will die in minutes, some will run for a couple months. However, you are one of the 'lucky ones' with good results. If you are happy, by all means keep it. All I am saying there are better choices than a Pertronix ignition. Personally, I prefer the OEM electronic set ups because well…they are OEM and dead nuts reliable. Again, just my opinion.
Title: Re: 69 Coil Wire Issue
Post by: gbowman on April 15, 2019, 02:34:07 PM
Problem solved. Thanks for all the input.
Title: Re: 69 Coil Wire Issue
Post by: 67jeffreyt on April 30, 2019, 02:48:25 PM
I use the XRI kit, and it states to keep the factory resistance wire,  glad to see you got it resolved.
Title: Re: 69 Coil Wire Issue
Post by: 69Z28-RS on April 30, 2019, 04:45:53 PM
......
 I prefer the OEM electronic set ups because well…they are OEM and dead nuts reliable. Again, just my opinion.

I wouldn't argue that the OEM is generally (always?) better than anything aftermarket, but I'm not aware of a 'factory/OEM electronic module that can be added internal to an older distributor to convert it to electronic... Are you?  If so, I'd love to know ..   

The REASON that most of us who have used or continue to use the Pertronix module is that it allows us to retain our original distributor (body) and eliminate the points/condensor!
Title: Re: 69 Coil Wire Issue
Post by: BillOhio on May 01, 2019, 12:35:18 AM
The XRI kit from fast sounds simple.
Title: Re: 69 Coil Wire Issue
Post by: Kelley W King on May 01, 2019, 12:37:07 PM
Not on a 69 camaro but some of my older cars with the ceramic resistor I hid a jumper around the resistor to make it look factory.
Title: Re: 69 Coil Wire Issue
Post by: crossboss on May 01, 2019, 02:34:42 PM
......
 I prefer the OEM electronic set ups because well…they are OEM and dead nuts reliable. Again, just my opinion.

I wouldn't argue that the OEM is generally (always?) better than anything aftermarket, but I'm not aware of a 'factory/OEM electronic module that can be added internal to an older distributor to convert it to electronic... Are you?  If so, I'd love to know ..   

The REASON that most of us who have used or continue to use the Pertronix module is that it allows us to retain our original distributor (body) and eliminate the points/condensor!


I can totally relate to keeping the original distributor. This is why 'retro fit' electronic conversions are very popular. When I said I prefer OEM set ups, I should have mentioned the brand X versions, like Ford's Dura-Spark II, and Mopars 'gold' box. For the Chevy, it gets a bit harder. Most GM guys (now) don't want to use the big ugly HEI cap/coil combo. As one member mentioned, XRI is a better alternative than a failure prone Pertronix. There are actually several other companies that offer electronic conversions, like Accel, Crane, Speedway, Summit, and I believe MSD does too. Also, Davis 'DUI' products are quite good, and he offers stock replacements with electronic ignitions. IF you can find the vintage Hays 'Stinger' conversion, it was THE set up back in the day.
Title: Re: 69 Coil Wire Issue
Post by: Kelley W King on May 01, 2019, 07:32:10 PM
There were GM transitor ignition set ups but I do not think anyone repops them are the originals are unobtainable price wise.
Title: Re: 69 Coil Wire Issue
Post by: crossboss on May 01, 2019, 10:19:55 PM
There were GM transitor ignition set ups but I do not think anyone repops them are the originals are unobtainable price wise.



Yes, correct very rare. This is why I did not mention them. I believe 'Most' were installed on Corvettes and some race versions. Weren't they also used on tach drive set ups(?).
Title: Re: 69 Coil Wire Issue
Post by: mikefam on May 12, 2019, 05:58:17 PM
One way to compensate for the resistance in the car's primary wire is to buy a coil with less primary resistance eliminating any re-wiring.

The pertronix pickup needs to be used with the correct ignition coil resulting in the correct resistance in the primary circuit. A pertronix technician will be able to guide you in choosing the right coil.

If memory serves me, I had to replace a 3 ohm Mallory coil with a 1.5 ohm coil in my stock 68 but then my memory kinda sucks these days.

Mike.
Title: Re: 69 Coil Wire Issue
Post by: mikefam on May 12, 2019, 06:01:03 PM
This might help

http://support.pertronix.com/file.php?key=Z1kJJwOqv791E0QQS2SArjKgVbBBs8Rk&expires=1552176000&signature=95618e558abeed716a11248f50b4c1511255cd6c