Classic Mustangs (Tech) Technical discussions about the Mustangs of yester-year.

Pertronix Question

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jun 30, 2009 | 08:43 PM
  #1  
runway1's Avatar
runway1
Thread Starter
1st Gear Member
 
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 121
From: CA
Default Pertronix Question

After about 8 mos, it seems the module failed. I'm getting spark at the coil, but no spark at the plugs. Silly questions but could this be anything else bu t the module? Plugs and wires are the same age.

EDIT: Carb is splashing up fuel but no "backfire" or smoke, just fuel. Of course, wihtout spark, what else would I expect.

Last edited by runway1; Jun 30, 2009 at 08:45 PM. Reason: Addition
Old Jun 30, 2009 | 11:58 PM
  #2  
Gun Jam's Avatar
Gun Jam
6th Gear Member
 
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 5,212
From: Hills of California
Default

if the module failed then you should have no spark at all.

How did you test for spark at the coil and was it a bight blue or red/orange in color?

I guess its possible that it could generate a weak spark that isnt powerful enough to get to the plugs.

Might want to check the rotor and make sure there is nothing on it like dirt or a dead bug or some crap like that.

-Gun
Old Jul 1, 2009 | 05:33 AM
  #3  
kalli's Avatar
kalli
6th Gear Member
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 6,417
From: Cork, Ireland
Default

aye. I'm with Gun here. should be cap/rotor if you get a proper spark on coil. and yes. how exactly did you test that and is the spark weak or strong?
Old Jul 1, 2009 | 08:53 AM
  #4  
runway1's Avatar
runway1
Thread Starter
1st Gear Member
 
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 121
From: CA
Default

I pulled the plug at the COIL, not the dizzy, just enough to see the spark. I was definetly a red orange and not what you would call BIG or blue.

The coil is a Pert Flame Thrower installed the same time in August, 08. Is this telling me the module itself is ok? I guess I'll check the cap/rotor, just to eliminate them. Anything else to check? Thanks for your help!
Old Jul 1, 2009 | 09:27 AM
  #5  
1slow67's Avatar
1slow67
ROTM Moderator
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 8,157
From: AL
Default

My pertronix lasted me over 1 year before I replaced the entire distributor, and the pertronix still worked great. However my flamethrower coil only lasted 3 months before it went.
Old Jul 1, 2009 | 09:40 AM
  #6  
fakesnakes's Avatar
fakesnakes
4th Gear Member
 
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,839
From: Connecticut
Default

Disconnect the coil secondary at the distributor and hold it close to ground (bolt on the head or accessory bracket). That is really the only way to test for a proper spark. If it is nice and hot, then try the same with a couple different plug wires. Right now, it sounds like the cap or rotor to me.
Old Jul 1, 2009 | 11:45 AM
  #7  
kalli's Avatar
kalli
6th Gear Member
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 6,417
From: Cork, Ireland
Default

yep. check that. and in case you have pertronix II or III make sure you get full 12V to coil+ (bypass resistor wire)
Old Jul 1, 2009 | 02:17 PM
  #8  
runway1's Avatar
runway1
Thread Starter
1st Gear Member
 
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 121
From: CA
Default

Yeah, it's a Pert II. The coil terminals read 12+ volts. When I get home, I'll recheck that spark as well as the cap/rotor.

Fakesnakes, amazing GT40. Very cool.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Dokilar
4.6L (1996-2004 Modular) Mustang
15
Oct 16, 2015 08:13 PM
AMAlexLazarus
AmericanMuscle.com
3
Oct 2, 2015 08:06 AM
AMAlexLazarus
AmericanMuscle.com
0
Oct 1, 2015 10:29 AM
AMAlexLazarus
AmericanMuscle.com
0
Oct 1, 2015 09:21 AM
treesloth
New Member Area
4
Sep 28, 2015 07:03 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:51 AM.