Problem with Pertronix

[bbskip]

A few weeks ago I installed a Pertronix Ignitor II and coil in my '59 223 and it was running fine. Earlier this week I converted the car to a rebuilt 94 AMP Delco 3 wire 12SI alternator. I took the car to an event this weekend and when it was time to leave the car would not start. I checked and there was no spark so I had to have the car flatbedded home. When I got home I reinstalled a set of points and condensor and the car car started right up.

Obviously the Pertronix went south on me. My old generator was putting out in the 13 volt range, the alternator puts out in the 14 volt range. Has anybody had a problem with the Pertronix units?

 

[addo]

You bet people have. Oddly I think there have been more P-II issues than with the P-I models.

 

[Daves55Courier]

I converted My 55 Courier 223 original distributor with a pertronix ignitor about 2 months ago and have driven it on long and short trips. I have started it dozens of times. The pertronix conversion is the only non-OEM part in the entire engine except for the fuel pressure regulator which was only necessary because the carb rebuild kits have sub-standard fuel inlet assemblies. But the ignitor hasnt failed yet even thru soaring summer heat and non-stop 250mile highway trips

 

[Lazy JW]

There are probably millions of satisfied Pertronix users; however, there are a pretty high percentage of dis-satisfied users on this board. I dunno why
You could do a search and find more if you like.
Joe

 

[jamyers]

... a pretty high percentage of dis-satisfied users on this board. ...

Not just here, very few Buick guys (that I've seen) have anything nice to say about them either.

 

[fmartin_gila]

I installed the Pertronix I along with the matching coil on my 223 about 4 1/2 years ago and have had no problems as of now. I do carry a point set & condenser and a stock coil as backup but have not had to use them. I don't know what the differance is between the I and II, but I am well satisfied with the I that I used.

Fred

 

[bbskip]

I contacted Pertronix and described the problem and they just said the unit is under warranty and to return it for a new one.

In looking around I saw somewhere that you should not leave the ignition on with the engine not running as it can damage a Pertronix unit. Accessory position is OK but not igition on position if the engine is not running.

Now when I was installing the alternator there were times when I did that to test the generator warning light but that would not explain why it ran OK after the installation was complete and started many times with no problem before suddenly failing to start one day.

 

[ludwig]

That is the complaint with Pertronix, especially the PII. I have the PII and have had no problems for four years now. It seems to be the more failure prone unit since it is a little more complex. I have rarely heard of problems with the PI.

Personally, I would put a Pertronix unit in my glove box as a spare because it is easier to swap out. Then I would change it out to the DSII or DUI when I got home. These appear to be much more reliable. On the other hand, I haven't had a lick of trouble yet.