Simptoms of bad Pertonix module?

[Anonymous]

I'm still trying to debug my car. What are some of the signs of a module going out. My car runs good cold, when warm it starts acting up. Their web site does not have much tech help.

 

[BIGREDRASA]

Are you running the stock coil, or the Flamethrower? Don't know about module symptoms, but I know that coils act up when old and hot.
Try pouring cold water on the coil, and see if that makes any difference.

 

[Anonymous]

I agree, it sounds like a bad coil. I had same problem, it would run great when cold, but as it heated up it would run terrible. I attributed it to a bad Pertonix module, turned out to be a coil. Check that first. (It's cheaper too).


Bill

 

[Anonymous]

I am running the stock coil. I have been using the stock coil for years and have never had any problems with it (that I know of). I printed off the coil check instructions from the Pertronix website. I will give them a try tonight. I have a spare, I might swap to see if it makes a difference.

 

[Anonymous]

Did you run a 12v wire from IGN switch? If so then you would be pumping 12v into a 6v coil. That alone could do it.

Bill

 

[Anonymous]

Did you run a 12v wire from IGN switch? If so then you would be pumping 12v into a 6v coil. That alone could do it.

Bill

I am not sure what you mean Bill? I followed the instructions that came with the module. It has been on the car since 95, and has approx. 30K miles.

 

[Anonymous]

I assumed that this was in reference to a new or recent installation. (You know what happens when you assume. Using the 6v coil causes problems for some people that run 12v though them. Anyway, when I installed mine, I used the Flamethrower coil that is recommended. It turned out to be a bad coil. The symptoms you describe sound just like what I was dealing with when I had a bad coil. I think you have a bad coil, however, I have never heard of a Pertronix module in use for 8 years, so check the coil, but don't rule out the module just yet. I am currently running the Pertronix II with the Flamethrower II, and it is working fine.

Bill

 

[DaGr8Tim]

Has anyone ever moved their coil? I've heard that some people move their coil from the engine block to the inner fender.

Does that make a difference?

 

[BIGREDRASA]

The cooler you can keep electricals, the better. As long as it isn't already fried. Coils are cheap enough, and one of those things that it doesn't hurt to replace in 10 years or so. 8)

 

[CobraSix]

How about checking your carb? Just don't want to be barking up the wrong tree. I would say (independant of the pertronix) from the sound of the symptons that your carb choke is not working properly.

Slade

 

[Anonymous]

How about checking your carb? Just don't want to be barking up the wrong tree. I would say (independant of the pertronix) from the sound of the symptons that your carb choke is not working properly.

Slade

Well that is what I am trying to figure out. I had the carb rebuilt last week by Pony Carbs. I think the choke is fine, its the idle circuit that was and maybe still is messes up? The car ran normal the first day I drove it. The problems I had before are slowly coming back, especially when warm. About the only thing I have not checked or replaced is the Pertronix Module and the coil. To be honest, I don't think it is the Pertronix, but I wanted to make sure before I call Pony Carbs.

 

[CobraSix]

hmm...interesting. The carb I have right now was rebuilt by POny Carb about 18 months ago. About 1 year after it was rebuilt, the choke failed and gave me problems similar to what you described. It ran strong when cold but once it was warm it would hardly run. It ended up being the choke plate not opening up. I replace the choke mechanism and that solved most of the problems.

It just doesn't sound like pertronix issues to me.

Slade

 

[Anonymous]

Well, I just got of the phone with them. I am to adjust the timing as per their instructions to see if it cures my problem. While I am at it, I will swap my coil for the spare. I don't think it will help, but I will try it. I will keep you posted.

Thanks

 

[Williboy]

My Cutlass ( yes a V8!!) was doing a similar thing. Running fine when cool, but idling poorly when hot. Bad enough to stall.
After rebuilding the QJ, to no help, it ended up being a bad coil wire.
Just something else to consider.

 

[addo]

In reply to Tim: I've moved a few. Either put the Super Coil/ Pro-master or whatever on the inner panel and take the old one off, or leave it on the motor for a "limp home" spare. Bolt through; don't trust self-tappers.

Adam.

 

[Anonymous]

last week I switched my coils from the stock to a pertronix 40, 000 volt coil. Before that my car always seem to idle when cold until about 15 min or driving (didnt seem how fast just the time was the same) but then it would spudder and go really bad on my and sometimes die if the idle reached less than 500. I had to keep a high for that the keep from happening. Now my car hasnt spuddered ever since and I have been dealing with that problem ever since I got that car, I am so happy. Now it idles like a dream. If u have the same problem its the coil.

 

[Anonymous]

Well as I thought, adjusting the timing didn't help. I must admit, the car did run better but the problems were still there. Last night I finally got some time to play with the car again. After sitting a week, I swapped the coil out and put the original on back on the car. It seemed to make a difference so I drove it today. Once the temp went up past a 1/4 on the gauge, my problems were back. The car had issues the rest of the day. Last week I borrowed my friends dist which also has a pertronix module in it. When I got home, I swapped the modules. The engine was still quite warm. I went for a short drive and all the problems appear to be gone. I think the module is bad. I will drive it Friday just to make sure.

Thanks for all the help guys!

 

[Anonymous]

Well you got 8 good years out of it. That is the longest amount of time for operation in a car from Pertronix that I have heard of. I'd say you got your monies worth.

Bill

 

[Anonymous]

Bill, can you use the stock yellow top coil with the pertronix II? I want the engine to look original. What is the difference between the two models? I am just wondering which one to buy.

 

[Anonymous]

I've been using the stock yellow top coil with my Pertronix I with no problems. Last winter I bought a Pertronix flamethrower (or whatever they call it). Wanted to keep the stock look so I painted the top of the coil yellow. Other then being a little longer, you really have to look to see the difference. Also, I had a ford coil label (sticker, tag, not sure what it's called), and stuck that on too.

Tom