I'm in trouble again-Electronic ignition

[chamsher]

I purchased and have installed a Pertronix Electronix Ignition, according to the instructions received with the Kit. It came with a conversion kit of the distributor to handle the separately installed coil. My 9N tractor had previously been converted to a 12 V system, so I was able to wire directly from the switch to the new coil, positive pole and attaching the ignitor red wire to the coil positive and ignitor black wire to the coil negative.
[u:35cd33f7c3]However, I do not get any spark to the spark plugs. [/u:35cd33f7c3] The wiring appears to be very simple. The new distributor cap with the a new rotor should eliminate any possible defects there. What am I missing.

 

[Steve@Advance]

At this point about all you can do is pull the distributor back off, wire it up to a battery and bench test it. Be sure to ground the distributor case back to the battery.

If no solution found, give Pertronix a call and let them walk you through the troubleshooting process. I would call before putting the distributor back on so everything can be easily accessed.

 

[Bob]

You have chosen to buy an aftermarket unit that (at best) attempts to fill a niche market and can be a bit finicky and delicate.

You paid the "big bucks" for it and the manufacturer has a toll-free help line.

Why not dump the problem on them and have them "walk you through it" GOOD LUCK, you will need it, IMHO.

 

[John T]

Just turn the Ign on and insure there's hot battery voltage on the coils + (Ign switch or wiring failure)
Then hang a test lamp on the coils - and crank the engine to see if it flashes On and Off. (testing the switch)
Then call Pertronix for help.
Sure you got the right switch for your Polarity??
You say no spark at the plugs, is there spark getting out of the coils HV output??? (cap and rotor problem)

John T

 

[chamsher]

Thanks, John,Steve and Bob: All of your suggestions were appreciated and right on. I will bench test the coil and distributor and call Pertronix. I had not thought of taking the units off the tractor for a bench test. Just shows that my experience is either slipping or was never there, which is the case. You would think that an 85 year old man would have thought of it. Thanks again, you have helped me get to the root of the problem.

 

[Keith True]

I've fooled with quite a few Pertronix units on Model A Fords.What is very important is a dedicated ground from the distributer.Don't trust the housing to ground to the engine.Also,if you leave the switch on it will fry the module.Very common and easy thing to happen when troubleshooting.You need to run an alternator with them.They have zero tolerance for voltage spikes like from generators.If a battery terminal comes loose while running they will fry.Although,with an alternator the regulator should adjust for that.When they work,they are great.If used all the time they seem to last.If the tractor sits around a lot at some point you will find the electronics went to sleep,and won't wake up.I don't really understand just why that happens,but I've pulled a few units out of Model A's that just wouldn't work after sitting for the winter.