Pertronix ignition...

[Dandy Dave]

I have a friend who lives many miles from me now that has tried to install a pertronix ignition on his front distributor 8N. Still 6 volt and still Positive ground. I've replaced a lot of points in these units, but never tried an electronic ignition in one. The way he explaind it to me is that he has the key switch wire going to the ignitor and is grounding out the wire to the top of the coil? Is this right? Totally backward from a points system. Also, another thought is the resister under the dash. Should that be disconected and bypased. Just trying to help him out from 700 miles away and no directions. :roll: Fun...in the sun... Oh yes, and he says the grass is winning.... :lol: Dandy Dave!

 

[JMOR]

(quoted from post at 07:38:24 04/29/09) I have a friend who lives many miles from me now that has tried to install a pertronix ignition on his front distributor 8N. Still 6 volt and still Positive ground. I've replaced a lot of points in these units, but never tried an electronic ignition in one. The way he explaind it to me is that he has the key switch wire going to the ignitor and is grounding out the wire to the top of the coil? Is this right? Totally backward from a points system. Also, another thought is the resister under the dash. Should that be disconected and bypased. Just trying to help him out from 700 miles away and no directions. :roll: Fun...in the sun... Oh yes, and he says the grass is winning.... :lol: Dandy Dave!

What you say is not correct. Pertronix has installation instructions. If he does not have those, suggest he call & they will fax them to him.

 

[souNdguy]

I think some non-electrical person is using negative / ground terminology interchangeably.. when they shouldn't be, on a positive ground system!

soundguy

 

[JMOR]

(quoted from post at 09:54:23 04/29/09) I think some non-electrical person is using negative / ground terminology interchangeably.. when they shouldn't be, on a positive ground system!

soundguy

ouldn't surprise ThisGuy. :wink:

 

[Cliff(VA)]

The Pertronix 6 volt ignition is REAL fussy about voltages. If you search the archive, I am sure you can find some info on this subject.

Cliff (VA)

 

[Brian Jasper co. Ia]

Polarity is very important. The 2 wires from the module both go to the primary coil posts. If the tractor is still positive ground, the black wire goes to the switch side (-) of the coil and the red to the points side (+) of the coil.

 

[Pete P.]

The Pertronix 6v Ignitor module instructions call for the black module lead to be connected to the switch (neg.) and the coil primary to be grounded (pos.) You're right, though -- in their directions they have + and - backwards if you have a proper 6v + ground system.

I've read that reversing the polarity on a coil will reduce induced voltage in the secondary by some 20 % but I really don't understand why this would be since induction is dependant on the strength of the maximum magnetic field developed and the speed with which it falls to zero (and of course any back EMF not absorbed by the condensor.) None of which, of course, has to do with polarity.

I've run one of these wired as described for 18 mos. with no problems whatsoever ('till two days ago, but I don't think it has to do with the Ignitor.)

respectfully,

Pete P.
Harborcreek, penna.

 

[JMOR]

(quoted from post at 21:38:32 04/29/09) The Pertronix 6v Ignitor module instructions call for the black module lead to be connected to the switch (neg.) and the coil primary to be grounded (pos.) You're right, though -- in their directions they have + and - backwards if you have a proper 6v + ground system.

I've read that reversing the polarity on a coil will reduce induced voltage in the secondary by some 20 % but I really don't understand why this would be since induction is dependant on the strength of the maximum magnetic field developed and the speed with which it falls to zero (and of course any back EMF not absorbed by the condensor.) None of which, of course, has to do with polarity.

I've run one of these wired as described for 18 mos. with no problems whatsoever ('till two days ago, but I don't think it has to do with the Ignitor.)

respectfully,

Pete P.
Harborcreek, penna.

"I've read that reversing the polarity on a coil will reduce induced voltage in the secondary by some 20 % but I really don't understand why this would be since induction is dependant on the strength of the maximum magnetic field developed and the speed with which it falls to zero ...'

Comes from old wives tales and people that don't know of which they speak!
Actually, the only credibility in this tale is that it is easier for an electron to leave a hot surface than a colder one. Since the center electrode is hotter than the side(closely connected to head), then negative here has a slight advantage when everything is up and running and hot (no help in getting started). Moreover, if you wire the coil (with the old front mount coil you can't very easily swap +/- on that one, so you are out of luck) such that you get a negative spark voltage, then you did get the neg voltage, but you traded ~ 200 volts less voltage for that.........so who wins? You can't have everything. Your choice. My real beef is with the statement that one loses 20%, 40%, whatever,
% of voltage or energy when spark polarity is pos vs neg. Bull!

 

[Dandy Dave]

OK Fellows, Thanks for the help so far. Only two things that I need to know. Does the post on top of the coil go to the ignition switch like a normal points ignition? The Red wire goes to ground, which is positive, is understood. The black wire goes to the former points lead screw where the condenser also connects, and completes the circut though the primary coil. Also, I assume that with this system the condenser is still used??? or not???

If it was mine, I would have stuck with the points as I like to "service" the distributor from time to time. I always disassemble the unit and lubricate all moving parts which on most tractors I have found has been neglected for many years. Thanks again for replies. Dandy Dave!

 

[JMOR]

(quoted from post at 07:47:44 04/30/09) OK Fellows, Thanks for the help so far. Only two things that I need to know. Does the post on top of the coil go to the ignition switch like a normal points ignition? The Red wire goes to ground, which is positive, is understood. The black wire goes to the former points lead screw where the condenser also connects, and completes the circut though the primary coil. Also, I assume that with this system the condenser is still used??? or not???

If it was mine, I would have stuck with the points as I like to "service" the distributor from time to time. I always disassemble the unit and lubricate all moving parts which on most tractors I have found has been neglected for many years. Thanks again for replies. Dandy Dave!

Condenser not used.
Top of coil fed as before from ign sw via ballast resistor.
I only have installation instructions in hand for Neg ground systems, so I can not vouch for the red/black ignitor connections. If you get those backwards, your friend will be buying a new ignitor. I see that someone has told you & have no reason to doubt him....I just don't have paper.

 

[goreje]

I had the same question and emailed Marvin at pertronix ([email protected]) this is what he stated to me for the 6v +ground 8N. Wire on top of the coil goes to the chassi. The long loose wire on the EI connects to the Red/Grn wire or the Ignition switch. AND YES YOU CAN "SMOKE" AN IGNITOR QUCIKLY IF WIRED WRONG!!! Ask me I did it!!!
Whats your email and I can forward you what was sent to me.