Won't Fire up...

[Sawatch 8N]

I've got the '52 side dizzy all back together and spent the last two days with no luck of getting 'er running. I've installed the Pertronix Ignitor and Flame Thrower 3ohm coil as per directions [no resistor]. Had spark but plugs weren't wet. Cleaned carb. Ignition was off and batt disconected when not in use. Couldn't get spark second try. Tested plug wiring which is all new. Will recheck for spark. Rechecked timimg. All wiring is new and tested. Recleaned/checked carb. Have free flow fuel. Tightened steering wheel acorn nut...Any help/ideas?

 

[36 Coupe]

Put yer points back in .still wonder why you would pay over 100 bucks for a lump of epoxy with 2 bucks worth of parts in it.

 

[Sawatch 8N]

I realize that that is an option, but I'd like to try the EI first. ..and a Merry Christmas to you...

 

[Anonymous-0]

I know a lot of guys around hear run the Petronix ignitions and love them. When you say good fuel flow do you mean from the fuel line or from the drain plug on the Carb and for how long. Did you pull a spark plug out and see if fires while you cranked it. You should be able to pull the choke and wet the plugs if its getting fuel.

 

[Bruce (VA)]

If the plugs we wet, that means you flooded it. Replace the plugs. If you flooded it, they're fouled & it will be it next to impossible to start. You don't need to toss them; heat the tips for a few seconds w/ a propane torch to burn off the invisible spark-robbing deposits from today's additive filled gasoline........or wash them in lacquer thinner.
50 Tips

 

[Dell (WA)]

Satch........ya done let the SMOKE outta yer EXPENSIVE and NON-REPAIRABLE fancy-dancy electronic ignition. You doubt? Call Pertronix, that is why you pay BIG BUCKS.

Time to byte the bullet and putt-inn el-cheapo points ($20) and condenser and REAL 12V roundcan ignition coil NAPA IC14 ($15, cheap)

Ennytime you have starting issues, change yer sparkies NO ARGUE!!!
Why??? 'cuz ya done FLOODED yer sparkies. Don't throw yer FLOODED sparkies away; clean'n'dry them one-atta-time in HOT running engine and save'um fer the next time. (and there will be a next time)

My cheap sidemount points last at least 10yrs. .......Durango Dell

 

[JMOR]

(quoted from post at 19:25:40 12/22/10) I realize that that is an option, but I'd like to try the EI first. ..and a Merry Christmas to you...

ow long would you like to try the EI? You already said you have tried for 2 days. I would put the simpler points back, get it running, then re-try the EI.

 

[Bob]

Call the guys who make the overpriced xxxx and whine to them!

Tech Support

PerTronix, Inc.

440 East Arrow Highway
San Dimas, CA 91773
Phone: (909) 547-9058
Fax: (909) 599-6424

 

[Sawatch 8N]

Thx for the info without a heap of sarcasim. I'll remember not to ask about EI in the future.
I've read over previous posts on the subject for a year now and checked everything possible. I'll just contact Pert for imput & will try reg ig too. Merry Christmas.

 

[Sawatch 8N]

Thx Dell, yes I know that points will be the back-up, just won't mention needing help with EI on this forum in the future. Appreciate your feedback.

 

[Sawatch 8N]

Wanted to add this as there might be someone who'd read it and get some good info about the Pert EI Igniter. I called the company and a rep told me to rotate the plate to the next set of holes as the unit might be "inbetween" the timing for the plug firing. With the CCW rotation of rotor,the plate was rotated CW to the holes marked "CC" and IT FIRED RIGHT UP!!

 

[JMOR]

(quoted from post at 20:29:22 12/23/10) Wanted to add this as there might be someone who'd read it and get some good info about the Pert EI Igniter. I called the company and a rep told me to rotate the plate to the next set of holes as the unit might be "inbetween" the timing for the plug firing. With the CCW rotation of rotor,the plate was rotated CW to the holes marked "CC" and IT FIRED RIGHT UP!!

es, ITEM # 6 on the Instruction sheet. Glad you got it running!

 

[Al P]

I just (2 days ago) installed the Pertronix ignition in my 8N and had some issues also.
You say your spark plug wires are new, but does that include the coil wire? Mine was bad.
After replacing the spark plug wires and coil wire the 8N fired but ran poorly initially. After some carburetor tweaking and warming up I finally had it running smoothly after 5 - 10 minutes. I started and ran it briefly yesterday and then again this morning and I thought I had it licked. However, after a few minutes this morning the engine began to miss. I was able to trace the miss to a bad spark plug, but in the process I also discovered that the dust cover in the distributor was grinding the top of the newly installed Pertronix magnet to smithereens.
When I installed the ignition the directions clearly stated to re-install the dust cover. However, the cover didn't sit down as far as it did originally. I checked more than once to be sure the magnet was firmly seated on the cam and finally let it go as it was since the distributor cap did clamp in place without a problem and the directions clearly said to install it.
When I found the problem this morning I called an old buddy (35 years as a mechanic) who has installed the Pertronix modules in cars, trucks and tractors. He said he never replaces the dust cover after removing the points so although this may have nothing to do with your problem, I'd highly recommend removing the distributor cap and checking to see if the dust cover is rubbing on the magnet. If so, get rid of the dust cover.
Other than that, if you have no spark have you replaced the distributor cap and rotor?
I did a 12 volt conversion and an electronic ignition conversion at the same time. I have now replaced everything from the battery to the cylinder head. Each time I'd correct one thing I'd find another weak link.
Good luck.

 

[Sawatch 8N]

Al, Thx for that info. Very valuable. When I talked with the rep he suggested leaving the dc off too. I had replaced old radio plug wires with new copper and included a new coil wire. Checked all for continuity too. Just putting the magnet in the correct position [initially a brain fart on my part] got it running and now I can tackle all the other little problems that arise. These Ns are an ongoing project but that's why I tackled this one. My uncle is up there going "I can't believe you spent all that $ getting that ole junker running!"

 

[Al P]

An ongoing project is right. My 8N has been in the family since 1968 and has never been 100% reliable. My brother-in-law bought it in '68 and used to use starter fluid everytime he wanted to get it running. I bought it from him in 1980 and noticed the first time I tried to start it that whoever had assembled the rebuilt carburetor he had put on it had put the choke plate in upside down so that the relief flapper would drop open whenever you tried to give her full choke. Fixing that helped a lot but over the years there always seems to be something that needs attention. Part of the problem is that I seldom need to use it so it sits too much.
Glad to hear you got yours running. Enjoy the ride! They're great little tractors when they run.