Pertronix Ignitor Install - 72 302

[gr8scott]

on some vehicles the ballast is bypassed during start .

Yep, on our Broncos that's the function of the brown wire coming off the starter relay.
Sends 12V to coil+ in start position to aid in starting.

 

[DirtDonk]

And the voltage will vary over time and during use too. So what you may find as 9v initially, might go down to 6v as the wire heats up from use.
Heat is resistance, and resistance is heat. Hence the heat-resistant jacket around the resistor wire under the dash and the fact that most of it's length is run outside of the taped section of the harness.

As they age with time you might see an increase in overall resistance in that circuit too. Connections get loose or corroded, wire strands deteriorate, etcetera.
So if you don't always see the same voltage at the coil of an old car that you expect, or that you saw on another car of the same model even, that might be what's at work.

Paul

 

[jackwagon]

If its not one thing its another.
Factory coil bracket too big for the pertronix coil.
No local parts stores carry right universal bracket.
So had to order one. (I went with the Summit SUM-G3863. It was the only one that had a review to confirm it would fit a 2.125" diameter coil.)
I can shim the old bracket just get everything set up and tested.

Too many other things getting in the way of working on the Bronco. I'm going to have work on my scheduling.

Good times.

 

[jackwagon]

Had mechanic friend make a recommendation. Said if I just swap the motor for new Coyote crate motor that would eliminate my ignition coil mounting problem.

A little pricey, but he does make a good case...
;D

 

[DirtDonk]

Haha! It's only (your) money, right?
Long way around a small problem, but you're right. It's a very clever idea.
It also makes for a very sexy engine compartment. Much more so than a new coil bracket could ever achieve all on it's own!

I will say it's the first time I remember hearing that the coil bracket didn't work though. I wonder if they've changed the coil body size. Isn't the old bracket adjustable?
Anyway, sorry for your trouble. Hope the new part fixes it.

Paul

 

[jackwagon]

Old coil is 2.25"+. No idea if it's factory.
Old Bracket has a tiny bit of adjustment , but not enough grip the Pertronix coil.

 

[jackwagon]

More fun.
Donk - yes old bracket WAS in fact adjustable, it was just missing the small bolt to tighten it up. Frustration makes you overlook stuff.

Finally got condenser out, but had some collateral damage. Broke the little spring that puts tension on the plastic piece below the vaccuum advance plate. After 20 minutes I located the spring and cap, but cant get it to stay in place.

Considering the condition of the diz, strongly considering a new one.
Any advice on best route to go? Found cheap after market, mid price(with lifetime warranty), and new plug and play with electronic ignition built in.

 

[jackwagon]

What went from a simple points to electronic ignition change, became a stuck distributor problem.
A little bit of heat on the block with a little butane torch, hammer, and a brass punch she finally loosened up came out.
I could probably salvage it, but going go ahead get a new one.

Thanks all for your input.
Now I'll go research distributor recommendations and installation threads.
I'll check back in on this once I get all that sorted out.