Pertronix set up

[fletch]

hi
I`ve recently changed the mallory dual points to a Petronix electronic set up. I`m running a RV8 3.5, does anyone know what the gap should be between the pick up unit and the magnetic collar in the dizzy.

[Purple AK]

Fletch. As far as I'm aware there is no need to, or any provision to set the gap on the Pertronix. It is literally Plug & Play (Well mine was)

[David Large]

A wise move, think of the room you will have in the boot now you dont have to carry a big bag of condensors.

The data sheet I had with my Pertronix says, "The air gap of the IGNITOR is not critical. May be set from .010 to .075"

Tempting fate I know but mine has been great. I did have to replace the distributor cap and rotor arm earlier this year. Considering how few miles the distributor has done (less than 15,000) I was a bit surprised, maybe the extra voltage of the IGNITOR (for about the last 6,000 miles) has an impact?

Cheers

DL

PS Just found the actual installation instructions which say in item 13 'Using the plastic feeler gauge provided, adjust the air gap between the module and the magnet sleeve. The gap should be approximately .030".'

[Purple AK]

Erm Sorry, Looks like I may have confused things. Obviously the later Igniters have an adjustment facility. My instructions/unit are dated 11/04 and Item 13 deals with ballast resistor applications Plus i've just popped the cap off and the pickup sensor is solidly riveted to the baseplate.

[David Large]

Hi Chris,

In terms of age I think it may be the other way round, my instructions appear to be dated 03 -03 and of course it may be a different application. My ignitor is part No ML-168A for a dual point Mallory with vacuum advance.

cheers

DL

[dingocooke]

The pertronix on my old hawk 351W was set at 70 thou air gap, and it had a misfire under certain hig load conditions; I closed up to 30 and it was fine; mine was a 2004 unit, not sure if this helps.

[Purple AK]

Hi David.
Mine is ML181 Duel Point Non Vac Advance. So that may be why they are different.
Steve.
Interesting! I do have a slight misfire at higher revs/load. and the gap is nowhere near 30 thou! I maybe need to look at ways of moving the sensor closer. Thanks

[craigh]

30 thou rings a bell with me when i last fiddled with one

[David Large]

Originally Posted by Purple AK

Hi David.
Mine is ML181 Duel Point Non Vac Advance. So that may be why they are different.
Steve.
Interesting! I do have a slight misfire at higher revs/load. and the gap is nowhere near 30 thou! I maybe need to look at ways of moving the sensor closer. Thanks

My car devloped a slight high revs misfire - occasionally, eventually it got worse and it was the rotor arm and distributor cap. Replaced those and it was fine. There are different types of rotor arm in Mallorys depending on the vacuum advance or no vacuum advance distributor - beware.

[Purple AK]

Originally Posted by David Large

My car devloped a slight high revs misfire - occasionally, eventually it got worse and it was the rotor arm and distributor cap. Replaced those and it was fine. There are different types of rotor arm in Mallorys depending on the vacuum advance or no vacuum advance distributor - beware.

Just been in the garage looking at possible ways of closing the gap and noticed that the baseplate had moved! Ie It wasn't securely clamped (by the p*ss poor system) on one side! Sorted that and while I was at it replaced the cap and rotor with the spare new ones I carry. It does seem a lot better, but it needs a break in the rain to tell if there is any marked improvement.