Hi folks, I have a question on ignition that I hope someone can answer. I am using a Pertronix Ignitor ll distributor, and I have just blown another coil, a FlameThrowerll designed for that distributor. I am going to a MSD Blaster SS potted coil this time, and the question I have is: Do I have to use a ballast resistor with this coil and distributor combination? The Pertronix people said I didn't need one with the Flamethrower coil, but it killed it anyway. Any help would be appreciated.
Your distributor wire has a resistor segment built into the wire. That may be your problem. The voltage to your coil must match the requirements for that coil and ignition system.
All the stock wiring has been replaced with a Ron Francis Express kit, so the resistance wire is long since gone. According to Pertronix, their coil matched the distributor, but still went south. Just wondering if the resistor will help. Thanks for answering,
Probably no help since I'm still running points, but I like the Accel Super Coils, the big square ones. Never had a problem with them, on points or Dura Spark ignitions.
Hey Earl, Its probably not news to you that the coils are more durable if mounted vertically. Keeps the wire windings submerged in oil I think. Can you mount the coil somewhere where it will be cooler? Jim
Jim; I am going to use a potted coil this time, and see if it will live. I also am going to contact MSD and Pertronix and see if they can help. Time getting short for the Gathering, and got to be ready.
Earl, not sure if it's compatible with the Pertronix, but I've been running a MSD Blaster TFI coil for well over 100k now and it's still going strong.
Hi Jamie, good to hear from you. I had a Blaster ll coil with my Mallory distributor last year, killed two of the coils and finally ate the module in the distributor. Never can get a straight answer from MSD or Pertronix, but I am going to try again tomorrow.
Just a thought, I'd check your charging voltage and see if it goes over 14V. A high charge rate will toast coils!
Good idea! I'll give it a test and see. The gauge says 14v, but gauges can be wrong. Time for the multimeter.
When you say "blown another coil" what is the failure mode? Open primary, open secondary? The Pertronix just provides a negative connection for the coil. The directions should tell you what the minimum coil primary resistance needs to be. If for some reason the ignition continues to get current when the engine isn't running (powered by ACC rather than RUN/START) and the module is in a switched on position, the coil can overheat and burn up. They only have a relatively short duty cycle. I've been running a Pertronix I with MSD Blaster II coil at full 12 volts for going on 15 years now without problem.
I'll have to check on that Barry. The primary resistance is recommended at .6ohm, and that is the coil I was using. The car started cutting out and eventually quit. I'll have to see if the ignition switch is wired correctly, and if the module is getting turned off. Thanks for the input.
Also check the AC voltage coming off your alternator...Shouldnt be more than .9 Volts AC...If it is...The alternator is most likely your problem...Excessive AC voltage off the alt will fry coils/modules...
The blaster II is an old style oil filled can type coil I believe. The blaster TFI is a thick film coil that looks more like a transformer, like what came stock on a lot of 80's and 90's Fords. No idea if it's compatible with the Pertronix though, I'm running mine with a MSD 6AL box and Duraspark II distributor.
