PerTronix Ignitor 1281 - Manual (Page 3)

Q. What is the first thing I should check if the engine would not start?
A. Make certain all wires are connected securely to the proper terminals.
Q. The engine will not start or runs rough. Are there any tests I can do?
A. Yes, remove the red ignitor wire from the coil. Connect jumper wire from the
positive side of the battery to the red ignitor wire just removed from the coil. If the
engine starts, then you have a low voltage problem . Remember this is just a test. Not
intended for permanent installation.
Q. How can I fix a low voltage problem?
A. First, if you have an external ballast resistor or resistance wire, connect the red
ignitor wire to the ignition wire prior to the ballast resistor or resistance wire. Second,
if you do not have a an external resistor you must connect the ignitor red wire to a
12-volt source that is controlled by the ignition switch.
Q. Should I remove the starter bypass wire?
A. No, the starter bypass wire is needed to provide voltage while starting (cranking).
Q. What type of coil do I need?
A. The ignitor is compatible only with a “points type” coil. Eight cylinder engines
require a minimum of 1.5 Ohms of resistance in the primary circuit. Four & six cylinder
engines require a minimum of 3.0 Ohms of resistance (primary).
Q. How do I check my coil for resistance?
A. First you need an ohmmeter. Remove all the wires from the coil. Attach the
ohmmeter to both the positive and negative terminals. The reading should be 1.5
Ohms or greater for eight cylinder engines and 3.0 Ohms or greater for six cylinder
engines. (Your local auto parts store can do this for you if you don’t have an
ohmmeter)
Q. What do I do if my coil does not have enough resistance?
A. You may purchase and install a ballast resistor from your local auto parts store.
You may also choose to purchase a Flamethrower 40,000-volt coil, which provides
resistance internally. Note: Many vehicles come with ballast resistor or resistance
wire. These applications do not need an additional resistor.
Q. What happens if you leave the ignition switch on when the engine is not running?
A. This can cause your coil to overheat, which may cause permanent damage to the
coil and the ignitor.
Q. May I modify the length of the wires?
A. Yes, you can cut the wires to any length your application may require. You may
also add length of wire if needed (20-gauge wire). Please make sure all wire splice
are clean and connections are secure.
Q. Will the shift interrupter on an OMC stern drive boat work with the ignitor?
A. The ignitor is compatible with all OMC stern drive applications, when equipped
with a “diode fix”. If you purchased a kit that does not include the “diode fix” diagram,
call our tech line.
Q. How can I get additional help?
A. Call our tech line (909-547-9058) for any further instructions or questions.
GROUND TESTS
It is imperative that the power and grounds be checked as part of the installation procedure. After installing the Ignitor module and the
distributor and with the distributor in the engine, use a digital multi-meter to measure the resistance from the aluminum plate holding the
module to battery (-), the net resistance must be less than 0.2 ohms. (Set meter to lowest ohms setting). The net resistance is the meter
reading minus the resistance of the meter leads. If the net resistance is greater than 0.2 ohms, the source of the faulty ground must
be found and fixed. Usually the source of the bad ground is easily found by holding one probe on an original location and moving the
second probe toward the static probe. Where the resistance drops identifies the source.
GROUND TESTS
Maximum resistance from Ignitor plate to battery negative terminal. 0.2 ohms
EXAMPLE:
Resistance from Ignitor plate to battery negative (-) terminal. 0.4 ohms
Resistance of meter leads 0.2 ohms
After subtracting meter lead resistance, your net resistance is: 0.2 ohms
VOLTAGE TESTS:
1. (Do not disconnect wires from Ignition coil). Place ignition switch in the “off” position.
2. Connect a jumper wire from negative (-) terminal of the coil to a good engine ground.
3. Connect the voltmeter red lead to the positive (+) terminal of the coil and the black lead to a good engine ground.
4. Turn the ignition switch to the “on” position and note voltage reading on the voltmeter. Quickly read the voltage and turn ignition “OFF”.
Leaving ignition “ON” for an extended period could result in permanent damage to the Ignitor.
5. SEE CHART BELOW FOR SPECIFICATIONS.
Note: Low voltage can be caused by poor connections, poor contacts in the ignition switch, ballast resistor, and or a resistance
wire in the wiring harness (Factory Installed).
VOLTAGE SPECIFICATIONS Minimum Maximum
Ignition Switch “ON” 8.0V N/A
Cranking 8.0V N/A
Engine Running N/A 16.0V
909-599-5955 www.pertronix.com
Ignitor COMMON QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
POWER & GROUND TESTS
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