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Fri Nov 06, 2009 5:26 pm

So here is a question so basic that everyone seems to already know the answer and therefore I can't seem to find using the search function.

I would like to install Pertronix electronic ignition. I'm not exactly sure how to do it it, but I assume it comes with instructions. Do I have to adjust the timing after installation (another thing I don't know how to do, but really want to learn) or is it just plug and play so to speak?

Thanks.

Fri Nov 06, 2009 5:30 pm

Anytime you do anything with the distributor, you MUST adjust the timing. Putting in a Pertronix, definitely....and it will come with instructions. They're easy to install, but I would keep a backup set of points and condenser, or even better, a backup distributor with new points and condenser installed in the Bus and the tools to change them out. Pertronix is great until it shits the bed on you in the middle of nowhere.

Fri Nov 06, 2009 5:30 pm

Yes, it comes with pretty clear instructions. It would be hard to mess it up. You will definitely want to time it after. What type of distributor is it? On my 205zb I needed to shave the bottom of the rotor down after installing the Pertronix.

Fri Nov 06, 2009 5:45 pm

I ran a petronix in my 911S and I'm running one in Bessie right now. I've never had one "die in the middle of nowhere"...

I don't know about your area in Vermont, but take a look at this page and see if you can find someone local to give you a hand. They put there names there for a reason...and installing a petronix is a 20 minute task.

http://www.type2.com/rescue/

Click on "map" then your state....good luck

Fri Nov 06, 2009 5:49 pm

It's pretty dark out there right now. How do I tell what type of distributor I have? Do I have to take it out to read the number?

Fri Nov 06, 2009 5:50 pm

73kombi wrote: I ran a petronix in my 911S and I'm running one in Bessie right now. I've never had one "die in the middle of nowhere"...

I'm very happy for you, but it only takes one time for it to die, then you're stranded. There are plenty of stories on not only this forum, but the other ACVW forums as well with people who have had Pertronix units die on them. a $3 set of points and a $7 condenser solves the problem. My '74 had a Pertronix in it the entire 4 years I owned it and never died on me, but the one in my Squareback is deader than a doornail.

Fri Nov 06, 2009 5:51 pm

Just wondering because the Pertronix is specifically made for the distributor. Your pics show a vacuum can, so don't order the one for a 009.

Fri Nov 06, 2009 5:52 pm

aopisa wrote: It's pretty dark out there right now. How do I tell what type of distributor I have? Do I have to take it out to read the number?

Yes....take it out, then clean all of the filth off of the body of it and you'll be able to read the number on it. 10mm to loosen it, 13mm nut to remove it. Nothing all that pressing, I would just wait until you are ready to install it, which is much easier with the distributor already out. Too bad you don't live closer....

Fri Nov 06, 2009 5:55 pm

I have checked the AIRS map before. I live in a pretty rural part of the state. Most folks are hours away in the booming metropolis of Burlington. I do however live only a few miles from the NY border and found a guy who is probably only about 20 minutes from here if his info is up to date. Thanks for the suggestion!

Fri Nov 06, 2009 5:57 pm

For the record a petronics is really a "points replacemnt module" not an electronic igniton.

There will be a number embossed on the side of the distributor that will be something like....

Bus & Pickup Late 1976-1978 All States, 1979 Federal * 2000

Distributor: VW 021-905-205P, Bosch 0231 168 005 >
022-905-205S, 0231 170 093

But in reality, this one will work with about anything....

http://www.aircooled.net/new-bin/viewproductdetail.php?keyword2=IGN0001&cartid=1106200951369078

Read the part about the impedence of the coil.

You will need to retime the engine as they tell you after the install.

Fri Nov 06, 2009 5:59 pm

aopisa wrote: I live in a pretty rural part of the state. Most folks are hours away in the booming metropolis of Burlington.

Send Crukab a message...he's over in Royalton...not sure where in VT. you are but he may be close to you and able to lend a hand. Super nice guy, and a long list of VW's in his stable.

Fri Nov 06, 2009 6:08 pm

Royalton is a little over 2 hours away. I have learned that nearly everything seems to be 2 hours away from me. Still it's worth a shot as the guy 20 minutes from me looks to be a dead end.

Thanks again.

Fri Nov 06, 2009 6:19 pm

VDubTech wrote: I would keep a backup set of points and condenser, or even better, a backup distributor with new points and condenser installed in the Bus and the tools to change them out. Pertronix is great until it shits the bed on you in the middle of nowhere.

When going Pertronix it is so very wise to carry the old points. Finally needed them and was sure glad they were in the "bag of tricks". Couple weeks ago ran into a stranded bus guy alongside the road with a dead bus and failed bad points. My emergency points got him running real quick. No need to buy new ones for emergencies. Just keep your old ones.

As far as needing the emergency spares, never once in the 11 or 12 years in the bug. Never once in the years with my bus or the gals bus. With Pertronix it's so nice having absolutely no need for points files, feeler gauges, and dwell meters. I doubt that I even have those things anymore. And for all practical purposes, after the initial installation there is no need for a timing light. Except to help other people.

Fri Nov 06, 2009 6:25 pm

VDubTech wrote: I'm very happy for you, but it only takes one time for it to die, then you're stranded.
You know I'm traveling with a spare dizzy...I'm prepared!

Fri Nov 06, 2009 6:26 pm

The only tricky part is adjusting the timing and that is not very tricky. Any good mechanic can do it in 5 minutes. Look for an old gray haired or bald headed mechanic, the green boys don't know anything about ignition or for that matter, carburetors.

It is not recommended that you drive a vehicle with the timing off. It could be ok on the other hand, it could overheat your motor or cause a knock.

Fri Nov 06, 2009 6:32 pm

Yes, good advice. What I found that removing the points and putting in the Pertronix Ignitor will be in close enough timing for it to start and run fairly well. But it still needs fine tuning of the timing. Also the advice about checking the compatibility of your coil is very important. Go to the Pertronix website for all the information. Also any questions I've heard they are very helpful.

Fri Nov 06, 2009 6:40 pm

Thanks for all the suggestions. I have already read about keeping spare points or entire distributor as a back up. If the Pertronix fails and has to be replaced with the back up, then you would have to adjust the timing again right? Sorry, I'm still trying to learn the whole ignition system.

All seems so easy for all you guys and gals. Now I have to find out if my coil is compatible...

Fri Nov 06, 2009 6:46 pm

My Pertronix has been running great for more than 10 years now, first in my 1915 and now in Dad's 2386. More than I can say for any set of points I ever had.

You can carry around a spare Pertronix module if you're worried about it, rather than a set of points.

Go ahead and get a Pertronix coil. Loads better than any OEM or blue coil.

Fri Nov 06, 2009 6:51 pm

What will a Pertronix coil do for you that a Bosch blue coil won't? Just curious.

Fri Nov 06, 2009 7:01 pm

My Bosch blue coils do great. Not aware of any way they could be better. However Ratwell has good info on the Bosch coils. Not all are the same. Fortunately all mine were the best ones.