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Thu Jan 14, 2010 2:45 pm

spicolibus wrote: Quote: The only downside to having the Petronix is you cannot leave the ignition switch on or you can fry the unit.

Very interesting; didn't know that. So, listening to some tunes on the radio with the bus off is not a wise move? :shock:

...or unlocking the steering wheel to roll the bus around.

I hardwired my stereo so that is not a problem on my bus.

I understand that they have a newer model that doesn't mind having the power left on. Maybe they have that sorted on all models now.

Thu Jan 14, 2010 2:55 pm

I believe my bus (with its aftermarket stereo) is probably hardwired as well...

Thu Jan 14, 2010 8:16 pm

spicolibus wrote: Quote: The only downside to having the Petronix is you cannot leave the ignition switch on or you can fry the unit.

Very interesting; didn't know that. So, listening to some tunes on the radio with the bus off is not a wise move? :shock:

Leaving the ignition on is never a good move. Whether it hurts the ignition or not it makes you bus dangerous to be around. If it rolls just a few inches in gear it might just start and take off on its own running over you or the neighbor's dog in the process.

Thu Jan 14, 2010 8:26 pm

I also hear that if you leave the key on while engine is not running it will fry the Pertronix. I sure need to remember that. 12 years with the same Pertronix in the daily driver and no ill effects, yet. Maybe tomorrow? The cigarette lighter socket is ignition switch wired so all these years I've turned the key on to use the little air compressor to keep the tires filled in both VW's. And any other times the key is needed to be on. Gonna' have to stop that! It's real easy to forget there are Pertronix units in my VW's. Only times the distributor caps ever get removed is to check rotor position for valve adjustments. Other than that it's easy to forget that they even have an ignition system.

Thu Jan 14, 2010 9:42 pm

Desertbusman wrote: I also hear that if you leave the key on while engine is not running it will fry the Pertronix. I sure need to remember that. 12 years with the same Pertronix in the daily driver and no ill effects, yet. Maybe tomorrow? The cigarette lighter socket is ignition switch wired so all these years I've turned the key on to use the little air compressor to keep the tires filled in both VW's. And any other times the key is needed to be on. Gonna' have to stop that! It's real easy to forget there are Pertronix units in my VW's. Only times the distributor caps ever get removed is to check rotor position for valve adjustments. Other than that it's easy to forget that they even have an ignition system.
So you have some real data showing that you did not fry your Pertronix. Everyone else says that "they hear" that you can fry it by having the key in the on position. So is this another VW urban myth like the Muir "never jump a FI engine"? Has anyone here ever actually burned up their Pertronix by leaving the key in the on position?

Thu Jan 14, 2010 9:45 pm

aopisa wrote: Has anyone here ever actually burned up their Pertronix by leaving the key in the on position?

I haven't personally, but I have seen it. There is a game of chance in this. If the trigger is in "fire" position, you get a quick overheat. If the engine happens to be parked between cylinders, I believe you have more time.

But honestly folks, if you want to turn on the radio or ignition for whatever reason, just pull the red wire off the coil terminal. Do whatever. Come back and put it back on. Drive off.
Colin

Thu Jan 14, 2010 9:50 pm

Quote:
But honestly folks, if you want to turn on the radio or ignition for whatever reason, just pull the red wire off the coil terminal. Do whatever. Come back and put it back on. Drive off.
Colin

A very uncomplicated and easy solution- thanks

Thu Jan 14, 2010 10:08 pm

Yes, that's the real easy safe way to prevent a problem. And once I actually did pull of the black hot wire to the coil. Just once. Gotta' start remembering. Thanks for the reminder. When airing the tires this weekend maybe I'll remember or maybe have regrets.
Also evidently connecting the 2 Pertronix wires, red and black, backwards on the coil will fry the unit. Sort of think that's the big reason people cook them and then blame Pertronix.

Fri Jan 15, 2010 4:42 am

Per Pertronix instructions (see link) leaving the ignition on can cause coil and unit to overheat. http://www.pertronix.com/support/manuals/pdf/ignitor12vneg.pdf

And I do the same thing as above - (most of the time anyway) removing the lead from the coil if I am leaving the ignition on for any length of time without starting. Since I run electronic on all except my 65, its easy for me to remember.