Pertronix or Magna Spark

[Skidmark 1]

I am running a 2006cc engine that I built myself with twin dell 40's and a SVDA Accuspark ignition distributor, was considering changing to either a Pertronix or a Magna Spark 2 distributor.
I find that the engine runs fine and has done about 1000 miles but its a pain to start if not run for a week, It has a Huco low pressure fuel pump feeding the carbs

Whats people views and experience on the distributors??

[Glenn]

The Accuspark is a Chinese copy of the Bosch 034 with an electronic points replacement.

Most likely you're not getting enough vacuum from the carbs for the vacuum advance.

Which Pertronix? Their SVDA copy of their MSD copy? The SVDA copy is no better than the one you have. The MSD copy has the top plate that the weights and rotor mount to crimped to the mainshaft. This crimp can loosen and cause poor running or complete failure. (i've seen it personally).

That leaves the CB Magna Spark. I'd get the digital version so you can tailor the curve to exactly what your engine needs.

If you post engine specs such as cam, heads and compression we can better help.

Also toss that exhaust, it's not helping the engine run its best.
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Glenn
74 Beetle Specs | 74 Beetle Restoration | 2180cc Engine
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[Alstrup]

If it starts easy "the next morning" but not after a week, it is most likely not your ignition that is the problem.
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[Skidmark 1]

[Skidmark 1]

Engine spec, Autolinea case, 78mm counter balance crank, 200mm lightened and balanced fly wheel, 90.5mm barrels and pistons, Engle 110 cam with straight cut cam gears, 30mm oil pump with external cartridge filter, CB 040 heads, 1.25 -1 rockers, Huco 4 PSI electronic fuel pump, original twin 40 Dellortos refurbished with choke 32 main 140 idle 55 pump 35-40 emulsions 9164.2 and air 180. colour tuned compression 9.0-1
When it is running it goes very well no flat spots and pulls like a train, so much so I have fitted a new gearbox with a 3.88 ratio, will pull 80mph no problem.
Everything was new when I built it even down to the 55amp alternator and 55ah battery

[APPLEGREENVW]

[Skidmark 1]

[Alstrup]

[Skidmark 1]

[APPLEGREENVW]

[vwracerdave]

What plugs are you running and what are they gapped at?

I agree changing distributors is not gonna solve your issue.

You are throwing away at least 10 HP running that dual exhaust.
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[oprn]

Painfully simple.

Think fire triangle.

You need air, spark and fuel to run. We can eliminate air, you have enough spark to run all day after it starts so that leaves...


.... and what does a cold engine need more of to start but not so much afterward to run? Hint - it's not air or spark generally.
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[Skidmark 1]

[Tom snowden]

I have the Magna Spark on my 1915 dual Weber’s same issue. It’s lack of fuel after sitting that long it evaporates I’ve figured out. When I get in pump pedal a few times then let off, and crank it over a few times. I do this maybe twice then bang it starts. Don’t give it gas while doing this or it will flood and not start. It’s my trick and now works every time! Sorry it’s not technical but it works for me.it’s not spark. Good luck

[jeffrey8164]

I’m running a Pertronix II coil, plug wires and module in a chrome oh-oh-nine (094). I bought the whole kit but since people say their distributor is crappy, I put the module in my 094.
Engine is a 2276, Web 86a with CB 1.4 rockers, 044 Super Mags and dual 45 Dells with a Carter rotary pump and a Revolution Electronics controller. On startup after a week I’ll cycle the pump a couple times, press the throttle 3 times then hold to the floor and crank. Starts right up. That is learned behavior.
Without that procedure, it was hard to start.
My engine “pulls like a train” too but I always say it runs like a scalded cat.
My criticism is that the boots on the Pertronix plug wires get hard quickly (unlike myself these days) and ride up the wire so they don’t seal the plug hole anymore. Also the distributor o-ring that comes with it sux.
I also have a MagnaSpark II on my shelf but I haven’t played with it yet.
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[Skidmark 1]

[Tom snowden]

Sorry don’t hold to floor leave it up! Holding to floor makes it worse I found. Just pump then no gas at all.

[Paul Jr]

I was told holding to the floor will sometimes help if you have flooded the engine.
Something about it can’t get any more fuel from the carb with the throttle wide open and the engine turning at only the RPM the starter is able to crank it at.

With an electric fuel pump, my engines fires right up by turning the ignition to run for about 30 seconds to ensure the float Bowles are full then about a 1/3 pump of the pedal ( just one pump) then hit the starter.
It seems to fire every time and most times needs no throttle at all to stay running but when it’s real cold I do need to feather the pedal lightly for about 90 seconds before it idles without stalling.

[clonebug]

It might seem expensive to some but a megasquirt or microsquirt for ignition only would be the best investment anyone could make for a long term spark solution.
Most distributors sold today new or used are more than likely junk.
Cry once and then you can giggle every time you have to read a distributor related thread.
I’ve had MS for 9 years now and never had one issue with spark....
46,000 miles..... same coil, same wires, no distributor needed......ever!!!!😉🙄😎
The hidden secret???? You can upgrade to FI once you get sick of the carbs......
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[flat4olsen]