| Author |
Message |
Java beetle 65
Samba Member
Joined: December 04, 2015
Posts: 92
Location: Australia
|
 Posted: Fri Jun 23, 2017 7:42 am Post subject: Pertronix failing after 400 miles |
 |
|
Hi there
Had a pertronix kit fitted to 009 distributor.
After 400 miles it is now missing every now and then and running badly. Jerky, as if the condenser was faulty on a points / condenser setup. Anyone else had similar issues?
Spark leads were not changed and coil might be usual 12v Bosch not flamethrower. Wonder if this has anything to do with it?
It ran really well initially but now I'm lucky to make it home.
Cheers
_________________
1965 java green UK beetle
1965 pearl white australian beetle |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
Cusser
Samba Member
Joined: October 02, 2006
Posts: 31378
Location: Hot Arizona
|
| Posted: Fri Jun 23, 2017 7:46 am Post subject: Re: Pertronix failing after 400 miles |
|
|
Go back to points. 40+ years on each of two VWs with them for me, never had a distributor points issue.
_________________
1970 VW (owned since 1972) and 1971 VW Convertible (owned since 1976), second owner of each. The '71 now has the 1835 engine, swapped from the '70. Second owner of each. 1988 Mazda B2200 truck, 1998 Frontier, 2014 Yukon, 2004 Frontier King Cab. All manual transmission except for the Yukon. http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=335294 http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=335297 |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Java beetle 65
Samba Member
Joined: December 04, 2015
Posts: 92
Location: Australia
|
| Posted: Fri Jun 23, 2017 7:52 am Post subject: Re: Pertronix failing after 400 miles |
|
|
I thought electronic ignition would be a good improvement to improve performance and reliability... Can't get distributor grease anymore (in oz anyway) and the Brazilian condensers aren't that reliable...
_________________
1965 java green UK beetle
1965 pearl white australian beetle |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
60ragtop
Bonneville Belt Bitch
Joined: March 13, 2006
Posts: 7800
Location: Big Wonderful WYO 82401
|
| Posted: Fri Jun 23, 2017 8:06 am Post subject: Re: Pertronix failing after 400 miles |
|
|
more than likely it is not the pertronix, they usually work or don't work.
Check the ohms in the plug wires and connections on the coil.
_________________
Rick
Certified Mechanic by the State of Michigan in 1977
ASA certified in 1987
Certified Hunter Wheel Alignment Master Technician 1986
| tasb wrote: |
I've restored a large number too, but I don't toot my horn quite as loud.
|
| sb001 wrote: |
maybe he just snapped cause his car sucked  |
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
67rustavenger 
Samba Member
Joined: February 24, 2015
Posts: 9770
Location: Oregon
|
| Posted: Fri Jun 23, 2017 8:14 am Post subject: Re: Pertronix failing after 400 miles |
|
|
| Java beetle 65 wrote: |
| I thought electronic ignition would be a good improvement to improve performance and reliability... Can't get distributor grease anymore (in oz anyway) and the Brazilian condensers aren't that reliable... |
https://www.mektronics.com.au/super-lube-grease-3oz-tube.html
This is a decent grease to use in a dist. The link above is to a local (in country) supplier.
For a good replacement condenser. Look for someone there that sells Beru brand ignition components. I use them in my 010 dist and to date they have performed well.
Good Luck
_________________
I have learned over the years.
Cheap parts are gonna disappoint you.
Buy Once, Cry Once!
There's never enough time to do it right the first time. But there's always enough time to do it thrice.
GFY's Xevin and VW_Jimbo! |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
MrVWGuy
Samba Member
Joined: February 21, 2010
Posts: 643
Location: North of Pittsburgh PA
|
| Posted: Fri Jun 23, 2017 9:02 am Post subject: Re: Pertronix failing after 400 miles |
|
|
| Java beetle 65 wrote: |
Hi there
Had a pertronix kit fitted to 009 distributor.
After 400 miles it is now missing every now and then and running badly. Jerky, as if the condenser was faulty on a points / condenser setup. Anyone else had similar issues?
Spark leads were not changed and coil might be usual 12v Bosch not flamethrower. Wonder if this has anything to do with it?
It ran really well initially but now I'm lucky to make it home.
Cheers |
I bought a bus 5 years ago with pertronix in the 034 distributor & a Bosch blue coil. Ran well for 4 years with no problems, but then last year I started experiencing exactly what you're describing. I've heard the "it either works or doesn't work" claim but that's not what I experienced personally. I would say check the voltage at the coil while it's running to make sure it is the 12V+
I switched to points and the problem went away.
_________________
'63 Bus (camper of unknown origin)
'62 Beetle
'68 Kombi
'76 Westfalia camper, the wife's |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
cn63bug
Samba Member
Joined: August 19, 2011
Posts: 114
Location: Mt. Juliet, TN
|
| Posted: Fri Jun 23, 2017 9:44 am Post subject: Re: Pertronix failing after 400 miles |
|
|
| Make sure your plug wires are firmly attached. I had a similar experience with mine after a few hundred miles and it turned out that the little clips that are in the end of the plug wire was gone on one of them. Could not stay on the plug. Put new wires on and it went away. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
arizonabuckeye
Samba Member
Joined: November 10, 2013
Posts: 544
Location: SLC
|
| Posted: Fri Jun 23, 2017 1:26 pm Post subject: Re: Pertronix failing after 400 miles |
|
|
Good thing is if the unit is bad it's probably still under warranty. (how long is the warranty on "points"?)
If you search here you will find numerous accounts saying they have run pertronix for years and years and years with zero problems - which includes not having to adjust points.
Bottom line is a legitimate pertronix is a very well made unit and is designed to not short out or burn up. It improves performance, reduces maintenance, and in the long run costs less. It's a win win win. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Cusser
Samba Member
Joined: October 02, 2006
Posts: 31378
Location: Hot Arizona
|
| Posted: Fri Jun 23, 2017 4:28 pm Post subject: Re: Pertronix failing after 400 miles |
|
|
| Java beetle 65 wrote: |
| Can't get distributor grease anymore (in oz anyway) |
You could use a tiny dab of wheel bearing grease, I have. But just a few days ago I actually found my tube of Bosch distributor cam grease; of course, since one only uses a dab, most of it is still there.
None in Oz??? Go see the Wizard !!!
_________________
1970 VW (owned since 1972) and 1971 VW Convertible (owned since 1976), second owner of each. The '71 now has the 1835 engine, swapped from the '70. Second owner of each. 1988 Mazda B2200 truck, 1998 Frontier, 2014 Yukon, 2004 Frontier King Cab. All manual transmission except for the Yukon. http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=335294 http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=335297 |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Dougy Dee
Samba Member
Joined: August 21, 2004
Posts: 1669
Location: Niagara Region, CANADA
|
| Posted: Fri Jun 23, 2017 5:10 pm Post subject: Re: Pertronix failing after 400 miles |
|
|
| The OP may want to check that there is no corrosion or oxidization between the original points plate and the Pertronix plate. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Q-Dog
Samba Member
Joined: April 05, 2010
Posts: 8700
Location: Sunset, Louisiana
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
bluebus86
Banned
Joined: September 02, 2010
Posts: 11075
|
| Posted: Fri Jun 23, 2017 9:06 pm Post subject: Re: Pertronix failing after 400 miles |
|
|
check the pertronix wiring, make sure nothing got pinch, pulled, chaffed. make sure the pertronix wires internal to the dizzie have enough slack for the advance mechanism to move freely. make sure gap is correct pertronix head to magnet ring.
also suspect other parts, high voltage wires, coil. I once had a coil go bad, was worse when it heated up. intermittant issue, other times coils just die.
I have ran Pertronix for decades in my cars, only had one fail, and that was done by me cranking the motor with the plug wires off for compression test, that can fry a pertronix, always disconnect it from power, or ground a high voltage lead to protect the pertronix. Once running, the pertronix is set and forget, no more timing drift as points wear, even eliminates issues do to worn dizzie shaft wobble. I have kept my old points and capacitor in the trunk for emergency. but never had to use them. Only my 66 bug still has points, my 61, 70, 72 vws have them. My triumph has lucas electronis points and so my vanagon by bosch , but that was factory fit.
I like,points, have no trouble maintaining them, but one less maintenance item is a good thing, spot on perfect timing is another.
good luck
_________________
Help Prevent VW Engine Fires, see this link.....Engine safety wire information
Stop introducing dirt into your oil when adjusting valves ... https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=683022 |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
heimlich
VWNOS.com
Joined: November 20, 2016
Posts: 6616
Location: Houston, Texas
|
| Posted: Fri Jun 23, 2017 10:50 pm Post subject: Re: Pertronix failing after 400 miles |
|
|
| Cusser wrote: |
| Java beetle 65 wrote: |
| Can't get distributor grease anymore (in oz anyway) |
You could use a tiny dab of wheel bearing grease, I have. But just a few days ago I actually found my tube of Bosch distributor cam grease; of course, since one only uses a dab, most of it is still there.
None in Oz??? Go see the Wizard !!! |
Please point the way to the yellow brick road. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Cusser
Samba Member
Joined: October 02, 2006
Posts: 31378
Location: Hot Arizona
|
| Posted: Sat Jun 24, 2017 7:46 am Post subject: Re: Pertronix failing after 400 miles |
|
|
| kawfee wrote: |
| Cusser wrote: |
None in Oz??? Go see the Wizard !!! |
Please point the way to the yellow brick road. |
_________________
1970 VW (owned since 1972) and 1971 VW Convertible (owned since 1976), second owner of each. The '71 now has the 1835 engine, swapped from the '70. Second owner of each. 1988 Mazda B2200 truck, 1998 Frontier, 2014 Yukon, 2004 Frontier King Cab. All manual transmission except for the Yukon. http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=335294 http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=335297 |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
heimlich
VWNOS.com
Joined: November 20, 2016
Posts: 6616
Location: Houston, Texas
|
| Posted: Sat Jun 24, 2017 8:33 am Post subject: Re: Pertronix failing after 400 miles |
|
|
| Cusser wrote: |
| kawfee wrote: |
| Cusser wrote: |
None in Oz??? Go see the Wizard !!! |
Please point the way to the yellow brick road. |
|
I'm not seeing it. That doesn't look like Bosch distributor grease at the end. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Glenn
Mr. 010
Joined: December 25, 2001
Posts: 76939
Location: Sneaking up behind you
|
| Posted: Sat Jun 24, 2017 9:19 am Post subject: Re: Pertronix failing after 400 miles |
|
|
| kawfee wrote: |
| Cusser wrote: |
| kawfee wrote: |
| Cusser wrote: |
None in Oz??? Go see the Wizard !!! |
Please point the way to the yellow brick road. |
|
I'm not seeing it. That doesn't look like Bosch distributor grease at the end. |
This is what the end looks like.
_________________
Glenn
74 Beetle Specs | 74 Beetle Restoration | 2180cc Engine
"You may not get what you pay for, but you always pay for what you get"
Member #1009
#BlueSquare |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
heimlich
VWNOS.com
Joined: November 20, 2016
Posts: 6616
Location: Houston, Texas
|
| Posted: Sat Jun 24, 2017 9:21 am Post subject: Re: Pertronix failing after 400 miles |
|
|
| My tube is yellow. What's the difference between the white and yellow ones? |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Cusser
Samba Member
Joined: October 02, 2006
Posts: 31378
Location: Hot Arizona
|
| Posted: Sat Jun 24, 2017 9:27 am Post subject: Re: Pertronix failing after 400 miles |
|
|
| kawfee wrote: |
| My tube is yellow. What's the difference between the white and yellow ones? |
Mine is yellow as well. It's 100 miles away or I would post its part number. Are the ones in black for points rubbing block lube?
_________________
1970 VW (owned since 1972) and 1971 VW Convertible (owned since 1976), second owner of each. The '71 now has the 1835 engine, swapped from the '70. Second owner of each. 1988 Mazda B2200 truck, 1998 Frontier, 2014 Yukon, 2004 Frontier King Cab. All manual transmission except for the Yukon. http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=335294 http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=335297 |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
heimlich
VWNOS.com
Joined: November 20, 2016
Posts: 6616
Location: Houston, Texas
|
| Posted: Sat Jun 24, 2017 9:29 am Post subject: Re: Pertronix failing after 400 miles |
|
|
| Cusser wrote: |
| kawfee wrote: |
| My tube is yellow. What's the difference between the white and yellow ones? |
Mine is yellow as well. It's 100 miles away or I would post its part number. Are the ones in black for points rubbing block lube? |
It's the same part number.
5700002005 |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Glenn
Mr. 010
Joined: December 25, 2001
Posts: 76939
Location: Sneaking up behind you
|
| Posted: Sat Jun 24, 2017 9:41 am Post subject: Re: Pertronix failing after 400 miles |
|
|
| kawfee wrote: |
| Cusser wrote: |
| kawfee wrote: |
| My tube is yellow. What's the difference between the white and yellow ones? |
Mine is yellow as well. It's 100 miles away or I would post its part number. Are the ones in black for points rubbing block lube? |
It's the same part number.
5700002005 |
Wow, I was worried i've been using the wrong grease for the past 45 years.
_________________
Glenn
74 Beetle Specs | 74 Beetle Restoration | 2180cc Engine
"You may not get what you pay for, but you always pay for what you get"
Member #1009
#BlueSquare |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
/https://public-media.smithsonianmag.com/filer/Wizard-of-Oz-Yellow-Brick-Road-Baum-631.jpg "Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.")
