FE-FC Holden Discussion Forum

Just wondering, has anybody on here tried one of these?
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Pertronix-Ignitor-Holden-Grey-motor-6-cyl-Bosch-/360322710949?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item53e4e83da5
Would love to know if they are any good before I fork out for one.
Cheers, Matt.

Matt,

You have pm.

Cheers
John

I have just finished fitting one of these to my car. Set up the same as my old dizzy for the moment. Any improvement is marginal, but the lack of points has to be an improvement.

Easy to fit, some small mods to dizzy needed. I put it in a spare dizzy I had and keep the original in the boot just in case.

Colin.

 ; ;D

I have installed one in my wagon and it made quite a difference. No more back fires or coughing and farting when the foot was planted. Smoooooth as now, and runs beautifuly. I intend putting one in our project ute.

Rusty

That looks good to me but I am not the best mechanically. What mode are needed and is it fairly straight forward to swap out the old and put in the new? I know how to use a spanner and can also use a sledge hammer if that doesn't work....

Paul ,i have fitted one to my car over 12months ago .Its not hard to do.Know harder than changing a set of points.
I have put a link up that shows you what you need to do.
Regards,Greg.

http://www.mbzponton.org/valueadded/maintenance/ignitionpert/ignitionpert.htm

Thanks Greg - at least I can park the sledgehammer, for now anyway!  ;D

I have fitted one to my FC and am very happy with it. One thing I had a problem with was not getting the plastic piece down far enough over the cam, had to file a bit off the vacuum advance lever which stops the plastic part from getting down to the correct location. The motor never ran so smoothly.

I can only agree with the other posts, ease of fitting and maintenance free ;D

But I also carry an original points dissy in my spares when I go out of town, lets just say there's never a sure thing with old cars ;)

Mick 8)

Hi all, new to the forum and need advice.
Trying to install a Pertronix electronic ignition system to the grey motor dizzy in the FC.
The problem is the magnetic ring when installed doesn't push on the dizzy shaft far enough to allow the rotor button to be fitted correctly.
Has anyone experienced this problem?
The vacuum advance plate hasn't, been ground as per the instruction, but this does'nt appear the problem.
Cheers, FCRob   

^{But I also carry an original points dissy in my spares when I go out of town, lets just say there's never a sure thing with old cars Wink}



Dont you mean theres never a sure thing with E Bay specials as well  :D

FCrob, see the post above from Gertie. It may be the advance lever causing the problem. You do need to take a bit off the lever.

Colin.

Fcrob,

Mate just follow the instructions about grinding a bit off the lever and you'll be right ;)

Like most things regarding our cars, things go so much easier talking to people who have "Been there, done that"

Mick 8)

Thanks guys, I had already filed a bit off the vacuum advance but the problem was just a bit reluctant to tap the magnet on the shaft.... But that's all it needed.... Used a deep socket and what do you know it went on.
Will let you all know the outcome when I complete the job.

Completed installing Pertronix electronic ignition to my grey. Just required a minor timing adjustment and is running smoother than ever. Rough cold starts are in the past.
Very happy with the outcome.
Fcrob

Just fitted one of these (Petronix Ignitor 1864A) to my stock FE Grey. Car will just start, but will not run. Only drama with the installation was the magnet sleeve top face partially cracked off as I pushed it down, so I glued it back together and re-fitted it.
There was a white stuck-on label on the inside face of the Ignitor module (which faces the magnet sleeve) with a serial number printed on it, which I removed prior to fitting.
My questions are:
Would the glued top on the magnet sleeve cause problems?
How should the dizzy be installed initially, advanced, retarded, zeroed?
Should the label (I removed) be left on?
Would the stock Ignition coil satisfy the minimum 1.5 ohms resistance requirement of this unit?
Any thoughts appreciated,
R.

Rabbitoh, don't know about the crack, I would set the timing up initially as per stock settings and go from there. When I bought mine the kit came with a new coil which I presume is specific for the module.

Colin.

Hi R,

Where did you purchase the kit from?

From my experience any issues at all with magnet it will cause problems.

Cheers
John

i got mine from ebay, of the same bloke
but if you go to his us site the same kit is $50 cheaper @ $82.50 +$14p&h


http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/PerTronix-Ignitor-Bosch-6-cyl-1864A-Mercedes-/200749242745?pt=Vintage_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2ebd965979

ebay au
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Pertronix-Ignitor-Holden-Grey-motor-6-cyl-Bosch-/360427383504?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item53eb256ad0
$130 + $12p&h

big saving and sold from same bloke

Col,

I used a Bosch GT40 (non resistor type) in mine with success ;)

I think there is a Pertronix troubleshooting site on the net, I'll have a look later.

Mick 8)

i did mine in car, there's no need to remove dizzy, took about 45min,
just make sure you fit a fuse and resisted relay to the coil and youll be fine

i also usea a bosch gt40,
rest of motor is stock and it runs like a dream

John, I bought the kit through the Vic. Club. I was instructed by a Pertronix tech guru that the crack is of no consequence whatsoever. The problem was I had the ignition timing out by a fair wack :-[.
Spun the dizzy a few degrees and voila -she lives! All is good now and car runs sweeter than ever. The guy said I can fit one of their high volt coils and this would allow me to open up the plug gaps and release some more neddies from my stock as a rock Grey. Anyone done this? :-\

Had a similar issue when I installed my one(running rough), took me a couple of hours to figure out I had installed the dizzy 1 tooth out, I would be double checking that.

Cheers
Oggz

I have just finished fitting one to my FE was a bit hesitant to start but ran nice once going.
On my test run to get dinner i noticed the car starting surging and breaking down. and at the bottom of the hill near home a very large backfire and it was dead ?
If i wriggle the plate with the module it would cough and fart.
So my only guess was a shitty coil as its original and has a rust hole in the side.
So i have fitted a new coil and coil lead its started i really really dont feel like pushing it up the road has anyone had any issues ?

I have the black plastic thing full down and timing is done (shitful trying to look in the hole to see the timing marks)


Pete

Pete, I'm not aware of anyone having any issues once running. Without looking at the instructions I think they do recommend a high output coil. Have a play with your timing, advance it a bit and try it. Make sure your advance is working. You'll see if it is by using your timing light and giving it a rev. The timing marker should move. Make sure the advance plate is free to move.

Is your engine stock or warm?

Have you got a spare standard dizzy? Put one in the boot.

Colin.

If you've got the vac advance dash pot hard up against the block and it still wont run properly, you have the dizzy out a tooth...speaking from experience here, takes a bit of fiddling to get it back in the right spot, I ended up back in the manual and following it step by step

I checked i had slack in the plate and the timing marks move when i rev it.

Its starts first kick when cold which it has never done before.
I just fitted a new coil i had stashed. its  running sweet as ill take it for a spin when it stops raining i hate cleaning 4 dirty f90 simmons after they get wet.



Pete

Hi Pete.
I had problem's after fitting mine, turned out to be the rotor button.
I chipped a peace out of the keyway in the button, which made the button a sloppy fit
on the distributor shaft.
It wasn't obvious on assembly as it slid on and appeared firm.
Cheers Geoff.

Just took it for a run all seems good.
Shes stock as a rock and i was worried about the rotor button it has a bit of wear on the edge of the pin inside the rotor button but it has no movement once pressed on.

I think i have it fixed seems like it was a dodgey original coil breaking down.

Arrgh that fault has rared its head again
driving along sweet as purring and cough cough bang
so it now has new coil GT40, leads,plugs,rotor,dizzy cap what the hell is going on all i can think is the module is faulty the timing is spot on i rechecked it again tonight motor runs smooth as silk until about 5km up the road and it just breaks down.
I am sick of fiddling with the module so i went and got a new set of points i can rely or fix them and trust them.



Pete

Hey Pete,

only drive four K's at a time  ;D ;D

regards

Weddo

I had the same problem with the module on my commodore but that would just break down at a few thousand revs or when it started to get hot.Replaced the module and all good.

I will fit points and send it back to him and see what he says.
I have fitted the white gel and everything but it was 1 degree yesterday morning the was onlt slightly warm.
Where im driving to is about 6kms away spose i could walk the last 2.

Yes I would agree its a faulty module.

Having worked on small engines I have come across this when a motor warms up. Parts / components expand and its likely to cause a short if theres a fault. Firstly I have replaced coils (you have done that) and secondly modules-small engines that is.

I have an ignition module in my grey and it works a charm. Great investment so its worth persevering.

Rod

E bay dude rang me apologising that the module was faulty when tested.
Sent a new unit
but she has never ran better with all the new parts in her.

Hi All
I am about to fit this unit to to my car and have 2 questions:
1. Do I retain the condensor or discard ?
2. What Coil should I be running ?

Cheers Jim

 remove and discard condensor and use a GT40 coil.

cheers
Scott

Thanks Scott

Hmmm
Its fitted, and now car will not start and hints ? Fitted in car,  dizzy left in place and car started easy before fitting.

Could the magnet not be seated correctly on the shaft ?
Do I need to adjust timing ?

Jim

its a bugger to seat the magnet you need a hobby knife to keep relieving inside the plastic where it pushes onto the lobe.
i cracked my first one being impatient.

did you remove dizzy?

a lot of little things can go wrong.

pete

Hi Pete
I left the dizzy in the car and completed all work where it sat.

I started the car this morning and reversed it into the into the garage so it worked before fittinf and started pretty easy (I drive this care almost daily)

I have just filed a little more of the vacuum bracket as it looked like it was a little close maybe even touching, I also tapped the magnet down this a deep socket to ensure it is seated correctly and turned the motor over by hand all looks good. Now I just need to wait for the battery to charge (sitting for the past coupla weeks) should have taken it for a decent drive before all the stop starts I have one in the last coupla days.

Fingers crossed. Cheers Jim

Still no joy, almost fires up WT#

Jim

Hmmm sounds like fun

What is the coil you are using?

Hi Pete

Already had a Bosch GT40 fitted.

Fitting this unit will alter the timing, its sounds like you have spark, so get someone to crank it while you turn the distributor a small amount in either direction and it should run - then stick a timing light on it, or do a tune by ear.

ehsv6
I am hoping its just timing and a little tweek will have me on the road, the wife whinges an bleets when asked to help in the shed and has NFI.

Lucky for me Scott (Collecta) is going to drop over tomorrow to give me a hand getting the old girl started. I should really get me a timing light but these old girls are easy enough to do my ear in the short term.

Cheers Jim

All
Thanks for the tips, Scott came over and the old girl is up an running.
First he noted that the vacuum bracket screw (original) and that the air gap could and should be larger. Ran a coupla tests bu removing rtainer screw and washer, and turned the old girl over and she wanted to run, so we did the following.
1. Filed more off the vacuum bracket to give more clearance (air gap).
2. Adjusted timing.
3. Went for a drive.
4. She lives again.

Thanks Scott  ;) I could have been here for days trying to figure out something so so simple.

Lesson file off a little more just to be sure.   

Cheers Jim   

 your welcome mate anytime ::)

My guess it is timing.  I had similar double with mine when I fitted.  Firstly take the centre wire out of the distributor cap and put the end on the steering box so as to create a spark gap. Turn the ignition on and turn the ignition and turn the engine over by hand and see if you have a spark. If there is spark check where the firing point is in relation to the timing ball on the flywheel.  If you have accidentally reversed the the module leads on the coil there is a good chance the module is buggered.  With the distributor cap off check where the rotor is, when a spark occurs, compared to the #1 position on the cap.  In my case I found that there was two positions that the magnetic ring could go on the shaft ie there was 12 apparent flats instead of 6.

I actually set my distributor up on the bench in a test mode and found the timing out by 23 degrees.  I made a special puller to remove the ring so as not to damage it.  All went well when the spark fired in the correct position.  Also in my case I found that there was not enough width in the gap on the base where the module to allow full travel of the vacuum advance.  A small was used to take a few extra mm,s out.

I hope this helps.

Keith

BTW.  Did you disconnect the condenser?  Sorry about spelling in previous post.  The IPad is a little bit fiddly.

Hi Keith
Thanks for the advice, but problam already solved thanks to a little hand from Collecta. I basically need to file for off the vacuum bracket and adjust the timing.

Cheers Jim

you using your lap top again? lol

You caught me out. I should read before posting in the future.

I am wanting to fit electronic ignition and have been looking at the early holden parts kit. Most of what I've read on here is about the petronix kit. Is there a difference in the two? Is one better than the other? There's about $40 difference between them.

so what is the best brand/model and where can I purchase

Most people use the Pertronix kit, go with the majority I say!
Once it is sorted and running it gives hassle free motoring.

Ken