Author Topic: Pertronix Installation  (Read 2663 times)

Jordan

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Pertronix Installation
« on: April 09, 2017, 18:32:59 »
So I did a search and couldn't find an answer to my specific question, probably because it may seem simple to most.  I have had a Pertronix unit sitting on my shelf for a few years and decided to install it today.  Everything is pretty straightforward except I know I need to grind back the vacuum push rod pivot attaching assembly slightly to allow the magnet to sit properly.  I'm assuming I need to remove it to do this (on a grinder or with a file)?

So my question is how do I remove it?  Distributors scare the hell out of me so I don't want to start taking stuff apart willy nilly in case I can't put it back together.  I've included a few photos so you can reference them if it helps explain something (borrowed from this site).  I'm better with pictures.  My set up currently looks like the second picture except I haven't shaved back the piece on the push rod pivot yet.  Thanks for the assistance.

Marcus
66 230SL  Euro 4 speed

kampala

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Re: Pertronix Installation
« Reply #1 on: April 09, 2017, 19:30:32 »
Marcus,

I am away from my car, but I did install such a system in the 250.   The modification was not obvious to me until I set the magnet on the shaft and then could clearly see the interference that would not allow the magnet to seat fully.   

I know I removed the part that I had to grind.  You have to remove it.    Can't recall how to remove it but it was easy enough that I was able to keep trial fitting until I ground enough material to allow for clearance. 

The link below may help as it guides step by step:

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

Good luck
250sl - later - manual
280sl - 1971 - Auto - LSD

Jordan

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Re: Pertronix Installation
« Reply #2 on: April 09, 2017, 20:46:11 »
Oz, thanks. That link did the trick (especially the pictures).  The vacuum advance arm has the single screw you see in the first picture.  The arm has to be lifted directly up since it has a post on it which connects to the vacuum advance arm.  I've posted a pic from that link so anyone else having this question can see what to remove.  Took a couple of minutes to trim the piece, reinstall and she started right up.  Just need to reset the timing as it is idling around 500 rpm.

Marcus
66 230SL  Euro 4 speed

perry113

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Re: Pertronix Installation
« Reply #3 on: April 10, 2017, 00:55:23 »
What is the part number for your Pertonix unit?
I would consult a Pertonix dealer to ensure you have the correct part. I would also think that you may have to change your coil. Do you still run the ballast resistor with this system?
Let Pertonix tell you exactly what you need to do to ensure the system will work properly.
I hope your conversion goes 100%
Peter Perry
1970 911T Bahia Red
1972 911T Albert Blau
1963 220seb coupe barn
1965 230SL Light Ivory automatic
1966 230SL Havana Brown 4 speed Barn Find
1970 280SE living 3.5 donor car

Jordan

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Re: Pertronix Installation
« Reply #4 on: April 10, 2017, 02:05:33 »
Peter, don't have the Pertronix number handy but it is the same unit referenced in several other threads on this site.  Everything went fine.  My only stumble was how to remove the one part that needed trimming.  The unit requires a minimum 1.5 ohms resistance.  I have the red coil which has 1.8 ohms.  Yes, the ballast resistor stays with the system.  Black wire to the negative terminal on the coil and red wire to the ignition side of the ballast resistor.
Marcus
66 230SL  Euro 4 speed