Electronic Ignition Conversion

[FreeBeeTony]

I recently installed a Pertronix Ignitor conversion kit on my Mercruiser 165 IL6. It seems to work fine, fires-up almost as soon as it turns over. I have read that if you leave the key in the on postion w/o the engine running it will cause the unit to fail. Has anybody heard of any problems with this happening? Makes me kinda nervous..........Supposedly they came out with an Ignitor II model that has some protection circuitry in it to prevent this failure. Wish I would have known about this when I placed my order!

 

[beckerdg]

Re: Electronic Ignition Conversion

It definately can happen. It did to me when I was doing a compression test. Key is don't leave the ignition on with the engine not running. I wish I knew that as well it would have been worth the extra dollars for the Ignitor II. As it is I keep a set of points on board for the inevitable day I mess up.

 

[Juancho]

Re: Electronic Ignition Conversion

The Pertronix Ignitor I will burn out if you leave the key on. I am super paranoid about this happening. I even turn the key off half way through lowering the drive. I sure do love the upgrade though. I have since used Pertronix and Compufire on all of my old motors that use points. <br /><br />I do have one concern though. The Pertronix certainly did change my timing curve. Before the Pertronix, I set timing to 10 BTDC, with the Pertronix, I have to set the timing at 15 BTDC.

 

[FreeBeeTony]

Re: Electronic Ignition Conversion

Jolly.............How long did you have the key on w/o the engine running when it failed? Minutes? Hours? I'm hoping it doesn't happen if you leave it on for a few minutes.....

 

[bravefart]

Re: Electronic Ignition Conversion

Freebee<br />I asked the Pertonix rep the same question and he advised no longer than 5mns.<br />I guess we have to be careful.<br /><br />davie

 

[beckerdg]

Re: Electronic Ignition Conversion

It was in the minutes range. Probably in the 5 minutes range per cylinder. I was leaving the ignition on while I moved the compression gauge from cylinder to cylinder then cranked the engine to get a reading. When I was done so was my ignitor. Luckily I had just purchased it, and the instructions aren't clear about the exact time, so the dealer replaced them under warranty. I try to really watch it now, but. . .

 

[FreeBeeTony]

Re: Electronic Ignition Conversion

I already ordered the Ignitor II w/ the protection. I can't take a chance on the water with the other one!

 

[anesthes]

Re: Electronic Ignition Conversion

A lot of GM electronic ignitions have the same problem. The ignition modules blow out from sitting in the run position, with the motor not running.<br /><br />-- Joe