[Healeys] Ignition condenser fault

[Bob Spidell]

Output voltage from Pertronix electronic points won't be any higher than with standard points (and may be a smidgen lower due to internal resistance). As far as current, I don't know how a Pertronix could switch more current than points, which are essentially a dead short when closed (current is limited only by coil impedance). If you go with a 'sports' or Pertronix coil you might get higher secondary voltage if you increase your plug gaps, so the secondary ignition system needs to be in good shape (maybe that's what the 'tech type' was thinking of). 

Pertronix switches power--'upstream,' if you will, from the coil--not to ground like points. Therefore, the coil will need a ground lead. The 'anti-theft' lead to the battery switch makes a convenient ground, but you have to move it to the same (large) terminal on the switch (as the battery ground). That way, you're opening the ignition and battery-to-ground circuits with the switch in the 'OFF' position, and maintaining the 'anti-theft' aspect of the cutoff switch. 

Bob 


-------------------------------- 
Bob Spidell - San Jose, CA 

----- Original Message -----

1. Usualy no problem with theese hall effect ignition systems. I always use 
them on minis. You will need a proper coil and good ignition cables with as 
low resistance as possible - I usualy use oldschool copper hi-tension wires 
with nonresistant screw-on caps. Spark plug gaps may need to be experienced 
with. 
2. They usualy have two wires, one going on the - one on the + pole of the 
coil. At least on the systems I met. 
3. be carefull while working on the system. It realy uses significantly 
higher currant. 

Gergo 

2011/9/27 W.D. Nelson <nelson_wd at msn.com> 

> Speaking electronics: I have two questions; 
> 1. I want to change to an electronic system such as Petronix or the 
> XR-700. I have had one tech-type tell me there is too much voltage 
> generated by Petronix that may cause problems later on. Any experience with 
> this? 
> 2. Where does the engine ground cable mount? 
> Thanks, bill 
> 
> > Date: Tue, 27 Sep 2011 13:38:47 -0400 
> > From: rpschauss at gmail.com 
> > To: pajtamuvek at gmail.com 
> > CC: healeys at autox.team.net 
> > Subject: Re: [Healeys] Ignition condenser fault 
> 
> > 
> > I once had a condenser which was DOA but it was obvious as soon as I 
> > started the engine with the bad condenser in place. 
> > 
> > Peter Schauss 
> > 1963 BJ7 
> > 1980 MGB 
> > 
> > On Tue, Sep 27, 2011 at 11:47 AM, Austin Healey <pajtamuvek at gmail.com> 
> wrote: 
> > > Dear Friends, 
> > > 
> > > My BN4 ate 2 new condensers during 360 miles. Bad quality items, or 
> > > something faulty in the ignition system? 
> > > 
> > > Gergo