63 Fuelie stumbles off idle

[Troy P.]

Re: 63 Fuelie stumbles off idle

Got your email. Thanks so much. Funny how yours died at 3&6 and mine did exactly the same. You would think if the problem was the magnets falling out that any of them could let go, not just the ones for cylinders 3&6.

Did you do the replacement with the distributor in the car or did you have to take it out?

[Carmen R.]

Re: 63 Fuelie stumbles off idle

Got your email. Yeah what a coincidence. I replaced mine with the Pertronix 3, part# PT71181. You don't have to remove the distributor, just be careful. Finding those little magnets can be a real bastard.Unfortunately your coil will not work with this unit. You need coil PT44011. I don't know much about electrical, so others could chime in, but it has some thing to do with resistance and Ohms value. The new coil has to get 12 volts. I temporarily connected the wires and put them behind the ballast resistor. I'm searching the swap meets for a used ballast resistor. If I find one I'll put a heavy wire and make a shunt, so it will look original. If you go to the Pertronix website and punch in your distributor number it will list what's compatible with your unit. Talk to a tech rep before you order. I'm also thinking of getting a set of points and leaving them in the car a long with a Delco coil and ballast resistor. Of course if you're having your car judged, you would want to use the points.

Good Luck

[Troy P.]

Re: 63 Fuelie stumbles off idle

I've been reading up on this subject by searching Pertornix on this Discussion Board. I think I'd prefer the II model to avoid changing the coil and the ballast issue.

[Joe C.]

Re: 63 Fuelie stumbles off idle

Cylinders 3 and 6 are next to each other in the firing order. Could be arcing in the cap between these two. -DAn-

I believe that you meant to say "5 and 7" which are next to each other in the firing order as well as consecutive in the head.

The OP should use a M & H (Breakerless SE) if he wants a robust unit which uses one wire like original and requires the ballast and a original higher impedance coil.

Use the II or III which use either a 40kv or 45 kv coil, respectively. If using either of these, it would be wise to replace your primary ignition wires with 8.5 mm, which is necessary to prevent arcing which will occur if you have a fouled plug, because of the very high reserve voltage that the high capacity coil can generate.

[Dan D.]

Re: 63 Fuelie stumbles off idle

Joe, I said 3 & 6 because that is what the OP stated. If 5 & 7, which are also adjacent cylinders in the head as you mentioned, may indicate a head gasket. A compression test would be in order. -Dan-

[Carmen R.]

Re: 63 Fuelie stumbles off idle

I've been reading up on this subject by searching Pertornix on this Discussion Board. I think I'd prefer the II model to avoid changing the coil and the ballast issue.

As long it does not have the magnetic ring, it should be a good unit. Please let us know what you find when you remove the old unit.

On another note, you might want to pull your dipstick and check for fuel dilution. If your problem occurred recently, a good long drive would probably burn off whatever small amount of fuel you have in the oil pan, instead of changing the oil and filter.

[Bruce B.]

Re: 63 Fuelie stumbles off idle

I have one of the first Pertronix units (model 1181D) made for a 340 HP 327. I waited for it while Pertronix developed it for the specific application.
That was installed on Aug. 23, 1999.
I have put many miles on my 62 (20,000+ miles) and the Pertronix unit still works fine with AC45 plugs.
The only maintenance to the distributor is to check the 2 screws which hold the rotor and Pertronix ring in place every few years.

[Joe C.]

Re: 63 Fuelie stumbles off idle

The OP was specifically talking about ignition. Head gasket will not enter the discussion. When I stated "adjacent cylinders in the head", I was pointing out the proximity to each other of the primary wires for each.

5 and 7 are the only pair of cylinders that are a threat to crossfire because:

1. They are adjacent in the firing order,

AND

2. They are also adjacent in the head, which means that their secondary wires are routed close to each other.

If both 5 and 7 wires are in good condition then this threat is minimized.

3 and 6 pose the same threat as any other consecutively firing pair, which is nil. 5 and 7 are the only pair in this unique situation.

[Troy P.]

Re: 63 Fuelie stumbles off idle

I'll let you know. BTW I may have misspoken, I think you may have to by pass the ballast resistor with the II also.

[Troy P.]

Re: 63 Fuelie stumbles off idle

Well we know at least some with that unit have lost magnets out of the Hall effect coil. I may be one of them as I have those symptoms. I will know later as I disassemble the distributor. One poster stated that he called Pertronix and they were aware of the problem. So it could happen to you too at an inconvenient time.

[Troy P.]

Re: 63 Fuelie stumbles off idle

Wires for 3&6 are next to each other in the distributor cap. These are the two not firing. Exact same two that Mr. Rodi had lost due to missing magnets in the Pertronix Hall effect coil.

[John D.]

Re: 63 Fuelie stumbles off idle

Troy, If it was my car I would take Joe Ciarvino's advise and go with the one wire setup. Or I would go back to points and condenser. We never have any issues or complaints using NAPA points and condenser. Glad you found the problem.

You asked a question about the cranking signal valve(CSV). It 's not just for starting. If it isn't working properly then it will allow more manifold vacuum to the main diaphragm and therefore the car will run rich/fat..
To pinch the rubber hose off you must first install a longer piece of 1/4" ID hose. To do this unloosen the vacuum line from the Branch T on the main diaphragm cover. Then swing the line up in the air a tad to permit a longer piece of hose from the vacuum line to the CSV. Then crimp it off.
One could drive across the country with a blown CSV if the hose is clamped or crimped off thereby taking the CSV out of the system.
Today we have very strong and efficient CSV's. When we bought them over the counter in the old days they were not up to par. John

[Troy P.]

Re: 63 Fuelie stumbles off idle

When I get it running again I'll test the CRV in the manner you suggested. I did the blow and suck test. I bought this part from you many moons ago.

Sure enough there were two magnets missing from the Hall effect coil, just like the photo previously posted. In addition there was one magnet about to fall out.

I have a Pertronix II on order. I think that is a one wire system. Hope so. It arrives Tuesday morning. Should have it running again that day.

[Carmen R.]

Re: 63 Fuelie stumbles off idle

Glad you found the problem. your situation is identical to mine. I lost the third magnet while I had it on the bench. Did you find all the magnets? My concern with not accounting for all the magnets is that it may give a false signal to whatever unit you decide to go with. I would hate to have a cylinder fire while it's starting to come up on the compression stroke. You'll be glad when you're firing on all 8 again.

Any way back to the Super Bowl.

[John H.]

Re: 63 Fuelie stumbles off idle

When I get it running again I'll test the CRV in the manner you suggested. I did the blow and suck test. I bought this part from you many moons ago.

Sure enough there were two magnets missing from the Hall effect coil, just like the photo previously posted. In addition there was one magnet about to fall out.

I have a Pertronix II on order. I think that is a one wire system. Hope so. It arrives Tuesday morning. Should have it running again that day.

Troy -

The one-wire system is the "Breakerless SE", manufactured by M&H Fabricators (www.wiringharness.com) and marketed by Lectric Limited (www.lectriclimited.com).