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Thread: Lifespan of petronix e-ignition?

  1. #1
    Senior Member 911kiwi's Avatar
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    Lifespan of petronix e-ignition?

    Hi Guys,

    Installed my petronix 5 1/2 years ago - fantastic! Couldn't have been happier - BUT now the S has suddenly started running rough.

    So I did the valves, new plugs, timing. Idles nicely, but once warm & under load it coughs & splutters intermittently. Will drive nicely for a couple of miles then lose power. Occasionally runs on when turned off - ignition timing??

    What the .....?

    So I'm thinking that the petronix is giving me grief.

    Should I change out the plug leads, rotor & dist. cap first? (I have new spares on the shelf) Pulling the petronix out & replacing the points is more hassle ...

    Anyone had a petronix for more than 6 years? Can you check if the petronix is operating properly or is it Go or NO-GO?

    Your thoughts appreciated

    __________________
    Kiwi
    1972 911S
    1967 912
    1959 356A Conv D
    Early S Registry # 306

  2. #2
    I would start with the magnet wheel under the rotor.

    Take the rotor off, take the magnet wheel out, and inspect it to make sure it's still in one piece - if it has come apart the magnets may have shifted or, in the worst case scenario, fallen out.
    -Marco
    SReg. #778 OGrp: #8 RGrp: #---
    TLG Auto: Website
    Searching for engine #907495 and gearbox 902/1 #229687

  3. #3
    Senior Member 911kiwi's Avatar
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    magnets

    Marco, thanks for the reply.

    Have checked the magnets - it's seating correctly & is intact. Beats me! I'm going to change back to pints & see if the problem disappears. If it does (I hope!) then it will then be a decision as to replace with another petronix or revert back to points.

    At least with points you can troubleshoot & changing points on the side of the road is easier than changing out the petronix & replacing with points.

    Anyway, thanks again for the reply - will post results later.
    Kiwi
    1972 911S
    1967 912
    1959 356A Conv D
    Early S Registry # 306

  4. #4
    We use the petronix system in Formula Fords and F2000 cars and they do fail. Quite regulary in fact, probably due to the high heat, revs and vibration. All things that reak havoc to electronics. That's why we always have a spare in the trailer. Swap it out and see what happens. Good luck Allan
    1971 911S with Factory Recaro Sport Seats, 100% original, Bahia Red/Black

    1974 914 2.0 Yellow/Black

    2006 Cayman S Artic Silver/Terrecotta (Pending)


    When you think in you're in full control, you're just not driving fast enough

  5. #5
    Kiwi, one more thing to check. Make sure that the screw in the plate the Pertronix bolts to is tight. If that's loose it will tweak the timing.

    While you're in there you should also re-gap the Pertronix.

    Hope everything works out. I'm interested to hear the resolution.
    -Marco
    SReg. #778 OGrp: #8 RGrp: #---
    TLG Auto: Website
    Searching for engine #907495 and gearbox 902/1 #229687

  6. #6
    Senior Member 911kiwi's Avatar
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    very frustrating


    Checked all the above, decided to swap out the petronix & replace with new points. Gapped to .3mm, new rotor, timed to 5 ATC, idled smooth, drove down the road - feeling hopeful .... then ... cough splutter ... 1st & 2nd fine -3rd loses power. Bugger!
    Vacuum advance is working.
    What next? - try new plug leads?
    Injectors clogged?
    Very frustrating - I hate being beaten!!! Might need to seek "professional" help.

    Any ideas what else to try???
    Kiwi
    1972 911S
    1967 912
    1959 356A Conv D
    Early S Registry # 306

  7. #7
    Senior Member sweetE's Avatar
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    You might also want to check your battery, as the Pertronix likes to run with a strong one
    Dale Thero S Registry # 200

  8. #8
    SweetE's suggestion is a good one and I would add "Battery Cables; front & back", to the list.

    Those are all very often overlooked and some batteries/alternators get needlessly replaced when the cables are either intermittent or suffer corrosion.
    Steve Weiner
    Rennsport Systems
    Portland Oregon
    503.244.0990
    E-mail: porsche@rennsportsystems.com
    http://www.rennsportsystems.com

  9. #9
    If it's missing under load its probably ignition ... although, like SweetE and Steve, I've seen funky grounds on the batteries cause similar issues to what you're dealing with.

    My vote is still with the ignition...
    -Marco
    SReg. #778 OGrp: #8 RGrp: #---
    TLG Auto: Website
    Searching for engine #907495 and gearbox 902/1 #229687

  10. #10
    Senior Member 911kiwi's Avatar
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    Thumbs up

    Both batteries are fully charged - keep them on battery tender. But thanks for that suggestion - rules out another component.

    Wondering about the CD unit now - d'oh! $$$$$$$ I'm still troubleshooting the ignition system at present - running out of components - but that's a good thing I guess. Sooner or later I'll find the problem.
    PLEASE - let it be SOONER!

    Keep the ideas flowing - I appreciate the help & colllective wisdom of the registry members.
    Kiwi
    1972 911S
    1967 912
    1959 356A Conv D
    Early S Registry # 306

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