PerTronix 91585A User Manual

COMMON QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Q. The engine will not start or runs rough. What is the problem?

A. Perform Power and Ground Checks. Check all connections to insure that they are

tight, and in the proper location. Check all grounds; if a distributor ground wire was

removed make sure that it was reattached properly. Make sure that the red Ignitor II

wire is supplied with a full 12 volts. The Ignitor II is designed to sense high current

levels, and shut off before damage occurs. Check all wires for shorts, correct polarity

and that the ignition coil’s primary resistance level is acceptable.

Q. . The vehicle will start, but then die. After waiting it will start again. What is wrong?

A. Perform Power and Ground Checks. The Ignitor II may have a “Low Voltage Problem.”

If the voltage supplied to the red Ignitor II wire is insufficient, the system may run for a

period of time, and then shut down as the voltage drops due to engine heat. The period

may vary from minutes to hours depending on available voltage and wiring condition. To

remedy this condition refer to steps 2-4 of the wiring instructions.

Q. How do I check for a “Low Voltage Problem” or determine if I am getting adequate

voltage?

A. Perform Power and Ground Checks. Also, to quickly test for a “Low Voltage Problem”

or for adequate voltage, remove the Ignitor II red wire from the coil positive terminal.

Attach a jumper wire from the battery positive terminal to the Ignitor II red wire. Try

to start the vehicle. If the vehicle star ts with this test refer to steps 2-4 of the wiring

instructions for further information.

Q. How do I check my coil for primary resistance?

A. Remove all wires from the coil. Set the ohmmeter to the lowest scale. Attach one

lead of the meter to the positive coil terminal. Attach the other lead to the negative coil

terminal.

Q. May I modify the length of the wires?

A. Yes, you may cut the wires to any length your application requires. You may also add

lengths of wire if needed (20-gauge). Make sure that all wire splices are clean and the

connections are tight.

Q. Will the Ignitor II work with aftermarket capacitive discharge boxes?

A. Yes, the Ignitor II is compatible with most CD boxes in the same respect as points.

Use the CD box wiring instructions for point systems and treat the Ignitor II black wire

as a point wire. The Ignitor II red wire should be attached to the 12-volt power source.

Q. Will the electronic shift assist in an OMC boat work with the Ignitor II?

A. The Ignitor II will work with all OMC stern-drive applications, when our “diode fix” is

used. If you’ve purchased a kit that didn’t include the “diode fix” diagram, call our tech

line.

Q. How can I receive additional help?

A. Check our web site for current trouble shooting tips and up to date technical

information. Log on to www.pertronix.com. You may also contact our tech line at

(909-547-9058)

12-VOLT NEGATIVE GROUND INSTRUCTIONS

FOR PART NUMBERS:

91541 91542 91543 91545 91548

91549 91561 91562 91568 91585A

92541 91567A

LIMITED WARRANTY

Pertronix, Inc. Warrants to the original Purchaser of its solid-state ignition system
(product) that the Ignitor, magnet assembly and wiring (components) shall be free from defects
in material and workmanship for a period of (30) months from the date of purchase.

If within the period of the foregoing warranty Pertronix finds, after inspection, that
the product or any component thereof is defective, Pertronix will, at its option, repair such
products or component or replace them with identical or similar parts PROVIDED that within
such period Purchaser:

1. Promptly Notifies PerTronix, in writing, of such defects.

2. Delivers the defective products product or component to Pertronix (ATTN: Warranty)
with proof of purchase date; and

3. Has installed and used the product in a normal and Proper manner, consistent with
Pertronix printed instructions.

THE FORGOING LIMITED WARRANTY IS EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU OF ALL
OTHER WARRANTIES, WHETHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING AND IMPLIED
WARRANTY OR MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PURPOSE.

THE FURNISHING OF A REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS SHALL CONSTITUTE
THE SOLE REMEDY OF PURCHASER AND THE SOLE LIABILITY OF PerTronix WHETHER
ON WARRANTY, CONTRACT

BE LIABLE FOR MONEY DAMAGES WHETHER DIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL.

OR FOR NEGLIGENCE, AND IN NO EVENT WILL PerTronix

440 E. Arrow Highway, San Dimas, CA. 91773

909-599-5955 www.pertronix.com

12-VOLT NEGATIVE GROUND INSTRUCTIONS

PRESTOLITE DISTRIBUTORS

GENERAL INFORMATION

1. IMPORTANT: Read all instructions before star ting installation.

2. DO NOT USE WITH SOLID CORE SPARK PLUG WIRES.

The Ignitor II ignition can be used in conjunction with most ignition coils rated at

3.

0.45 ohms or greater.

4. All external resistors must be removed to achieve optimum performance from the
Ignitor II ignition system.

5. The Ignitor II is compatible as a trigger for most electronic boxes.

6. See our website (www.pertronix.com) for the latest product information.

PRIOR TO INSTALLATION TURN IGNITION SWITCH OFF OR
DISCONNECT THE BATTERY.

1. Some magnet sleeves have green or blue tape, DO NOT REMOVE IT.

2. 91541, 91542, 91561, and 91562 Ignitor kits only: Two types of rotors
are used in Prestolite distributors. These are shown below. The Ignitor
only works with the type of rotor shown on figure “A”. If the rotor is of
the type shown in figure in figure “B” a new cap and rotor will have to be
purchased.

Ignitor # 91541, 91542 91561, 91562

Cap Rotor Cap Rotor

Prestolite 3-129 4-93 3-127 4-93

Borg Warner C207 D181 C205 D181

Echlin (Napa) AL165 AL150 AL155 AL150

Standard (SMP) AL149 AL168 AL480 AL168

3. Remove distributor cap and rotor from distributor. Do not disconnect spark
plug wires from cap. Examine cap and rotor for wear or damage. Replace
as needed.

4. Remove the point wire from the coil negative terminal.

5. Remove the screws retaining the breaker plate and remove the complete
breaker plate assembly from the distributor housing.

6. The Ignitor does not require any modifications to distributor. Therefore the

points, condenser, dust cap and hardware can be used as backup.

7. Clean all dirt and excess oil from the breaker plate and point cam.

8. Install the Ignitor II plate into the distributor housing.

• Line up hole or cutout on the Ignitor plate to the wire exit hole in the
distributor housing.

• 91548 kit only: Line up “X” mark on the Ignitor II plate to the wire exit hole

on distributor housing.

• 1585A kit only: Line up “O” mark on the Ignitor plate to the wire exit hole

on the distributor housing.

• Fasten the Ignitor plate into place using the original screws.

9. Insert wires through hole in the distributor housing and pull wire grommet

into place. CAUTION: Care must be taken to insure wires do not interfere

with moving parts.

10. Some magnet sleeves have green or blue tape, DO NOT REMOVE IT.

11. There are two types of magnet sleeves.

• Figure 1, Install magnet sleeve over distributor shaft, onto point cam.

Rotate sleeve until a slight locating position is felt before applying

pressure. With magnet sleeve lined up on point cam, press down firmly

insuring sleeve is fully seated.

• Figure 2, Install magnet sleeve over distributor shaft,

press rotor down

into the magnet sleeve and onto distributor shaft. NOTE: Rotor is indexed

to the sleeve by the locating ears, make sure rotor is completely seated

on distributor shaft. An o-ring may be included in the hardware kit. Install

the o-ring between the point cam and the magnet sleeve.

12. Install distributor cap. Make sure all spark plug wires are securely

attached. Warning!

DO NOT USE WITH SOLID CORE SPARK PLUG WIRES.

13. See wiring Instructions.

FIGURE 1 FIGURE 2

WIRING INSTRUCTIONS

1. The Ignitor II ignition can be used in conjunction with most ignition coils rated

at 0.45 ohms or greater. For optimum performance purchase and install the

Flamethrower II high performance coil.

2. Attach the black Ignitor II wire to the negative coil terminal. Attach the red Ignitor II

wire to the positive coil terminal. (See Figure 3)

A. Recommended Installation: Many vehicles came equipped with ballast resistor or

resistance wire. To achieve optimum performance from the Ignitor II ignition system, we

recommend removal of these components.

• To remove a ballast resistor, (normally white ceramic blocks 3 to 4 inches long), dis

connect all wires on both ends of the ballast resistor. Remove the resistor from the

vehicle and splice the disconnected wires together at a single point.

• To remove a resistance wire, trace the coil power wire, which was previously con

nected to the positive coil terminal, back to the fuse block. Bypass this wire with a

12-gauge copper stranded wire.

B. Alternative Installation: The Ignitor II can also be installed in applications retaining

the ballast resistor or resistance wire.

• Attach the Ignitor II black wire to the negative coil terminal. Attach the Ignitor II red

wire to the ignition side of resistance, or any 12 volt ignition power source.

3. Check to insure that the

polarity is correct, and that

all connections are tight.

4. Re-connect the battery.

5. Perform the Power and

Ground tests. Refer to the

Power and Ground test

procedure.

6. Start the engine and allow

it to reach normal operat

ing temperature. Check

ignition timing, and adjust

to the desired setting.

-

(WITHOUT EXTERNAL RESISTOR)

+

FIGURE 3

-

-

To Ignition

POWER & GROUND TESTS

It is imperative that the power and grounds be checked as part of the installation
procedure. After installing the Ignitor module and the distributor and with the
distributor in the engine, use a digital multi-meter to measure the resistance from
the aluminum plate holding the module to battery (-), the net resistance must be
less than 0.2 ohms. (Set meter to lowest ohms setting). The net resistance is the
meter reading minus the resistance of the meter leads. If the net resistance is
greater than 0.2 ohms, the source of the faulty ground must be found and fixed.
Usually the source of the bad ground is easily found by holding one probe on an
original location and moving the second probe toward the static probe. Where the

-

resistance drops identifies the source.

Maximum resistance from Ignitor plate to battery negative terminal. 0.2 ohms

EXAMPLE:

Resistance from Ignitor plate to battery negative (-) terminal. 0.4 ohms

Resistance of meter leads 0.2 ohms

After subtracting meter lead resistance, your net resistance is: 0.2 ohms

VOLTAGE TEST

1. (Do not disconnect wires from Ignition coil). Place ignition switch in the “off” posi­tion.

2. Connect a jumper wire from negative (-) terminal of the coil to a good engine
ground.

3.Connect the voltmeter red lead to the positive (+) terminal of the coil and the black
lead to a good engine ground.

4.Turn the ignition switch to the “on” position and note voltage reading on the voltme­ter. Quickly read the voltage and turn ignition “OFF”. Leaving ignition “ON” for an
extended period could result in permanent damage to the Ignitor.

5. SEE CHART BELOW FOR SPECIFICATIONS.

Note: Low voltage can be caused by poor connections, poor contacts in the
ignition switch, ballast resistor, and or a resistance wire in the wiring harness
(Factory Installed).

Minimum Maximum

Ignition Switch “ON” 8.0V N/A

Cranking 8.0V N/A

Engine Running N/A 16.0V