
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)
For Part Numbers:
91843, 91847V , 91863, 91867A, 92841, 92842
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
GENERAL INFORMATION
1. IMPORTANT: Read all instructions before star ting installation.
2. DO NOT USE WITH SOLID CORE SPARK PLUG WIRES.
3.
The Ignitor II ignition can be used in conjunction with most ignition coils rated at
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.
IGNITOR INSTALLATION
1. Remove the distributor cap and rotor. Do not disconnect spark plug wires.
Examine cap and rotor for wear or damage. Replace as needed.
2. Disconnect the point wire from the negative (-) side of the coil. Remove
the point wire, point, and condenser.
3. The Ignitor does not require any modification to distributor. Therefore the
point, condenser and hardware can be used as backup.
4. Clean all dirt and excess oil from the breaker plate and point cam.
• Part Numbers 91847V, 92841 & 92842:
• Remove module from adapter plate before proceeding. Install Ignitor
adapter plate using the same screw holes the points used. Be sure Ignitor
plate is lying flat. Secure the Ignitor plate using the flathead screw pro
-
vided.
• Place the Ignitor module on the adapter plate studs. Secure module with
the lock washers and small patter 8-32 nuts provided. DO NOT TIGHTEN
NUTS COMPLETELY AT THIS TIME.
• 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. The bottom edge of the module should be level with the
bottom of the magnet sleeve. If the module is not high enough, place the
module spacer plate in between the adapter plate and the module.
• Use the plastic feeler gauge provided to set the air gap between the
module and the magnet sleeve. Note: If the plastic feeler gauge is not
provided, use a regular feeler gauge to set air gap, the air gap can be set
anywhere between 0.010” to 0.050”. Once the proper air gap is achieved
tighten module securely to adapter plate.

• Part number 91843:
• Remove module from adapter plate before proceeding. Install Ignitor II
adapter plate using the same screw holes the points used. Be sure Ignitor
plate is lying flat. Secure the Ignitor plate using the screw provided.
• Place the Ignitor II module on the adapter plate studs. Secure module
with the lock washers, 8-32 nut and allen screw provided.
• Install magnet sleeve over distributor shaft, onto point cam. Rotate sleeve
until a slight locating position is felt before applying pressure. With mag
-
net sleeve lined up on point cam, press down firmly insuring sleeve is
fully seated.
• Part Numbers 91863 & 91867A:
• Remove module from adapter plate before proceeding. Install Ignitor II
adapter plate using the same screw holes the points used. Be sure Ignitor
plate is lying flat. Secure the Ignitor plate using the screw provided.
• Place the Ignitor module on the adapter plate studs. Secure module with
the lock washers and small patter 8-32 nuts provided. DO NOT TIGHTEN
NUTS COMPLETELY AT THIS TIME.
• Use the plastic feeler gauge provided to set the air gap between the
module and the magnet sleeve. Note: If the plastic feeler gauge is not
provided, use a regular feeler gauge to set air gap, the air gap can be set
anywhere between 0.010” to 0.050”. Once the proper air gap is achieved
tighten module securely to adapter plate.
• Install magnet sleeve over distributor shaft, onto point cam. Rotate sleeve
until a slight locating position is felt before applying pressure. With mag
-
net sleeve lined up on point cam, press down firmly insuring sleeve is
fully seated.
5. Note: If the original ground strap was removed (vacuum advance, retard
type distributors only), it must be re-installed to properly ground breaker
plate to distributor housing. Insert the Ignitor black and red wires into
opening in the side of the distributor housing. Verify the grommet is
seated properly.
6. Adjust wire length in the distributor through the grommet to insure ample
clearance. Make sure all wires are clear of moving parts.
7. Reinstall rotor and distributor cap. Make sure all spark plug wires are
securely attached. Warning!
PLUG WIRES.
DO NOT USE WITH SOLID CORE SPARK
8. See wiring instructions.
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