Electronic Ignition Voltage Question

[thumpar]

Re: Electronic Ignition Voltage Question

If I don't jumper the resistive wire, the voltage falls to 6.5V on the coil pos. Too low for operation (8V min) and the engine stalls when you accelerate. I'm probably ok on the old coil for awhile, but I ordered the Flamethrower coil that matches up to the Igniter to be safe.

In fact, (I'm jonesin' to get on the water!) I sent Pertronix CustServ a msg asking about the present setup, and if it's dangerous or prone to fail, fire, etc? It's tough working on the boat all summer and never getting out! But, I don't want to be stupid about it.

6.5v may be enough for the coil though. Hook the pertronix to the 12v and the coil through the resistor wire. That is how the instructions say to do it. Then you don't have to worry about overheating the coil.

I know about missing summer. I decided to change my bellows in the middle of July and then listed the boat for sale. It sold 2 days later and we couldn't find one we wanted. I just picked up our new (to us) boat yesterday.

 

[Jacalore]

Re: Electronic Ignition Voltage Question

Chasing down the acceleration problem, Pertronix tech had me ground neg side of coil, and with key on, measure voltage on pos side of coil. Less than 8V and it won't operate correctly. So, not sure that would work... if I read you correctly.

Got the boat in June, worked on it all month, Grrr.... gave up, put it in the shop, got it back a month later (with a new fuel pump and hefty $bill$), headed straight to the bay - same thing! Stall! ... bought gauges, meters, test equipment, decided (even tho I'm not a mechanic, or even close to one) that I would find this problem myself (shop offered to take it back, no thanks). Hopefully I'm onto the cure (IG)... it's been a lost summer (so far) for me.

Good luck with your new ride!!!

 

[thumpar]

Re: Electronic Ignition Voltage Question

I believe it is the pertronix module that needs the 8v+ and not the coil. Normal coil voltage is around 7-9v so 6.5v should be enough. You can try it to see if it works and keeps the coil cooler. It is easy to change back if not, even on the water.

 

[achris]

Re: Electronic Ignition Voltage Question

The way to do what Thumpar is suggesting it to leave the resistance wire in its original position (choke to coil +), and move the wire from the Ignitor that connects to coil + (I think it's red), to the purple up on the electric choke. That way the Ignitor see full 12v, and the coil has the resistance wire in circuit, and should stay cooler....

Chris.....

 

[Jacalore]

Re: Electronic Ignition Voltage Question

Ahhh... I think I understand what you're saying... I'll give it a try. A friend with boat has agreed to meet me Monday on the bay, in case i need a tow back.

I'm only doing this for the iboats database, for those who follow.

 

[achris]

Re: Electronic Ignition Voltage Question

Ahhh... I think I understand what you're saying... I'll give it a try. A friend with boat has agreed to meet me Monday on the bay, in case i need a tow back.

I'm only doing this for the iboats database, for those who follow.

Yeah, right...

Good luck with it...

Chris.....

 

[Jacalore]

Re: Electronic Ignition Voltage Question

6.5v may be enough for the coil though. Hook the pertronix to the 12v and the coil through the resistor wire. That is how the instructions say to do it. Then you don't have to worry about overheating the coil.

My instructions say:
12. Connect the Ignitor black wire to the negative (-) side of the ignition coil.
13. Connect the Ignitor red wire to the positive (+) side of the ignition coil.

Not sure about having the two components operate off of different voltages?

 

[thumpar]

Re: Electronic Ignition Voltage Question

My instructions say:
12. Connect the Ignitor black wire to the negative (-) side of the ignition coil.
13. Connect the Ignitor red wire to the positive (+) side of the ignition coil.

Not sure about having the two components operate off of different voltages?

Figure 3 on the second page. http://www.pertronix.com/support/manuals/pdf/ignitor12vneg.pdf

 

[Jacalore]

Re: Electronic Ignition Voltage Question

Figure 3 on the second page. http://www.pertronix.com/support/manuals/pdf/ignitor12vneg.pdf

Right you are!!!

Q. How to correct a low voltage problem?
A. First, if you have an external ballast resistor, connect the red Ignitor? wire to the ignition wire
prior to the ballast resistor. Second, if you do not have a ballast resistor you must locate a 12
volt source that is controlled by the ignition switch to connect the red Ignitor? wire to.

Thanks, thumpar!
I'm going out tomorrow!

 

[Jacalore]

Re: Electronic Ignition Voltage Question

Took her out for a spin today, accelerated thru the entire range from idle to WOT. A little hesitation at times but ran fine for the most part. And, the coil stayed cool. Tomorrow the new coil arrives and I'm counting on it to smooth out the operation a bit. Thanks to everyone who offered suggestions and advice. I sincerely appreciated the help!