Need to replace Pertronix Flamethrower coil

[jalexquijano]

I have a Pertronix Flamethrower coil installed in my car (3.0 ohms) which is connected through the ballast coil. However, i have read in this fórum that if you have a 3.0 0hms you should not use the ballast resistor. Is this correct? the car cranks up fine but idles rough in traffic jams. If i leave it idling at the parking for more than 10 mins, rpm starts to drop from 1,000 to 800 to 600 RPM. Same happens in traffic jams.

 

Could the coil be damaged? or is it wired wrongly? I have attached a photo and hope someone with electrical knowledge can give me his input! Could the ballast resistor be damaged? I need to decide what to do? Anyone?????

 

Please see picture of how it is wired.

[jalexquijano]

Have not received any response regarding the installation of the pertronix 3.0 ohms coil. I am posting this because i have seen so many different opinions on connecting the coils with or without the ballast resistor. THe coil seems weak and before purchasing another pertronix coil i would like to know if i should settle for the 1.5 ohms coil or 3.0 ohms.

 

Anyone???

Edited April 22, 2015 by jalexquijano

[Zed Head]

Describe the rest of the ignition system.  Do you have the Pertronix ignition module?  Or points?  Or something else.  That will determine, for the most part, what resistance you need on the primary circuit.

[jalexquijano]

Describe the rest of the ignition system.  Do you have the Pertronix ignition module?  Or points?  Or something else.  That will determine, for the most part, what resistance you need on the primary circuit.

Zed Head,

 

Thanks for answering my query. I have the pertronix ignitor installed at the distribuitor. Have seen so many different opinions on removing or leaving the ballast resistor in place with a 3.0 ohms, that i cannot make up my mind yet. I purchased the car 1 year ago and have been running the car with the 3.0 ohms pertronix ignition coil and ignitor as shown in the picture.

 

I want to replace the coil as it is not delivering enough spark to the spark plugs, which coil should i get? 3.0 0hms or 1.5 ohms? Please clear me first on the issue of leaving or removing the Ballast Resistorin the circuit and then make your recommendations.

[Zed Head]

This is probably the Ignitor kit that you have - http://www.summitracing.com/parts/pnx-1741

 

And these are the instructions -  http://static.summitracing.com/global/images/instructions/pnx%20ignitor%20i%20tests.pdf

 

which say that you want 3.0 to 4.5 ohms on your coil circuit.  Resistance is added in series so just add the resistance of the coil to the resistance of the ballast and make sure that the sum is between 3.0 and 4.5 ohms.

 

Since you have a 3.0 ohm coil you can remove the ballast and run the coil without it.  You'll be at 3.0 ohms, which is in spec. and will give the hottest spark.  That's what I would do.

[jalexquijano]

This is probably the Ignitor kit that you have - http://www.summitracing.com/parts/pnx-1741

 

And these are the instructions -  http://static.summitracing.com/global/images/instructions/pnx%20ignitor%20i%20tests.pdf

 

which say that you want 3.0 to 4.5 ohms on your coil circuit.  Resistance is added in series so just add the resistance of the coil to the resistance of the ballast and make sure that the sum is between 3.0 and 4.5 ohms.

 

Since you have a 3.0 ohm coil you can remove the ballast and run the coil without it.  You'll be at 3.0 ohms, which is in spec. and will give the hottest spark.  That's what I would do.

What if i just leave it as it is? For example i purchase another 3.0 coil and connect it again to the resistor as shown in the picture? Will it affect the spark? If i decide to bypass it, is it okay if i screw both leads to one terminal of the Ballast Resistor?

 

Please confirm! I read that leaving the ballast resistor out of the circuit affects the tachometer Reading!

[jalexquijano]

This is probably the Ignitor kit that you have - http://www.summitracing.com/parts/pnx-1741

 

And these are the instructions -  http://static.summitracing.com/global/images/instructions/pnx%20ignitor%20i%20tests.pdf

 

which say that you want 3.0 to 4.5 ohms on your coil circuit.  Resistance is added in series so just add the resistance of the coil to the resistance of the ballast and make sure that the sum is between 3.0 and 4.5 ohms.

 

Since you have a 3.0 ohm coil you can remove the ballast and run the coil without it.  You'll be at 3.0 ohms, which is in spec. and will give the hottest spark.  That's what I would do.

Just received a reply from Pertronix advising to bypass the resistor connecting both wires together. It should not affect the tachometer Reading or anything.