Petronix?

[chuckwagonsam]

Saw this mentioned on another post. What is a Petronix Kit?

 

[Jerryh3]

Re: Petronix?

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=Petronix+Kit

 

[PiratePast40]

Re: Petronix?

It's really nothing more than a magnetic switch replacing a mechanical switch (the points). It eliminated the maintenance task of setting dwell at every tuneup. It's not a performance enhancement except that timing and dwell will stay the same since there are no points to wear out.

You'll find differing opinions and experience. I use the Hot Spark brand of the same thing and have had no problems whatsoever.

 

[Maityme]

Re: Petronix?

I use the pertronix and I have had no problems with mine. In my opinion, the boat seems to run better.

 

[am_dew]

Re: Petronix?

Ditto the above. My engine runs better and idles very smoothly since installing the Petronix. A very worthwhile upgrade.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Petronix?

The only way its going to run better is if you started with old points. There will be no difference compared to new properly adjusted points other than it being less reliable than points.

 

[chuckwagonsam]

Re: Petronix?

Had to replace the distributor, the replacement I found has a petronix in it. Lucky me!

 

[PiratePast40]

Re: Petronix?

...There will be no difference compared to new properly adjusted points other than it being less reliable than points.

I have a great amount of respect for those that are willing to share their experience with us and can't help wondering why you would say that a magnetic pickup is less reliable than mechanical contacts in this application. I realize that modern ignition systems control more than just this one component but they do not rely on the older mechanical switches (points). When properly installed, I just don't understand why this would be less reliable.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Petronix?

In theory yes, but the Pertronix modules themselves have proven to be less than reliable. I have friends that have removed their Pertronix modules because they have failed. I believe it is just this manufacturer as other ignition systems that use similar technology are more trouble free.

 

[am_dew]

Re: Petronix?

In theory yes, but the Pertronix modules themselves have proven to be less than reliable. I have friends that have removed their Pertronix modules because they have failed. I believe it is just this manufacturer as other ignition systems that use similar technology are more trouble free.

And not to doubt, but I know of many others, including myself, who swear by the Pertronix modules and have not had any issues with them. I've had mine on my boat for 6 years now and love not having to deal with dwell, bad points, and drifting timing.

 

[Maclin]

Re: Petronix?

Reliability has many factors that need to be weighed.

Mechanical points give you some warning that they are fading. You can't just file down a pertronix unit 25 miles from shore. These are just a couple of factors in how reliability can be calculated.

Electronic signalling gives better and more constant dwell and subsequently more spark, no argument. And a pertronix or other unit may never fail, but when they do you cannot open them up and figure it out, it more than likely has to be replaced. Adding units like that to the spare parts on board is always a good idea.

Not all Pertronix installers will understand the wiring and would tend to take shortcuts, and also may not realize a timing re-check should be performed. They could be setting themselves up for much less reliability than points, just sayin'...