To Pertronix, Or Not Pertronix...that Is The Question

1956 CJ5, F134, 6v. So...I completely rewire the entire jeep with a Walks harness and after a bit of tinkering with the tail lights, everything works as it should. Runs properly, with lights, horn, gauges, everything is groovy. BUT, I don't get to drive the jeep often and have to "clean" the points and replace the condenser more often than I'd like because of lack use (and poor quality parts). Like today when I go out to start her up and it just cranks and won't start. Check the points and they look bad because I haven't really taken the jeep out for a while.

Like many on here, I'm tired of this. As much as it goes counter to my "keep it stock" ethos... I've purchased a Pertronix electronic ignition unit.

Once the unit gets here, it looks like the install will be very easy. My question is, from a performance/usage standpoint - is there anything that I should be aware of down the road? Anyone have long term experience with Pertronix ignitions?

I've read most, if not all, of the related posts on the site, but wanted to get additional advice/stories, if any.

I've been a points/condenser guy for the 20+ years I've had old jeeps, but I'm tired of the hassle...

 

I can’t really say it helps performance but it sure does make start ups pretty easy no matter how long it sits.

 

I fought the points, etc thing for almost a year after I got Willie. Gave up and went Pertronix and not looked back. Fires right up without even needing any choke. Just a partial squirt with the gas peddle and starts right up. Now, as a backup, I carry a small box with the points, plate, screws, etc., should I have a total failure while out and about, I can put myself back to points. When I researched it, I found most people had years of service with no issues. So far for me it's been 3 years without firing issue. Other issues but not distributor.

 

I put my Pertronix unit in somewhere around 20 years ago...never a problem.

 

One of the best things I did to the Jeep. I fussed with the points for awhile, but I had a lot of point slap with the high revs the F134 runs at. Only Pertronics issue I ever had was the tape holding the magnets in the little "donut" gave way. The company sent me a new part at no charge and I haven't had trouble since.I did double wrap the donut with some good electrical tape just as a precaution.

 

Thanks guys this is encouraging!

Forgot to ask - i’ve read a couple things on the web, not on this site, that might indicate that the Pertronix unit has some issues when operating with a generator rather than an alternator. Any of you still use a generator?

I believe the generator issues were related to a Buick odd fire six cylinder engine which is not what I’m dealing with but wanted to ask nonetheless.

 

I put the Pertronics on my father in laws '62 Impala 327 with generator never had any problems with it that was over 20 years ago

 

Are you saying that the 6v Pertronix unit won’t work with 6v or that I’ll have to get an 8v battery and adjust the voltage regulator to use their 6v unit?

 

Pertronix 1541N6. Their website, and the guy I spoke with there, said it’s designed for the 6v system and compatible with my distributor (IAD 4041) and the F 134 4 cylinder jeep engine.

 

I think Pertronix used to produce only 12V kits, but just learned they now make point replacement modules for the 6 volt jeeps as well. The only reason I know is that earlier this week, I installed a 12V Pertronix kit in my '67 V6 CJ-5. Being impressed with it, I looked to see if there's a Pertronix kit available for my 6V '42 GPW, and there is.

I believe the Prestolite distributors use model 1541N6, and that model 2541N6 fits the Autolite distributors.

Unless I'm mistaken, if installing a Pertronix module, you should also install the correct Pertronix coil as well. I'm not sure which of their coils would be the best model for the 6 volt jeeps.

 

The guy I spoke with at Pertronix said my existing coil (from NAPA) should work just fine. We’ll see, I guess.

 

I have the 6 volt petronix version on my 56 cj6 f134 with the stock generator. I have had no issues. Also installed their coil.
Can't say it helped performance, but starting is definitely quicker and it idles smoother.

 

My father inlaws just put a 6v pertronix on his farmall super c. He went to show me and the battery was to low to crank the starter. it still fired right up using the hand crank. Pretty sure it has the stock generator.

 

On my '67 V6 CJ, I've noticed easier starting with the Pertronix, better idle, and it seems to have a bit better throttle response as well.