Electronic ignition conversion

P

prjones

Well-known member
Wondering if anyone has replaced their points and condenser with a pertronix conversion kit. How difficult a job is it and what does it entail?
 
I did it. Wasn't hard at all. I was coming from a magneto, and just bought the electronic ignition kit already installed on a distributor. I did spring for a new coil. Then just connected the wires.

Arguably one of the best upgrades you can make. Sure makes starting a lot easier.
 
they work very efficient when they work, 12 volt ones seem to endure better than the 6 volt ones, low voltage like a dying battery makes them go bad so you need to make sure the starting system is up to par
 
I've installed quite a few of the Pertronix kits, mostly on Cubs but other tractors and classic cars as well. Of those, I had one that died a few months later, otherwise very reliable and a good upgrade. Installation is a breeze! I've installed a couple of the 6 volt kits but I'm not big on them, they're too sensitive to voltage drop and tricky starting is the result.
 
Why fix something that's not broken. If your tractor is in good running condition there really isn't much to gain with the Petronix. It is probably less reliable, more expensive and really has no gain in performance. It can save some maintenance, but only the points replacement, which isn't really that hard. In time, these tractors are going to be found more desirable the more original they are. Keep your tractor tuned and maintained and it will run really good with points and 6 volt electrical. These changes are usually made to mask some other underlying condition.
 
I have two 6V conversions and one 12V. The 6V tractors are both in good condition as far as their tune and start excellent with no issues. The 12V engine hasn’t been rebuilt as with the others but still starts with no issues. I also run electronic regulators inside the stock regulator housings and between the two upgrades I’ve had excellent service. Far better than running points and mechanical regulators. I live in a maritime climate and usually twice a year was cleaning contacts and changing the odd dead plug. Can’t remember the last time I’ve done that. Best of all both conversions are done so the correct police would have to do an in-depth investigation to arrest me. :hattip: IMHO well worth the initial investment. :tractor:
 
Like Steve - I like the electronics upgrades on the ignition and regulators and find them reliable.

I did go back to points on one 12v that I had problems with that I could not figure out but the others are fine.

I have made two attempts at getting the 6 volts to work and both times I have not. One had a new battery and a new wire harness. I have not given up on 6 volts electronics but I need more time to see what is wrong with my installs.
 
I should add mine are still using the stock generators and have new original style wiring harnesses. I can’t remember off hand how I wired pertronix in to hide it from being so obvious, but would gladly look if it would be of help to anyone. I did make a slight modification from how pertronix suggested to do it.
 
There is a famous ( and true) old saying - If it ain't broke, don't fix it. My lifelong experience with electronic ignition is this, there is virtually nothing to be gained on low RPM, low HP, low compression engines. If it appears to start/run better after installation it's because the original ignition wasn't tuned properly. As has been mentioned, 12 volt conversions have a better success rate than 6 volt conversions. Personally I'll stick with a magneto. With a magneto the state of the electrical system is irrelevant to starting the tractor, you simply don't need anything but a handcrank.
 
My 6v Pertronix has performed flawlessly since I installed it about 8 years ago. Maybe because I have an Optima 6v battery about the same age.
 
Put the electronic ignition in both my cub when I upgraded her to 12v and also did my 66 mustang.... Personally I love it, they have worked flawless so far and they start right up for me
 
Is the Pertronix II available for the Cub? The original unit was subject to failure if you happened to leave the ignition on without the engine running for an extended period of time.
 
I change points OUT when they act up. My experience is only 12v Cubs, all good. No feeler gauge adjustment! They seem to have figured out the switch on problem, the 'contact' is only momentary no matter how hard I tried to keep the timing light on.

The points in Rufus lasted 10 years. But, they failed on a perfect day for mowing. Pertronics in it now! I think $90 from Amazon.
 
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