electrical and ignition Pertronix Install. Please Help!

[Beach_Bum]

In the middle of a Pertronix install. I go to put the dizzy cap back on and realize it won't go down all the way because it's hitting the rotor. Tried to adjust the black grommet down a hundred different ways, but I don't think it's going down any further. I've attached some pictures in hopes that somebody sees something I'm missing.

 

Bosch Distributor #: 0 231 180 008

Pertronix #: 1843

 

 

[Beach_Bum]

Removed

Edited September 6, 2013 by Beach_Bum

[Guest_anonymous]

Essentially the theory is the ring will remove the inconsistent wear in the distributor cam lobes. Essentially the distributor shaft cam is symetrical at all corners or you would be retarding the timing on two cylinders at "the two long flat sides"

just push the ring down firmly !

[Beach_Bum]

Ok, I gave it a good push and think I got it down far enough. Thanks!

 

I started the car and the distributor is shaking like crazy (see video). I haven't adjusted the timing yet, but will this cure the shake?

 

Sorry if these are stupid questions. This is the first "old" car I've owned.

 

 

http://youtu.be/j3Rr0jrWq5U

[peterschop]

After installing my Pertronix my rotor did not sit down far enough on the shaft. After a drive, when I tried to restart. it would not fire. because the rotor would turn freely in the distributor without being in position in it's slot. I had to take about 1/8" off the bottom of the rotor on a belt sander so it would sit in position on the shaft.  

Edited September 6, 2013 by peterschop

[MikeWooldridge]

Looks like your cap is not seated.

[Beach_Bum]

^Thanks for the tips guys. I thought I got the rotor all the way down, but I'll check it again when I get home this afternoon.

[Guest_anonymous]

Maybe the distributor gear has two long flat sides also

Hehe

[Chamoix]

My car had a Pertronix in it when I bought in '01. Drove fine for years. When I replaced the cap and rotor for the first time last summer, I noticed the PO had "shaved" the diameter of the rotor down a mm or two with something (Dremel maybe?). Thought it was strange and tossed it in the parts bin as a spare. Put the new one on, clipped the new cap on, and started it up. Distributor was shaking like yours and making a funny scraping noise. When I opened it back up, there was orange powder everywhere and scratches on the new rotor stem from rubbing against the Pertronix unit. "Adjusted" the new rotor like the PO had done his, and everything fine since.

[Beach_Bum]

I guess this is the price we pay for going aftermarket   I'll check everything when I get home and report back.

Edited September 6, 2013 by Beach_Bum

[Beach_Bum]

I got home this afternoon and checked the cap and rotor height, and sure enough, it was still too high. So I borrowed peteschop's idea and sanded about an 1/8" off the bottom of the rotor, and voila! it finally fit.

 

Also did my first timing adjustment ever. Since I was home alone, I grabbed a block of wood and laid it on its side in the footwell against the seat, Then I wedged the handle from my jack between the wood and the gas pedal until I got it to idle at a steady 1400 RPM. Turned the distributor until everything lined up with the light and I'm proud to say everything is now running smooth. It's such a rewarding feeling when everything is done and working properly, even with the small jobs.

[Guest_anonymous]

could also adjust the idle screw on the carb