Petronix to Points back conversion

LarryW

LarryW

Well-known member
Mar 28, 2002
6,031
758
113
Menomonie, WI.
No...I'm not converting back to points type ignition, just setting up a points type distributor for backup in case the Petronix fails in the middle of
nowhere.

I have been running a Pertronix conversion for about 10 yrs. Went to start the thing a couple of days ago, and no start...no spark. There are two kits
available for my GM distributor conversion. The 1181 and the 1181LS. The 1181 has a sensor and a ring of 8 magnets that attaches to the fly weights
plate under the rotor. The 1181LS (the LS is for Lobe Sensing) is lobe sensing and has only one part to it...the sensor. My distributor had an old
version of the 1181 and one of the magnets came loose, dropped out and scored the sensor. In the process, it also cooked the coil. Following a
discussion with Dick Paterson, I took his recommendation of having no moving parts and sensing off of the points cam lobes, and purchased the 1181LS.
This Pertronix experience has left me wondering what would I have done if the petronix went bad in a place other than my driveway. So I've decided to
put together a points type distributor to carry as a back-up. Something I can just drop in that will get me home reliably from anywhere.

Now, to the point of this thread. I am using the LS version with a Pertronix 1.5 ohm coil. My coach is a 78, so the coil ignition wire has 12v with no
ballast of any kind when the switch is on "run". Do I need to carry a ballast resistor to place in the circuit so that my points do not burn out on
full 12v "run"? Also, I have 5...yes count them five spare coils that I could potentially use, varying in resistance from 1.5 ohms to 2.4 ohms. The
two ballast resistors that I have are 1.5 Ohm and 2.2 ohm. What combination of coil and ballast should I carry that will get me home reliably?

I'm doing this because the Pertronix is not something that I can just pull off of the shelf at any auto parts store and is an expensive part to just
carry for something that is (according to Dick) highly unlikely to fail.

TIA
--
Larry
78 Royale w/500 Caddy
Menomonie, WI.
 
The real problem with ANY POINTS DRIVEN ignition is not deterioration of
the points themselves, but rubbing block or points plunger wear. It might
be right when you originally set it, but opening time varies with the
plunger or rubbing block wear. Fact of life. Can't prevent it. Best is like
Dick says. "No moving parts in contact with each other."
Jim Hupy

On Mon, Sep 2, 2019, 7:06 AM Larry via Gmclist
wrote:

> No...I'm not converting back to points type ignition, just setting up a
> points type distributor for backup in case the Petronix fails in the middle
> of
> nowhere.
>
> I have been running a Pertronix conversion for about 10 yrs. Went to start
> the thing a couple of days ago, and no start...no spark. There are two kits
> available for my GM distributor conversion. The 1181 and the 1181LS. The
> 1181 has a sensor and a ring of 8 magnets that attaches to the fly weights
> plate under the rotor. The 1181LS (the LS is for Lobe Sensing) is lobe
> sensing and has only one part to it...the sensor. My distributor had an old
> version of the 1181 and one of the magnets came loose, dropped out and
> scored the sensor. In the process, it also cooked the coil. Following a
> discussion with Dick Paterson, I took his recommendation of having no
> moving parts and sensing off of the points cam lobes, and purchased the
> 1181LS.
> This Pertronix experience has left me wondering what would I have done if
> the petronix went bad in a place other than my driveway. So I've decided to
> put together a points type distributor to carry as a back-up. Something I
> can just drop in that will get me home reliably from anywhere.
>
> Now, to the point of this thread. I am using the LS version with a
> Pertronix 1.5 ohm coil. My coach is a 78, so the coil ignition wire has 12v
> with no
> ballast of any kind when the switch is on "run". Do I need to carry a
> ballast resistor to place in the circuit so that my points do not burn out
> on
> full 12v "run"? Also, I have 5...yes count them five spare coils that I
> could potentially use, varying in resistance from 1.5 ohms to 2.4 ohms. The
> two ballast resistors that I have are 1.5 Ohm and 2.2 ohm. What
> combination of coil and ballast should I carry that will get me home
> reliably?
>
> I'm doing this because the Pertronix is not something that I can just pull
> off of the shelf at any auto parts store and is an expensive part to just
> carry for something that is (according to Dick) highly unlikely to fail.
>
> TIA
> --
> Larry
> 78 Royale w/500 Caddy
> Menomonie, WI.
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
 
You need to understand the Petroic unit are not just a switching unit, but
an ignition enhancer unit.
That is why they work well.
If you have a 78 coach, some one has switched the standard HEI with the
unit.
Your going backward by installing the standard point system as it will
underperform.
If your concerned about availability of part on the road, those parts are
available at most performance parts outlet.
We stock some and we can overnight them.

On Mon, Sep 2, 2019 at 8:07 AM James Hupy via Gmclist <

> The real problem with ANY POINTS DRIVEN ignition is not deterioration of
> the points themselves, but rubbing block or points plunger wear. It might
> be right when you originally set it, but opening time varies with the
> plunger or rubbing block wear. Fact of life. Can't prevent it. Best is like
> Dick says. "No moving parts in contact with each other."
> Jim Hupy
>
> On Mon, Sep 2, 2019, 7:06 AM Larry via Gmclist

>
> > No...I'm not converting back to points type ignition, just setting up a
> > points type distributor for backup in case the Petronix fails in the
> middle
> > of
> > nowhere.
> >
> > I have been running a Pertronix conversion for about 10 yrs. Went to
> start
> > the thing a couple of days ago, and no start...no spark. There are two
> kits
> > available for my GM distributor conversion. The 1181 and the 1181LS. The
> > 1181 has a sensor and a ring of 8 magnets that attaches to the fly
> weights
> > plate under the rotor. The 1181LS (the LS is for Lobe Sensing) is lobe
> > sensing and has only one part to it...the sensor. My distributor had an
> old
> > version of the 1181 and one of the magnets came loose, dropped out and
> > scored the sensor. In the process, it also cooked the coil. Following a
> > discussion with Dick Paterson, I took his recommendation of having no
> > moving parts and sensing off of the points cam lobes, and purchased the
> > 1181LS.
> > This Pertronix experience has left me wondering what would I have done if
> > the petronix went bad in a place other than my driveway. So I've decided
> to
> > put together a points type distributor to carry as a back-up. Something I
> > can just drop in that will get me home reliably from anywhere.
> >
> > Now, to the point of this thread. I am using the LS version with a
> > Pertronix 1.5 ohm coil. My coach is a 78, so the coil ignition wire has
> 12v
> > with no
> > ballast of any kind when the switch is on "run". Do I need to carry a
> > ballast resistor to place in the circuit so that my points do not burn
> out
> > on
> > full 12v "run"? Also, I have 5...yes count them five spare coils that I
> > could potentially use, varying in resistance from 1.5 ohms to 2.4 ohms.
> The
> > two ballast resistors that I have are 1.5 Ohm and 2.2 ohm. What
> > combination of coil and ballast should I carry that will get me home
> > reliably?
> >
> > I'm doing this because the Pertronix is not something that I can just
> pull
> > off of the shelf at any auto parts store and is an expensive part to just
> > carry for something that is (according to Dick) highly unlikely to fail.
> >
> > TIA
> > --
> > Larry
> > 78 Royale w/500 Caddy
> > Menomonie, WI.
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
> >
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>

--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
jimk
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
 
I'm sorry some make changes w/o understanding what some these strange parts
do.
Sometimes being 76 years old and messing with cars does help. Notice I have
forgotten lot, but still flap my mouth.

> You need to understand the Petroic unit are not just a switching unit, but
> an ignition enhancer unit.
> That is why they work well.
> If you have a 78 coach, some one has switched the standard HEI with the
> unit.
> Your going backward by installing the standard point system as it will
> underperform.
> If your concerned about availability of part on the road, those parts are
> available at most performance parts outlet.
> We stock some and we can overnight them.
>
> On Mon, Sep 2, 2019 at 8:07 AM James Hupy via Gmclist <

>
>> The real problem with ANY POINTS DRIVEN ignition is not deterioration of
>> the points themselves, but rubbing block or points plunger wear. It might
>> be right when you originally set it, but opening time varies with the
>> plunger or rubbing block wear. Fact of life. Can't prevent it. Best is
>> like
>> Dick says. "No moving parts in contact with each other."
>> Jim Hupy
>>
>> On Mon, Sep 2, 2019, 7:06 AM Larry via Gmclist

>>
>> > No...I'm not converting back to points type ignition, just setting up a
>> > points type distributor for backup in case the Petronix fails in the
>> middle
>> > of
>> > nowhere.
>> >
>> > I have been running a Pertronix conversion for about 10 yrs. Went to
>> start
>> > the thing a couple of days ago, and no start...no spark. There are two
>> kits
>> > available for my GM distributor conversion. The 1181 and the 1181LS.
>> The
>> > 1181 has a sensor and a ring of 8 magnets that attaches to the fly
>> weights
>> > plate under the rotor. The 1181LS (the LS is for Lobe Sensing) is lobe
>> > sensing and has only one part to it...the sensor. My distributor had
>> an old
>> > version of the 1181 and one of the magnets came loose, dropped out and
>> > scored the sensor. In the process, it also cooked the coil. Following a
>> > discussion with Dick Paterson, I took his recommendation of having no
>> > moving parts and sensing off of the points cam lobes, and purchased the
>> > 1181LS.
>> > This Pertronix experience has left me wondering what would I have done
>> if
>> > the petronix went bad in a place other than my driveway. So I've
>> decided to
>> > put together a points type distributor to carry as a back-up. Something
>> I
>> > can just drop in that will get me home reliably from anywhere.
>> >
>> > Now, to the point of this thread. I am using the LS version with a
>> > Pertronix 1.5 ohm coil. My coach is a 78, so the coil ignition wire has
>> 12v
>> > with no
>> > ballast of any kind when the switch is on "run". Do I need to carry a
>> > ballast resistor to place in the circuit so that my points do not burn
>> out
>> > on
>> > full 12v "run"? Also, I have 5...yes count them five spare coils that I
>> > could potentially use, varying in resistance from 1.5 ohms to 2.4 ohms.
>> The
>> > two ballast resistors that I have are 1.5 Ohm and 2.2 ohm. What
>> > combination of coil and ballast should I carry that will get me home
>> > reliably?
>> >
>> > I'm doing this because the Pertronix is not something that I can just
>> pull
>> > off of the shelf at any auto parts store and is an expensive part to
>> just
>> > carry for something that is (according to Dick) highly unlikely to fail.
>> >
>> > TIA
>> > --
>> > Larry
>> > 78 Royale w/500 Caddy
>> > Menomonie, WI.
>> >
>> > _______________________________________________
>> > GMCnet mailing list
>> > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> > http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>> >
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>>
>
>
> --
> Jim Kanomata
> Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
> jimk
> http://www.appliedgmc.com
> 1-800-752-7502
>

--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
jimk
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
 
> Now, to the point of this thread. I am using the LS version with a Pertronix 1.5 ohm coil. My coach is a 78, so the coil ignition wire has 12v
> with no ballast of any kind when the switch is on "run". Do I need to carry a ballast resistor to place in the circuit so that my points do not burn
> out on full 12v "run"? Also, I have 5...yes count them five spare coils that I could potentially use, varying in resistance from 1.5 ohms to 2.4
> ohms. The two ballast resistors that I have are 1.5 Ohm and 2.2 ohm. What combination of coil and ballast should I carry that will get me home
> reliably?
>
> I'm doing this because the Pertronix is not something that I can just pull off of the shelf at any auto parts store and is an expensive part to
> just carry for something that is (according to Dick) highly unlikely to fail.
>
> TIA

I have no idea what to suggest as to an answer to your question. But it makes me think about the spares I should carry. I have a Howell TBI with EBL
and computer controlled distributor. I carry a complete complete computer controlled distributor as a spare as well as the original (supplied by
Howell) TBI computer and a spare fuel pump. I've had to raid parts from the spare distributor during trips when I experienced engine problems. I
have a complete HEI distributor (redone by Springfield) in storage in my attic at home. I wonder if if would make sense to carry it in the coach
rather then store it in my attic so that in the event I needed to revert to the original TBI installation on a trip I could. I admit that this is
probably overkill, but I am a "belt and suspenders" guy for when things go bad.

In the past 21 years I've been on the side of road several times and each time the engine died, it was ignition related. Even when the engine caught
on fire years back, the flames took out the distributor and spark plug wires and caused me to coast to the side of the road.

http://www.palmbeachgmc.com/hei.html
http://www.palmbeachgmc.com/fire.html


--
Richard
76 Palm Beach
SE Michigan
www.PalmBeachGMC.com


Coop Roller Cam 455, Howell TBI + EBL, 3.42 FD, Quadra Bag, Macerator, Lenzi stuff, Manny Tranny etc.
 
Larry,

I know you have to unwrap the Onan to get to the Pertronix, but why not keep a spare Pertronix that could be swapped in if you have a failure. It
seems to me that it's more work on the side of the road, but no more work than you'll have to do at some point. If you practice like a pit-crew you
could probably do int in 15 minutes!!!

I suppose that the timing could be off between different Pertronix units, but then the timing for the points would not be assured either.

Just my $.02.
--
Larry Davick
A Mystery Machine
1976(ish) Palm Beach
Fremont, Ca
Howell EFI + EBL + Electronic Dizzy
 
Larry,
Perhaps I’m mis-interpreting what you are trying to do. You have a pertronics equipped dist in your engine and want to carry a points equipped dist as a spare. I interpret this to mean that you have two points-type distributors.

Why not just carry a spare set of points and leave the distributor at home? Unless you have created a unique set-up, the pertronics unit should easily interchange with a set of points, thus only requiring that you carry a new set of points as spares. Swapping in a set of points shouldn’t be any more time consuming than swapping a dist, and the space required for spare points is minimal. I’d also consider carrying a spare pertronics unit along with a set of points. All in the same box.

Les Burt
Montreal
'75 Eleganza 26'

>

>> Now, to the point of this thread. I am using the LS version with a Pertronix 1.5 ohm coil. My coach is a 78, so the coil ignition wire has 12v
>> with no ballast of any kind when the switch is on "run". Do I need to carry a ballast resistor to place in the circuit so that my points do not burn
>> out on full 12v "run"? Also, I have 5...yes count them five spare coils that I could potentially use, varying in resistance from 1.5 ohms to 2.4
>> ohms. The two ballast resistors that I have are 1.5 Ohm and 2.2 ohm. What combination of coil and ballast should I carry that will get me home
>> reliably?
>>
>> I'm doing this because the Pertronix is not something that I can just pull off of the shelf at any auto parts store and is an expensive part to
>> just carry for something that is (according to Dick) highly unlikely to fail.
>>
>> TIA
>
> I have no idea what to suggest as to an answer to your question. But it makes me think about the spares I should carry. I have a Howell TBI with EBL
> and computer controlled distributor. I carry a complete complete computer controlled distributor as a spare as well as the original (supplied by
> Howell) TBI computer and a spare fuel pump. I've had to raid parts from the spare distributor during trips when I experienced engine problems. I
> have a complete HEI distributor (redone by Springfield) in storage in my attic at home. I wonder if if would make sense to carry it in the coach
> rather then store it in my attic so that in the event I needed to revert to the original TBI installation on a trip I could. I admit that this is
> probably overkill, but I am a "belt and suspenders" guy for when things go bad.
>
> In the past 21 years I've been on the side of road several times and each time the engine died, it was ignition related. Even when the engine caught
> on fire years back, the flames took out the distributor and spark plug wires and caused me to coast to the side of the road.
>
> http://www.palmbeachgmc.com/hei.html
> http://www.palmbeachgmc.com/fire.html
>
>
> --
> Richard
> 76 Palm Beach
> SE Michigan
> www.PalmBeachGMC.com
>
>
> Coop Roller Cam 455, Howell TBI + EBL, 3.42 FD, Quadra Bag, Macerator, Lenzi stuff, Manny Tranny etc.
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
 
My two bit .
Carrying a whole distributor can be beneficial, however the parts that
generally go bad is the module and coil.
During the last 37 years of running the coach and racking over million
miles, you'll find that I carry spare parts that occupy half a shoe box.
I have lot of customers that do not do any wrenching , so I advise them to
carry the ignition part and fuel filters and make sure the generator works
and spare tire is full and they have the Black list and our phone #.
I have spent many hours on side of road waiting for tow truck.
expect at least 1 1/2 -2 1/2 hour after calling for tow truck.

On Mon, Sep 2, 2019 at 9:21 AM Les Burt via Gmclist
wrote:

> Larry,
> Perhaps I’m mis-interpreting what you are trying to do. You have a
> pertronics equipped dist in your engine and want to carry a points equipped
> dist as a spare. I interpret this to mean that you have two points-type
> distributors.
>
> Why not just carry a spare set of points and leave the distributor at
> home? Unless you have created a unique set-up, the pertronics unit should
> easily interchange with a set of points, thus only requiring that you carry
> a new set of points as spares. Swapping in a set of points shouldn’t be any
> more time consuming than swapping a dist, and the space required for spare
> points is minimal. I’d also consider carrying a spare pertronics unit along
> with a set of points. All in the same box.
>
> Les Burt
> Montreal
> '75 Eleganza 26'
>
>
> > On Sep 2, 2019, at 11:45 AM, RJW via Gmclist

> >

> >> Now, to the point of this thread. I am using the LS version with a
> Pertronix 1.5 ohm coil. My coach is a 78, so the coil ignition wire has 12v
> >> with no ballast of any kind when the switch is on "run". Do I need to
> carry a ballast resistor to place in the circuit so that my points do not
> burn
> >> out on full 12v "run"? Also, I have 5...yes count them five spare coils
> that I could potentially use, varying in resistance from 1.5 ohms to 2.4
> >> ohms. The two ballast resistors that I have are 1.5 Ohm and 2.2 ohm.
> What combination of coil and ballast should I carry that will get me home
> >> reliably?
> >>
> >> I'm doing this because the Pertronix is not something that I can just
> pull off of the shelf at any auto parts store and is an expensive part to
> >> just carry for something that is (according to Dick) highly unlikely to
> fail.
> >>
> >> TIA
> >
> > I have no idea what to suggest as to an answer to your question. But it
> makes me think about the spares I should carry. I have a Howell TBI with
> EBL
> > and computer controlled distributor. I carry a complete complete
> computer controlled distributor as a spare as well as the original
> (supplied by
> > Howell) TBI computer and a spare fuel pump. I've had to raid parts from
> the spare distributor during trips when I experienced engine problems. I
> > have a complete HEI distributor (redone by Springfield) in storage in my
> attic at home. I wonder if if would make sense to carry it in the coach
> > rather then store it in my attic so that in the event I needed to revert
> to the original TBI installation on a trip I could. I admit that this is
> > probably overkill, but I am a "belt and suspenders" guy for when things
> go bad.
> >
> > In the past 21 years I've been on the side of road several times and
> each time the engine died, it was ignition related. Even when the engine
> caught
> > on fire years back, the flames took out the distributor and spark plug
> wires and caused me to coast to the side of the road.
> >
> > http://www.palmbeachgmc.com/hei.html
> > http://www.palmbeachgmc.com/fire.html
> >
> >
> > --
> > Richard
> > 76 Palm Beach
> > SE Michigan
> > www.PalmBeachGMC.com
> >
> >
> > Coop Roller Cam 455, Howell TBI + EBL, 3.42 FD, Quadra Bag, Macerator,
> Lenzi stuff, Manny Tranny etc.
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>

--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
jimk
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
 
OK, so I guess I was not clear with my posting. This is a Pertronix upgrade to the Distributor in a Cadillac engine that went bad not a Pertronix Onan
upgrade. I have replaced the Pertronix sensor and the engine is now running just fine. I have already decided that I will be carrying a spare points
type distributor, because I already have the parts to do it. No need to spend any more money. I realize that it is going backwards to a points type
distributor, but it is only temporary...just to get me off of the road and home.

So, I just need to know if I need to carry a ballast resistor to put in the circuit, and what coil and ballast to carry. Do I need to carry a ballast
resistor to place in the circuit so that my points do not burn out on full 12v "run"? I have 5...yes count them five spare coils that I could
potentially use, varying in resistance from 1.5 ohms to 2.4 ohms. The two ballast resistors that I have are 1.5 Ohm and 2.2 ohm. What combination of
coil and ballast should I carry that will get me home reliably?

Again, this is just carrying spare parts in case of failure and only to get me home.
--
Larry
78 Royale w/500 Caddy
Menomonie, WI.
 
I am fortunate that this happened at home. While replacing the Pertronix sensor, I also discovered that the flex ground wire between the points plate
and the distributor body had broken, and the vacuum canister was leaking providing no vacuum for vacuum advance. Replaced both items and the LS
sensor in my driveway...not on the road. Sometimes perceived bad things happen for a good reason. :)
--
Larry
78 Royale w/500 Caddy
Menomonie, WI.
 
talk about misinterpreting - I read Pertronix and thought Onan! Disregard my points (ha ha) entirely.
--
Larry Davick
A Mystery Machine
1976(ish) Palm Beach
Fremont, Ca
Howell EFI + EBL + Electronic Dizzy
 
> My two bit .
> Carrying a whole distributor can be beneficial, however the parts that
> generally go bad is the module and coil.
> During the last 37 years of running the coach and racking over million
> miles, you'll find that I carry spare parts that occupy half a shoe box.
> I have lot of customers that do not do any wrenching , so I advise them to
> carry the ignition part and fuel filters and make sure the generator works
> and spare tire is full and they have the Black list and our phone #.
> I have spent many hours on side of road waiting for tow truck.
> expect at least 1 1/2 -2 1/2 hour after calling for tow truck.
>
> --
> Jim Kanomata

Jim,
While you might only carry a shoe box full of spare parts, you are unique with the full stock of spare parts that you carry at your place.

Personally, the last thing I want to do is have to wait on a tow truck. The last time (last year) it took over 4 hours of waiting outside in the cold
(I will not wait in the coach while trucks are whizzing by at 80MPH mere inches from the coach). A second or two of distracted driving and I could be
history.

So I want to carry stuff that will allow me to fix the coach to avoid the tow. Except for 3 times in the last 21 years I have avoided being towed. I
also have 3 towing service providers. Possibly unnecessary and over kill, but I like the redundancy of "belt and suspenders".

--
Richard
76 Palm Beach
SE Michigan
www.PalmBeachGMC.com


Coop Roller Cam 455, Howell TBI + EBL, 3.42 FD, Quadra Bag, Macerator, Lenzi stuff, Manny Tranny etc.
 
That is why I preach to have your generator available and keep lpg at least
half full .
Generator is really a life savor

On Mon, Sep 2, 2019 at 1:44 PM RJW via Gmclist
wrote:

> > My two bit .
> > Carrying a whole distributor can be beneficial, however the parts that
> > generally go bad is the module and coil.
> > During the last 37 years of running the coach and racking over million
> > miles, you'll find that I carry spare parts that occupy half a shoe box.
> > I have lot of customers that do not do any wrenching , so I advise them
> to
> > carry the ignition part and fuel filters and make sure the generator
> works
> > and spare tire is full and they have the Black list and our phone #.
> > I have spent many hours on side of road waiting for tow truck.
> > expect at least 1 1/2 -2 1/2 hour after calling for tow truck.
> >
> > --
> > Jim Kanomata
>
> Jim,
> While you might only carry a shoe box full of spare parts, you are unique
> with the full stock of spare parts that you carry at your place.
>
> Personally, the last thing I want to do is have to wait on a tow truck.
> The last time (last year) it took over 4 hours of waiting outside in the
> cold
> (I will not wait in the coach while trucks are whizzing by at 80MPH mere
> inches from the coach). A second or two of distracted driving and I could be
> history.
>
> So I want to carry stuff that will allow me to fix the coach to avoid the
> tow. Except for 3 times in the last 21 years I have avoided being towed. I
> also have 3 towing service providers. Possibly unnecessary and over kill,
> but I like the redundancy of "belt and suspenders".
>
> --
> Richard
> 76 Palm Beach
> SE Michigan
> www.PalmBeachGMC.com
>
>
> Coop Roller Cam 455, Howell TBI + EBL, 3.42 FD, Quadra Bag, Macerator,
> Lenzi stuff, Manny Tranny etc.
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
jimk
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
 
I have three towing options.
Best is my coach insurance.
I can call any to tow and send the copy of bill to them to reimburse me.
Get lot more faster response as they will earn full amount, not a
discounted rate.

> That is why I preach to have your generator available and keep lpg at
> least half full .
> Generator is really a life savor
>
> On Mon, Sep 2, 2019 at 1:44 PM RJW via Gmclist

>

>> > My two bit .
>> > Carrying a whole distributor can be beneficial, however the parts that
>> > generally go bad is the module and coil.
>> > During the last 37 years of running the coach and racking over million
>> > miles, you'll find that I carry spare parts that occupy half a shoe box.
>> > I have lot of customers that do not do any wrenching , so I advise them
>> to
>> > carry the ignition part and fuel filters and make sure the generator
>> works
>> > and spare tire is full and they have the Black list and our phone #.
>> > I have spent many hours on side of road waiting for tow truck.
>> > expect at least 1 1/2 -2 1/2 hour after calling for tow truck.
>> >
>> > --
>> > Jim Kanomata
>>
>> Jim,
>> While you might only carry a shoe box full of spare parts, you are unique
>> with the full stock of spare parts that you carry at your place.
>>
>> Personally, the last thing I want to do is have to wait on a tow truck.
>> The last time (last year) it took over 4 hours of waiting outside in the
>> cold
>> (I will not wait in the coach while trucks are whizzing by at 80MPH mere
>> inches from the coach). A second or two of distracted driving and I could be
>> history.
>>
>> So I want to carry stuff that will allow me to fix the coach to avoid the
>> tow. Except for 3 times in the last 21 years I have avoided being towed. I
>> also have 3 towing service providers. Possibly unnecessary and over
>> kill, but I like the redundancy of "belt and suspenders".
>>
>> --
>> Richard
>> 76 Palm Beach
>> SE Michigan
>> www.PalmBeachGMC.com
>>
>>
>> Coop Roller Cam 455, Howell TBI + EBL, 3.42 FD, Quadra Bag, Macerator,
>> Lenzi stuff, Manny Tranny etc.
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>>
> --
> Jim Kanomata
> Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
> jimk
> http://www.appliedgmc.com
> 1-800-752-7502
>
--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
jimk
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
 
Jim,
Who do you use for "Coach Insurance". I like your towing provision.
Thanks
--
Jack Christensen - K6ROW,
'76 Glenbrook/Clasco - "The Silver Bullet",
Sebastopol, CA
 
If it was me. And I should probably do this.

I would keep a complete pertronix set up distributor that matches what you are running. If your going to swap it out, do it once so you dont have
to swap back later.

Then keep a separate set of points or whatever for the .05% chance your replacement distributor/pertonics went bad during storage.

As for ballast resistor, I am pretty sure you dont have to worry about that unless your running points permanent. They will not burn up overnight
with full 12volts. And hopefully by then you will be back to fixing the pertronix one you run all the time. You have to consider that the
balast resistor is bypassed at crank. So if you don't wire it full 12v at crank you could have starting trouble.
--
Jon Roche
75 palm beach
St. Cloud, MN
http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
 
I use State Farm, however almost all auto insurers have provision.
I like the AAA as they care not where to be towed, but they use the least
expensive, so it is a miracle if they get to you in 2 hours. When i use my
auto insurance I can demand a quick service or go to anther tow co.

On Mon, Sep 2, 2019 at 3:23 PM Jon Roche via Gmclist <

> If it was me. And I should probably do this.
>
> I would keep a complete pertronix set up distributor that matches what you
> are running. If your going to swap it out, do it once so you dont have
> to swap back later.
>
> Then keep a separate set of points or whatever for the .05% chance your
> replacement distributor/pertonics went bad during storage.
>
> As for ballast resistor, I am pretty sure you dont have to worry about
> that unless your running points permanent. They will not burn up overnight
> with full 12volts. And hopefully by then you will be back to fixing the
> pertronix one you run all the time. You have to consider that the
> balast resistor is bypassed at crank. So if you don't wire it full 12v
> at crank you could have starting trouble.
> --
> Jon Roche
> 75 palm beach
> St. Cloud, MN
> http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>

--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
jimk
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
 
I installed the lobe sensing unit in a 69 Buick GS400 distributor and retained the factory resistance wire. I put the points, condenser and ground
wire in a baggie in the glove box. That seems easier to swap out than the entire distributor with hold down etc and having to retime.
--
John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II
 
> I installed the lobe sensing unit in a 69 Buick GS400 distributor and retained the factory resistance wire. I put the points, condenser and ground
> wire in a baggie in the glove box. That seems easier to swap out than the entire distributor with hold down etc and having to retime.

HI John,
Thanks for that. The 78 GMC does not have a resistance wire going to the coil. So, there is a full 12v there. I have a cadillac engine and the
distributor is in a location that makes changing the distributor parts an exercise in contortionism. It really is easier to pull the distributor to
replace parts or in this case put another distributor in. I still need to know if the points will survive a...say...1200mile drive home with the full
12v going to it. If not, what coil and ballast combination of the parts I have, will get me home?
--
Larry
78 Royale w/500 Caddy
Menomonie, WI.
 
Larry, I am very confused as to what you are doing and why. I did some research and the Cadillac 500 in at least some years had an HEI distributor.
Why not forget the points system all together and just carry a complete HEI and be done with it. Swap the distributor in, plug in the +12 volts, 8
spark plug wires, and vacuum advance and you will be done. Set the timing and drive home.

With the HEI swap in you get everything replaced except the wires and plugs. It takes a +12 volts in without a ballast resistor and it just runs.
There is nothing mechanical to set, or keep clean, or wear like a points system. You could be on the road in 15 minutes. just get the rotor pointing
to the correct cylinder when you insert the new one into the engine hole. I bought a new cheepie Chinese one years ago and carry it. I installed it
once to make sure I had a good spare and then stored is somewhere in my coach I thought about attaching a doggie treat to it so my dog could find by
smell if I ever needed it.
--
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Get your shine on at www.cruzingear.co
GMCMI Fall 2026 Rally

Share this page

Share this page
Top Bottom
Back