Electronic Ignition Question

[jkenan]

What are the symptoms of a failing Electronic Ignition, and how does one diagnose that as the problem? I note that the magnet ring is available for purchase on this site. How would you know the magnet needs to replaced versus replacing the entire electronic ignition? And what could cause it to go bad in the first place?

I've seen a few threads discussing a failing or failed electronic ignition, but none go into any real detail on the cause. I'm still perplexed by my issue of deteriorating performance after running for several hours. I thought it was a bad coil, or a slight air leak in the gas line, but after replacing and remedying said problems, I still have a modest loss of performance, enough to make me nervous about navigating a tricky inlet or motoring along with barges. I have the Indigo Electronic Ignition which will be three years old this spring.

[David Masury]

First, the Indigo Electroincs ignition system does not use the magnetic ring..it has a slotted wheel and LED set up.....before you go and upset the electronic apple cart...check all of your other systems such as fuel flow, the carbutrator for restrictions, grounds on the electrical contacts are they clean, compression, how old are the spark plug wires..etc.. if all of that checks out okay then contact Indigo directly..... they will give you the same great service that Don Moyer gives you here on this forum.

I had a question on my Indigo system a few years ago..I shipped it back to them, they tested it and shipped it back in a couple of days.... it was another problem that caused the loss of power.

Good Luck

David

[tenders]

My understanding is that when electronic ignition fails, it fails entirely. This is a drawback compared to the original system, which will often drift out of adjustment over several seasons...offset by the significant benefits of smoother and more consistent operation for a much, much longer time period overall.

That said, I do not know what you'd need to replace the magnet for, unless they get lost.

[Don Moyer]

John,

I can't speak in depth about the Indigo kit on your engine, but the Ignitor system from Pertronix has no history of any of its components slowly deteriorating to the point of needing replacement. I suspect the same can be said for your Indigo kit.

Don

[tenders]

Don - why do people buy the replacement magnet?

Do they break, lose their mojo, or just get lost sometimes?

[jkenan]

Thanks for the replies.

I was wrong, I actually have the Ignitor system from Pertronix, not the Indigo Kit. If something was wrong with it, could I expect that it would not work at all then?

[Don Moyer]

We've actually only sold one or two, and I suspect it was because someone cracked theirs on installation.

Don

[jhwelch]

My ignitor failed when I hooked it up with the plus and minus
reversed after having the motor out for some work -- an expensive
oops!

-jonathan

[Don Moyer]

If something was wrong with it, could I expect that it would not work at all then?

John,

Essentially, yes. The Ignitor on our own engine is probably a good example. It's slightly over 10 years old and functioning like it did when it was new, but I carry a spare because I know that if it ever fails for any reason, I likely won't be able to fix it. Actually, if it fails tomorrow, I'll be money ahead of what it would have cost if I'd have changed points and condenser every two years, which has been my longtime practice.

Don

[jkenan]

Thanks Don. I think I will be ordering one soon to have as a spare. These parts add up, but I also think there is virtue in having a spare Fuel Pump and Coil, in addition to the more common spare Plugs, Cap & Rotor, and Impeller.

Anything else?

[msauntry]

The sticker on the Pertronix

I installed a Pertronix Ignitor in my old Scout for the same reasons we install it on the A4- its a great help. I had my Ammeter in my dash catch fire one day (old trucks are so much fun), and as I was fixing it, I suspect I killed the Pertronix. I called them to see how I could confirm it, and they said to look at the sticker on it. Mine had shriveled up. Its an easy way to tell if your Pertronix is dead. Melted sticker=melted hopes.