Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

I have a 68 1600 with smog equipment intact. It was running OKAY on points last week, not the best at higher RPMs but started and idled okay.

I put in the Pertronix kit with no other changes (still running stock coil and did not bypass the resistor).

Immediately after install of the kit the car started fine...and then struggled to idle. Choke wasn't helping much and it would die if I let it. It seemed smoother though above idle.

I put it back in the garage, poked around a bit, then tried to start again with no luck. Turns over but won't start.

Did I miss something? Do I need to reset the timing? Do I need to go with a 12v coil? Did I just bump something loose? Is my wiring incorrect?

Thanks for any help provided!

Picture of coil wiring:

Some past posts may be helpful:

http://311s.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f= ... ix#p138342
http://311s.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f= ... ix#p127101
http://311s.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f= ... ix#p140403
http://311s.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f= ... st#p123843

Maybe you bumped the dizzy during the install and the timing is off?

Just the guy I was looking for!

Is this the coil you're running?
http://www.amazon.com/PerTronix-40511-F ... B00199BO4C" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I may just take this time to convert to non-smog and run this 12V coil.

- Andy

You definitely need a 12V coil with the Pertronix system.

To desmog the car:
http://311s.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f= ... mog#p68748

Before you start buying stuff I would compare your wiring to the diagram in the techwiki and see if there are any surprises and make sure connections are tight.
http://www.311s.org/PDFs/1968%20Datsun% ... 20rev1.pdf

I recommend following the Pertronix instructions for taking coil measurements to see what you have:
http://www.pertronix.com/support/tips/default.aspx#a2

Check how you wired up the Pertronix module:
http://www.pertronix.com/support/manual ... 12vneg.pdf I also suggest increasing the gap on your plugs by 0.005"

The coil you note above is the 3 ohm coil I ended up using w/o the resistor on a '67.5. A '68 has different wiring for the resistor bypass when starting.

I ordered the 12v coil as that was in the plans anyway. I believe my wiring is correct. Hopefully that and gapping the plugs will work.

Planning on recurving the dizzy later...will get this started again first. I'll update soon.

- Andy

andyroo wrote:I ordered the 12v coil as that was in the plans anyway. I believe my wiring is correct. Hopefully that and gapping the plugs will work.

Planning on recurving the dizzy later...will get this started again first. I'll update soon.

- Andy

If I were you, I would get the recurve kit ASAP. The springs were getting scarce and the cams too, I think the vendors have them now, but they will run out some day. Other option, not to be a salesman, but add up the Pertronix, recurve etc, and you're a good way towards the cost of a whole new EI distributor.
At this point, unless you re-timed it after the Pertronix was installed, 99% chance the timing is off.

dbrick wrote: At this point, unless you re-timed it after the Pertronix was installed, 99% chance the timing is off.

Agreed. I recall I had to adjust timing after the install.
I agree w/ your other points as well, Dave.

dbrick wrote:

andyroo wrote:I ordered the 12v coil as that was in the plans anyway. I believe my wiring is correct. Hopefully that and gapping the plugs will work.

Planning on recurving the dizzy later...will get this started again first. I'll update soon.

- Andy

If I were you, I would get the recurve kit ASAP. The springs were getting scarce and the cams too, I think the vendors have them now, but they will run out some day. Other option, not to be a salesman, but add up the Pertronix, recurve etc, and you're a good way towards the cost of a whole new EI distributor.
At this point, unless you re-timed it after the Pertronix was installed, 99% chance the timing is off.

Yes, do the recurve first.

Don't "recurve". Just set your timing with a timing light. Switching from points to Pertronix always requires the timing be set again.

Inspect the ignitor plate for looseness and re-check the ignitor gap. Also inspect the wires for abrasions on the insulation. The red one is really taught if the coil/ballast res is not relocated.

Thanks all. I will recurve and reset timing.

Just a quick update....

I installed the recurve kit. My distributor looks to be in great shape thankfully.

Also have the pertronix 12v coil hooked up but not mounted. That OEM bracket is a pain! Need to make my own.

Resistor is removed. Both wires from that are going to the + terminal along with the red wire from the pertronix ignitor (this is one way to do it I think?).

Haven't tried starting it up yet or setting the timing because of lack of time.

I feel like I'm almost to EBOL (everything but oil leak). Yes!

- Andy

All better now. Mostly.