There are two kinds of Pertronix units- - - -the ones that have had a catastrophic failure, and the ones that are going to. What's wrong with using points that have powered millions of vehicles over billions of trouble-free miles? Not everything "new and improved" is actually a good thing to do. Since Peertronix does not have a safety circuit for people who leave the ignition on with the engine not running like a GM HEI system does, it's most likely toast. Don't bother buying another one.
If you have to "try a while and rest" you're not ready to start cranking on that engine. Get it mechanically sound, timed, and tuned properly before you start abusing the starter.
Jerry
