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| | | Forums66 Topics128,022 Posts1,055,387 Members48,422 | | Most Online14,466 Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
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on the Internet for over 30 years! and not clogged down with Ads! Again, thanks! | | | | Joined: Nov 2010 Posts: 1,159 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Nov 2010 Posts: 1,159 | A friend just installed a Pertronix "Flame-Thrower", (with coil),on a '59 Viking 60 bus. Before the installation,the vacuum-advance operated properly. Now,we have to move the distributor by hand,in order to start the bus. It also has a problem idling. Even when warmed-up,as soon as we try to open the choke,the engine "dies",and has a difficult time starting again. We did not set the plug gap,(yet).We also removed the ballast resistor,(per instructions).Were we supposed to keep this installed on the truck? Any suggestions would be appreciated. THANKS!! | | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 | Almost the same answers as in the other thread (it was a good idea to move your questions to a new thread):
The vacuum advance is mechanical and should not be affected by the installation of the Pertronix unit.
There is no need for a ballast voltage reducer in a 12v Pertronix system, if you are using the correct coil. The Pertronix flamethrower should be the correct coil.
| | | | | Joined: May 2001 Posts: 7,438 Extreme Gabster | | Extreme Gabster Joined: May 2001 Posts: 7,438 | Did you re-time the distributor to the Pertronix unit? | | | | | Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 Cruising in the Passing Lane | | Cruising in the Passing Lane Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 | the vacuum advance may have picked that particular point in it's life to cash in, check it - there is also an internal mechanical [centrifugal] advance that may have gotten jiggered when you were working on the distributor
Bill | | | | | Joined: Nov 2010 Posts: 1,159 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Nov 2010 Posts: 1,159 | I don't know if he re-timed the distributor,or not. I think he was trying to let it warm-up,first,bit it wouldn't idle with the choke open-even a little! I'll have to ask him tomorrow. We're going back out there,to troubleshoot the distributor,as well as bleed the brakes,and /maybe give it the first drive,since it was parked in'74!! We have our fingers braided! | | | | | Joined: Apr 2007 Posts: 31 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Apr 2007 Posts: 31 | were is a good place to buy a pertronix for a 235/261 six, 12volt? | | | | | Joined: Jan 2010 Posts: 4,263 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jan 2010 Posts: 4,263 | were is a good place to buy a pertronix for a 235/261 six, 12volt? I ordered mine directly from them a few years ago, ...link... 1 909-599-5955 I called and gave them the serial number off the delco distributor and my voltage/ engine. I think orielys auto can get them for you now | | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 | If you know the part number (probably something like 1168LS or 1168LSN12 for later distributor and 12v negative ground), they are readily available on eBay and from many vendors for around $80-$90 shipped and no tax).
Make sure you have the appropriate coil (relative to the use/need for a ballast resistor).
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2004 Posts: 8,597 Riding in the Passing Lane | | Riding in the Passing Lane Joined: Jun 2004 Posts: 8,597 | Sounds like you are 1 tooth off in putting in the dist. The timing is too slow. They say money can't buy happiness. It can buy old Chevy trucks though. Same thing. 1972 Chevy c10 Cheyenne SuperIn the Gallery Forum | | | | | Joined: Apr 2007 Posts: 31 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Apr 2007 Posts: 31 | thanks for the responses. Was very helpful! John | | |
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