12-Volt Negative Ground Installation Instructions

For Part Number: 1281

CAUTION!!! Before installing, please read the following important information....

1. The Ignitor is designed for 12-Volt negative ground systems.
2. Leaving the ignition “ON” with the engine “OFF” for an extended period could result in permanent damage to
the Ignitor.
3. See Chart on back page for coil recommendations.
4. Eight cylinder engines require a minimum of 1.5 ohms of primary resistance. Do not remove resistors if the
coil primary resistance is less than 1.5 ohms.
5. If your Ignition coil has the recommended primary resistance, remove or bypass all external resistors.
6. The Ignitor is compatible as a trigger for most electronic boxes.

DISASSEMBLY
1. PRIOR TO INSTALLATION TURN IGNITION SWITCH OFF OR DISCONNECT THE BATTERY
2. Remove the distributor cap, and rotor. Do not disconnect spark plug wires. Examine cap and rotor for wear
or damage. Replace as needed.
3. Disconnect the point wire from the negative (-) terminal of the coil.
4. Remove the point wire, point, and condenser from the distributor.
5. The Ignitor does not require any modification to the distributor. Therefore the point, condenser and hardware
can be used as backup.
6. Clean all dirt and excess oil from the breaker plate and point cam.

IGNITOR INSTALLATION
1. Insert the Ignitor black and red wires through the distirbutor housing verifying the grommet is seated
properly.
2. Install the Ignitor module using the provided hardware in the same manner as a set points. NOTE: 1281 kits
use the points adjustment screw hole as a pilot for the Ignitor locating pin. Confirm the mounting plate is flat
and fits without any modifications. See Figure 1.
3. If the distributor ground wire was removed during the installation process be sure it is re-attached securely.
NOTE: If the ground wire is missing, one needs to be installed and attached from the point breaker plate to the
distirbutor housing. See Figure 1.
4. Place the magnet sleeve over the distributor shaft, and onto point cam. Press down firmly to insure magnet
sleeve is fully seated. NOTE: Make sure that the Ignitor module and magnet sleeve are level. See Figure 2.
5. Set the air gap between the module and magnet sleeve using the provided plastic feeler gauge (0.030”
thick). This done in the same manner as points.
6. Reinstall the rotor, and the distributor cap. Make sure all spark plug wires are securely attached.
7. See Wiring Instructions.
Magnet Sleeve
Ground Wire Location Must be level with
Ignitor on top.

Figure 1

Figure 2

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A. Recommended Wiring Installation:
The Ignitor ignition can be used in conjunction with most ignition coils rated at 1.5 ohms of primary resistance on eight cylinder
engines and 3.0 ohms on four and six cylinder engines. For optimum performance purchase and install the recommended
Flamethrower high performance coil.
Many vehicles came equipped with ballast resistor or resistance wire. To achieve optimum performance from the Ignitor ignition
system, we recommend the removal of these components.

• To remove a ballast resistor, (normally white ceramic blocks 3 to 4 inches long), disconnect all wires on both ends of the ballast
resistor. Remove the resistor from the vehicle and splice the disconnected wires together at a single point.
• To remove a resistance wire, trace the coil power wire, which was previously connected to the positive coil terminal, back to the fuse
block. Bypass this wire with a 12-gauge copper stranded wire.

1. Attach the black Ignitor wire to the negative coil terminal. (See Figure A)
2. Attach the red Ignitor wire to the positive coil terminal. (See Figure A)
3. Check to insure that the polarity is correct, and that all connections are tight.
4. Re-connect the battery.
5. Start the engine and allow it to reach normal operating temperature. Check ignition timing, and adjust to the desired setting.

COIL WIRE

TO IGNITION
BLACK WIRE
(FIGURE A)

RED WIRE

B. Alternative Wiring Installation:

The Ignitor can also be installed in applications retaining the ballast resistor or resistance wire.

1. Attach the Ignitor black wire to the negative coil terminal. (See Figure B)
2. Attach the Ignitor red wire to the ignition side of resistance, or any 12 volt ignition power source. (See Figure B)
3. Check to insure that the polarity is correct, and that all connections are tight.
4. Re-connect the battery.
5. Start the engine and allow it to reach normal operating temperature. Check ignition timing, and adjust to the desired setting.

COIL WIRE

BALLAST RESISTOR

TO IGNITION SWITCH
BLACK WIRE

(FIGURE B)
RESISTANCE WIRE

RED WIRE

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Ignitor COMMON QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Q. What is the first thing I should check if the engine would not start? Ohms or greater for eight cylinder engines and 3.0 Ohms or greater for six cylinder
A. Make certain all wires are connected securely to the proper terminals. engines. (Your local auto parts store can do this for you if you don’t have an
ohmmeter)
Q. The engine will not start or runs rough. Are there any tests I can do?
A. Yes, remove the red ignitor wire from the coil. Connect jumper wire from the Q. What do I do if my coil does not have enough resistance?
positive side of the battery to the red ignitor wire just removed from the coil. If the A. You may purchase and install a ballast resistor from your local auto parts store.
engine starts, then you have a low voltage problem . Remember this is just a test. Not You may also choose to purchase a Flamethrower 40,000-volt coil, which provides
intended for permanent installation. resistance internally. Note: Many vehicles come with ballast resistor or resistance
wire. These applications do not need an additional resistor.
Q. How can I fix a low voltage problem?
A. First, if you have an external ballast resistor or resistance wire, connect the red Q. What happens if you leave the ignition switch on when the engine is not running?
ignitor wire to the ignition wire prior to the ballast resistor or resistance wire. Second, A. This can cause your coil to overheat, which may cause permanent damage to the
if you do not have a an external resistor you must connect the ignitor red wire to a coil and the ignitor.
12-volt source that is controlled by the ignition switch.
Q. May I modify the length of the wires?
Q. Should I remove the starter bypass wire? A. Yes, you can cut the wires to any length your application may require. You may
A. No, the starter bypass wire is needed to provide voltage while starting (cranking). also add length of wire if needed (20-gauge wire). Please make sure all wire splice
are clean and connections are secure.
Q. What type of coil do I need?
A. The ignitor is compatible only with a “points type” coil. Eight cylinder engines Q. Will the shift interrupter on an OMC stern drive boat work with the ignitor?
require a minimum of 1.5 Ohms of resistance in the primary circuit. Four & six cylinder A. The ignitor is compatible with all OMC stern drive applications, when equipped
engines require a minimum of 3.0 Ohms of resistance (primary). with a “diode fix”. If you purchased a kit that does not include the “diode fix” diagram,
call our tech line.
Q. How do I check my coil for resistance?
A. First you need an ohmmeter. Remove all the wires from the coil. Attach the Q. How can I get additional help?
ohmmeter to both the positive and negative terminals. The reading should be 1.5 A. Call our tech line (909-547-9058) for any further instructions or questions.

POWER & GROUND TESTS

GROUND TESTS
It is imperative that the power and grounds be checked as part of the installation procedure.  After installing the Ignitor module and the
distributor and with the distributor in the engine, use a digital multi-meter to measure the resistance from the aluminum plate holding the
module to battery (-), the net resistance must be less than 0.2 ohms.  (Set meter to lowest ohms setting). The net resistance is the meter
reading minus the resistance of the meter leads.  If the net resistance is greater than 0.2 ohms, the source of the faulty ground must
be found and fixed.  Usually the source of the bad ground is easily found by holding one probe on an original location and moving the
second probe toward the static probe.  Where the resistance drops identifies the source.

GROUND TESTS

Maximum resistance from Ignitor plate to battery negative terminal. 0.2 ohms
EXAMPLE:
Resistance from Ignitor plate to battery negative (-) terminal. 0.4 ohms
Resistance of meter leads 0.2 ohms
After subtracting meter lead resistance, your net resistance is: 0.2 ohms

VOLTAGE TESTS:
1. (Do not disconnect wires from Ignition coil). Place ignition switch in the “off” position.
2. Connect a jumper wire from negative (-) terminal of the coil to a good engine ground.
3. Connect the voltmeter red lead to the positive (+) terminal of the coil and the black lead to a good engine ground.
4. Turn the ignition switch to the “on” position and note voltage reading on the voltmeter. Quickly read the voltage and turn ignition “OFF”.
Leaving ignition “ON” for an extended period could result in permanent damage to the Ignitor.
5. SEE CHART BELOW FOR SPECIFICATIONS.
Note: Low voltage can be caused by poor connections, poor contacts in the ignition switch, ballast resistor, and or a resistance
wire in the wiring harness (Factory Installed).

VOLTAGE SPECIFICATIONS Minimum Maximum

Ignition Switch “ON” 8.0V N/A
Cranking 8.0V N/A
Engine Running N/A 16.0V

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 FLAME-THROWER COIL APPLICATIONS
Recommended Flamethrower Coils
System Primary
Use with: Cylinders
Voltage Resistance Black Chrome Epoxy

Ignitor Only 12V 8 1.5 ohms 40011 40001 40111

Ignitor Only 12V 4&6 3.0 ohms 40511 40501 40611
Agricultural & Industrial
Ignitor Only 12V 1,2,3,4, & 6 2.8 ohms 28010 or 40511, 40501, 40611
Ignitor Only 12V 8 1.5 ohms 40011 40001 40111
NOTE: REMOVE OR BYPASS EXTERNAL BALLAST RESISTOR OR RESISTANCE
WIRE WHEN INSTALLING THE RECOMMENDED FLAME-THROWER COIL.

LIMITED WARRANTY

Pertronix, Inc. Warrants to the original Purchaser of its solid-state ignition system
(product) that the Ignitor, magnet assembly and wiring (components) shall be free from defects
in material and workmanship for a period of (30) months from the date of purchase.
If within the period of the foregoing warranty Pertronix finds, after inspection, that
the product or any component thereof is defective, Pertronix will, at its option, repair such
products or component or replace them with identical or similar parts PROVIDED that within
such period Purchaser:

1. Promptly Notifies Pertonix, in writing, of such defects.

2. Delivers the defective products product or component to Pertronix (ATTN: Warranty) with
proof of purchase date; and
3. Has installed and used the product in a normal and Proper manner, consistent with
Pertronix printed instructions.

THE FORGOING LIMITED WARRANTY IS EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU OF ALL
OTHER WARRANTIES, WHETHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING AND IMPLIED
WARRANTY OR MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PURPOSE.
THE FURNISHING OF A REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS SHALL CONSTITUTE
THE SOLE REMEDY OF PURCHASER AND THE SOLE LIABILITY OF PerTronix WHETHER
ON WARRANTY, CONTRACT OR FOR NEGLIGENCE, AND IN NO EVENT WILL PerTronix
BE LIABLE FOR MONEY DAMAGES WHETHER DIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL.

440 East Arrow Highway

San Dimas, CA 91773
909-599-5955
www.pertronix.com

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