Distributor - points or electronic?

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m151dave
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Re: Distributor - points or electronic?

Unread post by m151dave » September 11th, 2010, 2:40 pm

There is an excellent thread on this list covering the testing of coils, so there is no need for guess work. I got a lot out of that thread! This site rocks!!
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rlich8
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Re: Distributor - points or electronic?

Unread post by rlich8 » September 12th, 2010, 11:14 pm

rickf wrote:
rlich8 wrote:
halftracknut wrote:What I have found is when the electronic type goes out it is dead ...No hope for a start...With the point set up a mechanic can go in and file..clean ..re-gap...and go...if the coil goes on either on your are sol .. oh well... That said I am running electronic on mine :lol: :lol: :lol: htn
Exactly my thoughts. The coil is less likely to go out than the electronic ignition though. :mrgreen:
The electronic module is actually very dependable unlike the coils which are a very common problem. I see very few module problems and LOT of bad coils. Older Prestolite modules have a problem with the potting material getting soft and then shorting out components on the board but the Swiss controls units are very dependable.


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dandeejet
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Re: Distributor - test for electronic ignition?

Unread post by dandeejet » August 12th, 2017, 2:42 pm

Is there a test procedure for the electronic ignitions? Swiss or Prestolite?
I found procedures for testing coils and capacitors but the electronic ignition is a little more involved as I've been told.

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rickf
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Re: Distributor - points or electronic?

Unread post by rickf » August 12th, 2017, 5:04 pm

If it is in the vehicle then with the cap off and ignition on put a 24 volt test light on the negative side of the coil and crank it over. Light should flash on and off for every cylinder. I am not sure if this will work with a LED test light or not, I have never tried it but it should. When doing this test it is a good idea to run a jumper wire from the center terminal of the coil to ground so that the coil does not arc internally.
1964 M151A1
1984 M1008
1967 M416
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Husker
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Re: Distributor - points or electronic?

Unread post by Husker » August 14th, 2017, 9:35 am

Rick you mentioned converting an electronic system to points how hard is that? I have 2 gooed up prestolite modules I think the coils are ok but don't know
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elmer
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Re: Distributor - points or electronic?

Unread post by elmer » August 14th, 2017, 10:59 am

presolite solid ignition is the same that electronic distributor?

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rickf
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Re: Distributor - points or electronic?

Unread post by rickf » August 14th, 2017, 5:00 pm

Husker, converting to points is easy, all you need is the point plate and the parts to go on it. Elmer, Prestolite electronic ignition is solid state ignition yes, but the Prestolite units have a lot of problems with the potting material going bad on the circuit boards. They have not made them for many years. The Swiss controls units are much better.
1964 M151A1
1984 M1008
1967 M416
04/1952 M100
12/1952 M100- Departed
AN/TSQ-114A Trailblazer- Gone

Husker
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Re: Distributor - points or electronic?

Unread post by Husker » August 14th, 2017, 8:27 pm

I can see the parts but where can one get the point plate itself?
US Army Fort Belvoir

19XX M35 something. Sold......
1972 M151A2
1967 M416
On the hunt for an M1031

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Re: Distributor - points or electronic?

Unread post by rickf » August 15th, 2017, 10:04 am

Check places like Frontline and Red River, other than that you are looking at old distributors. I probably have one somewhere but I am not going to be able to look for it for a while. M38, M38A1 will be the same so there is another place to look. Same distributor if I remember correctly. You will have to ask the M38 guys about that.
1964 M151A1
1984 M1008
1967 M416
04/1952 M100
12/1952 M100- Departed
AN/TSQ-114A Trailblazer- Gone

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