PCM 351 hot restart issues (w/pertronix)
Printed From: CorrectCraftFan.com
Category: Repairs and Maintenance
Forum Name: Engine Repair
Forum Discription: Engine problems and solutions
URL: http://www.CorrectCraftFan.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=41242
Printed Date: April-27-2024 at 6:35pm
Topic: PCM 351 hot restart issues (w/pertronix)
Posted By: dgabler
Subject: PCM 351 hot restart issues (w/pertronix)
Date Posted: June-12-2017 at 3:58am
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Hi, Ignition: Pertronix (carb e.o. d-57-1) Engine: Model PRD-WR-R10 Coil: R117001 from skidim Purchased a '88 2001 this month. Boat appears to be in good condition however I am running into an issue with restarting when hot. Specifically outing 1, Ran down the lake and after warmed up had a ski run in. Pulled and started great. After dropping the rope the boat would not restart. Got a tow back and 3/4 of the way back was able to get it to start. Outing 2. Again, started like a champ on the ramp and ran around the lake. Remembering outing 1, killed the engine upwind of the ramp (just in case) and low and behold ran into the same issue. Pulled the cable from cylinder 5, using a screwdriver looked for spark. Did not see spark on turnover 1. 30seconds later tried again and saw spark, engine started. pulled the boat. Differences between outing 1 & 2. engine ran cooler between outings . outing 1 was 190, outing 2 140ish. ----- Notes/Misc: When engine started on outing 2 temp was around 120. Carb was rebuilt wrong (the acceleration pump linkage was not hooked up correctly, fixed it) The coil is mounted in a vertical position (and strapped near the bottom) unlike the picture from the manual. Besides the coil I am not sure what else would the be the issue here. Input / Thoughts? Much appreciated. |
Replies:
Posted By: SNobsessed
Date Posted: June-12-2017 at 9:21am
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Pertronix is known for being unreliable. Since you can make it fail (by running), at next failure, I would trigger the coil manually by grounding (-) side repeatedly while watch for spark. That will rule coil in or out. Also check that the pertronix unit is well grounded. ------------- “Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.” Ben Franklin |
Posted By: dgabler
Date Posted: June-12-2017 at 1:34pm
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Is this test plan correct? 0 replicate failure 1 put key in run position with ignition on. 2 manually ground the coil to the block (repeat) 3 (while 2) look for spark between ground and coil output The pertronix unit does not appear to have any ground on it other than the output leads, Those appeared OK no corrosion on the ring connectors where they connect to the coil that I could see. The thing that gets me is that when running it works great (Idle/nowake may be a bit rough). when it replicates It will restart eventually when things cool down. It just seems odd that all works as it heats up till powered off then the problems start. |
Posted By: GottaSki
Date Posted: June-12-2017 at 3:02pm
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Nope, not that odd at all... ------------- "There is nothing, absolutely nothing, half so much worthwhile as messing around with boats...simply messing." River Rat to Mole |
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: June-12-2017 at 3:37pm
Put a point set back in!  seriously!! ------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
Posted By: SNobsessed
Date Posted: June-12-2017 at 8:28pm
Test plan good, just make sure you ground the (-) side of coil. I think it is rare, but we have heard of rust between the dizzy & block creating a ground path problem. That doesn't fit with your heat sensitive issue though . . . ------------- “Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.” Ben Franklin |
dgabler wrote:Posted By: spiralhelix
Date Posted: June-12-2017 at 9:01pm
It's funny that the MC FB folks sing nothing but praises for the Pertronix stuff. Though they haven't really provided me with enough benefit to ditch the points. So I agree with Pete  Wouldn't hurt to give Pertronix a jingle, they seem to be pretty good with support from what I hear. ------------- -Spiral '89 Sport Nautique |
Posted By: shierh
Date Posted: June-12-2017 at 9:43pm
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so many things it could be. I have experienced loose and or corroded connections replicate this. the transmission kill switch loose wires did this once. Distributor as others said could be suspect.. There is also fuel, If it was mine, I would go through all wires and connections, pull the main connector on the engine, clean out the connector and put back together with dielectric grease. do all the connections engine and dash. do not stop going through systems, you will likely find other problems. |
Posted By: shierh
Date Posted: June-12-2017 at 9:56pm
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Re Pertronix, They are great units. I ran the base pertronix in my offshore boat, had twin big blocks, they were great and never had an issue in the 5 years I ran them. when I installed them I had both distributors overhauled at Mallory and I replaced all the ignition wires, plugs and coil. everything was perfect |
Posted By: Duane in Indy
Date Posted: June-12-2017 at 10:02pm
Seems strange that Mallory would go thru them with th PT module installed in them ------------- Keep it as original as YOU want it 1978 Mustang (modified) |
Posted By: shierh
Date Posted: June-12-2017 at 10:08pm
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I sent to them without points , told them I wasn't using points again. they cleaned them up. install new main bushings, springs, weight bushings etc. that was in 2004, I don't think they offer the service anymore. The company has changed hands a couple of times since. |
Posted By: 74Wind
Date Posted: June-12-2017 at 10:38pm
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For what it's worth: Put Pertronix in one of mine (75 Chrysler 360) maybe 10? years ago. Ran like a champ for 7 or so years with absolutely zero problems. Haven't run that boat since, but when i do get around to firing it up again, have no "Pertronix fears". That being said..seemed like a good idea at the time and have had no problems or regrets, but f i could do it again, not sure I'd bother switching it over. ------------- 1974 Southwind 18 1975 Century Mark II |
Posted By: dgabler
Date Posted: June-13-2017 at 2:15am
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Thank you all for your input! This evening the problem took some time to rear its head but it did eventually. When following the test plan the coil did still spark but weakly and intermittently. Switched out with another coil and the problem appears to be solved. Will have to run some extended tests but fingers crossed. And yes when the issue was happening the engine would crank over just fine but not catch. Fuel was a full tank of new gas. Interestingly the temp did fluctuate between 140 and 160 during the numerous runs (often dropping to 120 when sitting). From reading other posts sounds like there may be an air leak or possibly a bad t-stat. Filter screen bowl does not have any air bubbles in it. |
Posted By: Morfoot
Date Posted: June-13-2017 at 8:29am
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Glad you found the problem.... FWIW, I've had a Petronix module in my 88' for over 10 years now and I have never had an issue with it. I've changed the coil a couple times as it went bad but have never had an issue with mine (knock knock) That being said I DO keep the old plate, points, condenser, and rotor in the boats toolbox in case that day ever comes but until then....I ain't taking it out. ------------- "Morfoot; He can ski. He can wakeboard.He can cook chicken.He can create his own self-named beverage, & can also apparently fly. A man of many talents."72 Mustang "Kermit",88 SN Miss Scarlett, 99 SN "Sherman" |
Posted By: fgroce
Date Posted: June-13-2017 at 9:23am
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I also like the Petronix, have one in the 88 2001 for over 15 years no trouble. When it breaks we will get another one, I will never go back to points, The boat starts so much better with the solid state ignition. I did not think it would make a difference and put it off for a long time glade we did upgrade. ------------- FGroce 88 Ski Nautique For 28 years Now 2002 Ski Nautique |
Posted By: Gary S
Date Posted: June-13-2017 at 11:20am
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I wonder why so many people lately are having trouble with them? It's not just here or in boats either. Troubles with points are not many have experience setting them up and quality of the replacements have slipped. ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1711&sort=&pagenum=1&yrstart=1966&yrend=1970" rel="nofollow - 69 Mustang HM SS 95 Nautique Super Sport |