Pertronix pointless ignition question

1950 - 1968, M38, M38A1, M170, modifications, sugestions, and ideas, official MWO's and unofficial field mods.
User avatar
TransCorps
G-Sergeant
G-Sergeant
Posts: 49
Joined: Tue Jan 10, 2006 5:18 am
Location: Out and About...

Pertronix pointless ignition question

Post by TransCorps » Thu Jul 21, 2016 7:13 am

Hello everyone, I'm thinking of installing a pertronix pointless ignition in my 24 volt M38, part # MV-141A. When I look through the pertronix catalog, one of the footnotes mentions "not for use with solid core spark plug wires". I have original type spark plug wires in my M38, so I assume these are solid core? If so can I not use this with the original type plug wires? I have searched through the posts but couldn't really find the answer.

Also has anyone already installed this pointless system, just seeing what else I have to do to the distributor for this installation. Do I have to adjust the gaps on the plug?

Footnotes from pertronix catalog...
66 24-volt system
67 Mil-Spec Waterproof Ignition
79 Not for use with solid core spark plug wires

Thanks for the help...
Paul
March 1943 GPW - 104728 (Sold)
April 1951 M38

"Nothing happens, till something moves!"
"Spearhead of Logistics!"


Bill F
G-Lieutenant Colonel
G-Lieutenant Colonel
Posts: 1051
Joined: Mon Dec 23, 2002 4:22 am
Location: Hillsboro NH
Contact:

Re: Pertronix pointless ignition question

Post by Bill F » Thu Sep 15, 2016 12:10 pm

I am using that kit in my m38 with orginal wires. No issues.
1952 USAF m38

eaw46
G-Command Sergeant Major
G-Command Sergeant Major
Posts: 249
Joined: Thu Jan 07, 2010 4:52 pm
Location:

Re: Pertronix pointless ignition question

Post by eaw46 » Fri Sep 16, 2016 6:44 am

I used a Pertronix kit in my M725 with good result. No changes in anything. Eddy

User avatar
TransCorps
G-Sergeant
G-Sergeant
Posts: 49
Joined: Tue Jan 10, 2006 5:18 am
Location: Out and About...

Re: Pertronix pointless ignition question

Post by TransCorps » Sun Oct 16, 2016 12:43 pm

Thanks guys, you're right works great with no changes...
Paul
March 1943 GPW - 104728 (Sold)
April 1951 M38

"Nothing happens, till something moves!"
"Spearhead of Logistics!"

User avatar
EME-LT
G-Sergeant
G-Sergeant
Posts: 31
Joined: Tue Feb 04, 2014 3:26 pm
Location: Vancouver, BC

Re: Pertronix pointless ignition question

Post by EME-LT » Mon May 07, 2018 5:11 pm

Did you use a ballast resistor? If so what value is what was the value?
Cheers, Lyle
Arte et Marte

Bill F
G-Lieutenant Colonel
G-Lieutenant Colonel
Posts: 1051
Joined: Mon Dec 23, 2002 4:22 am
Location: Hillsboro NH
Contact:

Re: Pertronix pointless ignition question

Post by Bill F » Wed May 09, 2018 3:11 pm

No resistor is needed
1952 USAF m38

User avatar
EME-LT
G-Sergeant
G-Sergeant
Posts: 31
Joined: Tue Feb 04, 2014 3:26 pm
Location: Vancouver, BC

Re: Pertronix pointless ignition question

Post by EME-LT » Thu May 10, 2018 10:46 am

Petronix requires 4-5 volts at the sensor.

Assuming (and you should check) the NOS 24 volt coil has an internal resistance of 3.0 ohms you will need a 3.0 ohm balance resistor... 24/3+3= 4 volts. Very straight forward and no magic.

If you do not reduce the voltage the warranty is void and the sensor WILL fail maybe not today or tomorrow but it will eventually.
Cheers, Lyle
Arte et Marte

Bill F
G-Lieutenant Colonel
G-Lieutenant Colonel
Posts: 1051
Joined: Mon Dec 23, 2002 4:22 am
Location: Hillsboro NH
Contact:

Re: Pertronix pointless ignition question

Post by Bill F » Tue May 15, 2018 5:02 am

I have been running mine for years without a resistor with no problems. The instructions for the 24 volt unit did not call for a resistor.
1952 USAF m38

exhogflyer
G-Corporal
G-Corporal
Posts: 15
Joined: Wed Oct 09, 2019 2:32 pm
Location:

Re: Pertronix pointless ignition question

Post by exhogflyer » Tue Nov 12, 2019 3:23 pm

Just recently installed one in my M38A1. Very easy install, runs much better, VERY slight grinding required to fit it in snugly, No mention of resistor required, and I'm not going to miss resetting points at intervals. Well worth the $$$$

kmills55
G-Private
G-Private
Posts: 5
Joined: Mon Jan 20, 2020 10:17 am
Location: St. Louis area

Re: Pertronix pointless ignition question

Post by kmills55 » Mon Jan 20, 2020 11:03 am

DId the MV-141A ignition drop right in and work? Anything special to make it work on a M38?

pacho
G-Corporal
G-Corporal
Posts: 21
Joined: Mon Oct 02, 2017 3:44 pm
Location:

Re: Pertronix pointless ignition question

Post by pacho » Sat Jan 25, 2020 1:32 pm

Hi,
I would like to install Pertronix in my m38a1, Can I use the same coil and the same wire,as I have road, excellent.
Anyone can give the right art. number and where can buy it?

Thanks and regards
Pacho

captaincarrier
G-Staff Sergeant
G-Staff Sergeant
Posts: 56
Joined: Tue Feb 19, 2019 8:18 am
Location: St Pete FL

Re: Pertronix pointless ignition question

Post by captaincarrier » Sun Jan 26, 2020 11:46 am

If a 51' M38 Willys had been converted from 24v to 12v what ignition set would be needed?

User avatar
EME-LT
G-Sergeant
G-Sergeant
Posts: 31
Joined: Tue Feb 04, 2014 3:26 pm
Location: Vancouver, BC

Re: Pertronix pointless ignition question

Post by EME-LT » Sun Jan 26, 2020 12:47 pm

Pertronix has a 12 volt version ...MV-141a is 24 volt specific.
Cheers, Lyle
Arte et Marte

Andy Howell
Sergeant Major of the Gee
Sergeant Major of the Gee
Posts: 472
Joined: Tue Apr 19, 2005 3:48 pm
Location: Central Mississippi

Re: Pertronix pointless ignition question

Post by Andy Howell » Sat Oct 30, 2021 5:09 pm

Hmmm...This brings yet ANOTHER question to the thread! I am running the waterproof 24v ignition on my M38 on 12v. I have an external coil mounted from a Ford pickup along with the matching condenser inside the distributor. If the Pertronix unit's only function is to trigger the coil with a Hall Effect signal then I don't see why one wouldn't work for me as well!
I've used lots of these in tractors, never had a problem!

User avatar
DieFledermaus
G-Second Lieutenant
G-Second Lieutenant
Posts: 515
Joined: Tue Oct 14, 2003 6:37 pm
Location: Lewes, DE 19958

Re: Pertronix pointless ignition question

Post by DieFledermaus » Fri Jan 07, 2022 1:26 pm

Make sure the ground cables between the block and the frame have clean connections. Extremely important with Pertronix kits to function correctly.
AUG 1944 MB, US NAVY
MAR 1952 M38
APR 1952 M38
1957 F2A AERODROME TRAILER
1993 M101
A & P mechanic
Delaware 19958


Post Reply

Return to “M38, M38a1 Modifications”

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: hohenstaufen9 and 9 guests