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MG TD TF 1500 - Pertronix ignition - Low Voltage Issue

I've been pretty happy with my two pertronix's (I've got one on the midget as well as the TF). However, I ran into a problem a couple of days ago that I'm not sure I've heard about before. The TF battery is 15 years old and getting creaky, so a snowy, minus 5 degrees C day didn't help it. It seemed to crank quite quickly for a total of about ten seconds before it died, but not even one cylinder fired. Replaced the battery and the TF started first time.

I'm tempted to think that the tired battery dropped its voltage too low to switch the Pertronix - does anyone agree?

David
David Provan

David - I am sure that the battery was giving it's all to turn the engine over , with nothing left for Mr. Pertronix. I would suggest that you invest in a battery tender/battery minder and several other names for the same thing. These units remain attached to the battery during down time for the car and keep the battery charged up and further it cycles the battery up and down to keep the plates from sulphating. It will greatly extend the life of the battery. Cheers - Dave D.
DW DuBois

When my battery was going south, I found that there was plenty of juice to spin the motor but not high enough voltage to fire the Pertronix. When I released the starter it would fire up. Not gonna happen in your cold though. The Pertronix has to have 12 volts to fire.
MG LaVerne

Thanks, guys. Looks like I was right. I've seen people with chargers on their cars when they aren't in use, but not one that cycles the battery - sounds a useful gadget.

We don't get much snow here, just a few times a year at most, but we've had the first lot early and it looks like a harsh winter coming. Ironic - our farmers have been suffering badly from drought.

David
David Provan

This thread was discussed on 24/06/2015

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