THE "IGNITOR" IGNITION SYSTEM
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
FOR PART NUMBERS 1581 & 1582
PRESTOLITE 8 CYLINDER DISTRIBUTORS

1. Disconnect battery or make sure ignition switch is off.

2. Remove distributor cap from distributor. Leave high voltage wires connected in the distributor cap.

3. Remove rotor (1) and dust cap (2), if applicable. Examine rotor, distributor cap, etc. Replace any components that show excessive wear.

4. Remove point wire from negative coil terminal. Remove screws (3) and breaker plate assembly (4)

5. Make sure mechanical advance is in proper working order. Oil if needed. Clean all oil and dirt from point cam and inside of distributor housing.

6. Determine which direction your distributor turns. Place the Ignitor adapter plate (5) inside the distributor.

If your distributor turns counter clockwise, align the large cut out marked 'CC' with the slot, or hole, in the side of the distributor housing. The two small cut outs in the Ignitor adapter plate will then be over the threaded holes in the distributor. Use the two screws (3) to fasten the plate in place.

If your distributor turns clockwise, align the large cut out marked 'C' with the slot, or hole, in the side of the distributor. One of the holes in the Ignitor adapter plate will be over a threaded hole in the distributor. Use one of the screws (3) to fasten the plate in place.

7. Push the grommet into the slot in the distributor housing. If your distributor has a round hole, remove the square grommet from the Ignitor wires. Push the Ignitor wires through the round grommet (7). The tapered end of the grommet should point away from the Ignitor. Slide the grommet approximately half way up the wires. Push the Ignitor wires through the hole in the distributor housing and pull the grommet into place.

8. Install the magnet sleeve. Push your rotor into the magnet sleeve and then push the rotor on the shaft as usual.

NOTE: Part number 1581 includes a rotor. This rotor will fit the magnet sleeve better than some aftermarket rotors. However, this rotor can only be used with distributor caps that have a spring loaded center contact.

9. Gently pull the Ignitor wires through the grommet. Make sure wires are not touching the magnet sleeve. Adjust wire length inside the distributor to insure ample clearance.

10. Replace distributor cap. Make sure all high voltage wires are securely seated.

11. Crimp terminals onto the Ignitor wires.

12. Connect the black Ignitor wire to the negative (-) terminal of the ignition coil. For installations that do not use a primary ballast resistor, connect the red Ignitor wire to the positive (+) coil terminal. For installations that use a primary ballast resistor, it is preferable to connect the red wire to the ignition switch side of the resistor, rather than the positive terminal of the coil.

13. The engine can now be started. Let the engine run for a few minutes and then set the timing in the conventional manner.

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USEFUL INFORMATION
The Ignitor that you have purchased is a solid-state electronic ignition unit that will work with most 12-V NEGATIVE GROUND ignition systems designed for 'point type" distributors.

Please read the instructions carefully before installing the Ignitor. General Information:
Coils -
The Ignitor will work with any coil regardless of voltage output (OEM or after-market high performance) that was designed for use with
"points".
CAUTION: Never use an "HEI" type coil with the Ignitor. This type of coil will provide too much current to the Ignitor causing it to burn out and void the warranty. (The minimum resistance OF 1.5 ohms across the '+" and "-'of the coil.).

Compatibility with MSD systems -
The Ignitor is compatible with the MSD system in the same manner as conventional points are.: The Ignitor red wire connects to the MSD
small red wire, and the Ignitor black wire connects to the MSD small white wire. (Refer to your MSD instructions.) Note: MSD magnetic pickup wires are NOT used with the Ignitor.

Installation Reminders:
Use caution not to reverse the Ignitor wires when connecting them to the coil. Reversing the wires will cause the Ignitor to burn out. This will void the warranty.
All systems have a ignition keyed switched voltage source to one side of the coil (normally the side marked (+) or Batt.). The other side of the coil (normally marked (-) or Dist.) is connected to the 'points".

Note: If this is not the way the coil is installed, the black Ignitor wire must be connected to where the "points" wire was previously connected.
The black Ignitor wire should be connected to the points (negative (-)) side of the coil.

The red Ignitor wire should be connected to the switch (positive (+)) side of the coil, or if a ballast resistor is used, the preferable connection is to the ignition side of the ballast resistor. Check the coil to see if a ballast resistor is required, replace if missing.

Inspect the spark plugs, plug wires, coil wire, distributor cap and rotor. Replace any components that show deterioration.
Some distributors will have a internal ground strap grounding the points plate to the distributor housing, it is important that this strap be left in place when installing the Ignitor.

PerTronix, Inc. 1268 EAST EDNA PLACE COVINA, CALIFORNIA 91724 (818)331-4801

See troubleshooting diagram.

See diagram of distributor before and after.