Duraspark distributor issue with Pertronix module
NO START – 30003 400HP
September 13, 2019
Hi Guys,
I purchased the FiTech 400 hp 30003 system July 29 and installed it over the period of a week. I’ve not been able to start the engine as of today.
Called FiTech about another question but they told me their system does not work with a stock Ford Duraspark distributor. The stock distributor does not supply enough voltage for the tack signal. They told me I needed a Pertronix Ignitor module which fits inside the distributor. Purchased the module for $155.00. It arrived a few days later and I installed it.
I followed the wiring setup for a MSD Offroad ignition system and it is connected to a Jacobs Ultra coil.
The FiTech ECU would not accept input for the initial setup (ECU No Response message). Sent the throttle body and handheld controller back to FiTech. They returned the unit several days later and it now accepts number of cylinders, etc. and seems to start the Command Center pump properly.
The 351 Windsor engine would not start. Called FiTech again and they gave me a way to test their system that proved the issue had to do with the ignition system. They told me the handheld should display 150 to 200 RPM while cranking the engine. After each test the handheld displayed 0 RPM.
Spent several days running tests provided by Pertronix and today they told me their ignition module must be returned to them. It will be Monday or Tuesday before I can install the new Ignitor module.
Originally I connected the tack wire to a wire coming out of the Pertronix module. Today I connected the tack wire to the tack wire coming out of the MSD box. The RPM was not changed, it still read 0.
Has anyone else had these issues and is there a fix other than using an expensive Pertronix Ignitor?
Keith
I went through fighting issues with my Duraspark system and the Fitech before finding out finally that they will not work together. I have an HEI distributor coming for my FE now. If you can't get it fixed, that might be the way to go, on wire in, tach wire out. Easy peasy.....but, if you stay with the Duraspark and Pertronix, in theory you should just be able to hook to your tach signal straight off the negative on the coil.
Thanks for the info. about the HEI distributor, a new distributor is probably cheaper than the Pertronix module. You would think Fitech would tell people that Duraspark is a problem and suggest a new distributor.
Just installed the new Pertronix module and ran the new wires to the Jacobs coil. Tested the MSD Offroad ignition and I could not get a spark with key on, touching plug wires coming out of the box. When I re-connected the plug with the key on, I heard what I think were sparks. The MSD box worked fine before I started the FI project.
Key on, fuel pump on for about a minute to make sure the Command Center fuel pump has fuel - still no start. It is late in the day, tomorrow I'll try to figure out how to get it running, It may be time to get professional help - bummer!
No one mentioned that the Pertronix module is wired very differently than the stock Duraspark ignition module when used with a MSD 6 off road ignition. The black wire from the Pertronix module connects to the white wire from the MSD ignition. The red wire connects to the ignition switch or wire. The violet and green wire are not used with the Pertronix module. The 351 fired up after a few seconds cranking and it has a very smooth idle.