Billet Distributor 5

Installation Instructions 6

COMMON QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 7

Q. The engine will not start or runs rough. What is the problem?
A. Check all connections to insure that they are tight, and in the proper location. Visually check and
measure all grounds. Remove paint and corrosion from around the distributor hold down bracket. GENERAL INFORMATION
Make sure that the distributor red and black wire are connected properly. The Ignitor III in the Flame- 1. See our website (www.pertronix.com) for latest product information.
Thrower distributor will shut down if the wires are incorrectly attached. The Ignitor III is designed IMPORTANT: Read all instructions before starting installation.
to sense high current levels. Check all wires for shorts, correct polarity and that the ignition coil’s 2. WARNING!!! DO NOT USE WITH SOLID IGNITION WIRES. W
primary resistance level is acceptable. For more detailed information log on to www.pertronix.com or 3. The Ignitor III used in our Flame-Thrower Billet distributor may not be T
contact the technical department at (909) 599-5955.
compatible as a trigger for other electronic boxes. i
4. The Ignitor III Rev-Limiter is preset at 5500 RPM's. The Rev-Limiter r
Q. The vehicle will start, but then dies. After waiting, it starts. What is wrong?
A. The Ignitor III in the Flame-Thrower distributor may have a “Low Voltage Problem.” If the voltage can be user set to a minimum 4000 and a maximum 9000 RPM's.
LIMITED WARRANTY 5. All external resistors must be removed to achieve optimum perfor- M
supplied to the red distributor wire is insufficient, the system may run for a period of time, and then
shut down as the voltage drops due to engine heat. The period may vary from minutes to hours mance from the Ignitor III ignition system. a
PerTronix, Inc. warrants to the original Purchaser of its Flame-Thrower n
depending on available voltage and wiring condition.
billet distributor that the product shall be free from defects in material and
6. Flame-Thrower Billet distributors come with hardened steel distribu-
tor gears which should not be used in applications with a billet cam- (
workmanship (normal wear and tear excluded) for a period of 12 months
Q. How do I check for a “Low Voltage Problem” or determine if I am getting adequate voltage? from the date of purchase (30 months when Ignitor III is purchased sepa- shaft. Consult camshaft manufacturer for distributor gear compatibility
A. To quickly test for a “Low Voltage Problem” or for adequate voltage (Note: This is only a test and rately). 1
(Bronze gears are available).
is not intended as a permanent fix) attach a jumper wire from the positive battery terminal to the
positive terminal of the coil. Try to start the vehicle. If the vehicle starts, low voltage is present. Note: 7. Engines that have been decked, had significant cylinder head milling or
If within the period of the foregoing warranty PerTronix finds, after 2
If the engine starts. The engine will not turn off unless the jumper wire is removed from the inspection, that the product or any component thereof is defective, PerTronix
oil pump modification should be checked for oil pump bind and proper
cam gear engagement prior to installation. 3
positive battery terminal. Check connections and insure all external resistors have being removed. will, at its option, repair such products or component or replace them with
For more detailed information on how to locate the source of the voltage drop log on to www.per- identical or similar parts PROVIDED that within such period Purchaser:
4
tronix.com or contact the technical department at (909) 599-5955. DISTRIBUTOR REMOVAL
1. Promptly notifies PerTronix, in writing, of such defects. 1. Crank the engine until it is positioned at top dead center on a compres-
Q. How do I check my coil for primary resistance? 2. Delivers the defective product or component to
PerTronix (Attn: Warranty) with proof of purchase date; and
sion stroke. The timing indicator should point to 0.
A. Remove all wires from the coil. Set the ohmmeter to the lowest scale. Attach one lead of the meter
3. Has installed and used the product in a normal and proper 2. Remove the distributor cap and record the orientation of the rotor rela-
to the positive coil terminal. Attach the other lead to the negative coil terminal. The Ignitor III in the
Flame-Thrower distributor is compatible with coils having a resistance of 0.32 ohms or greater. manner, consistent with PerTronix printed instructions tive to the distributor and the engine.
3. Disconnect the battery negative (-) cable.
THE FOREGOING LIMITED WARRANTY IS EXCLUSIVE AND IN 4. Disconnect all wires and hoses attached to the distributor.
Q. May I modify the length of the wires?
LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED,
A. Yes, you may cut the wires to any length your application requires. You may also add lengths of INCLUDING ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR
5. Remove the distributor hold down.
wire if needed (20-gauge). Make sure that all wire splices are clean and the connections are tight. FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. 6. Remove the distributor by lifting up on the distributor housing while
THE FURNISHING OF A REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT COMPONENT slightly turning the rotor.
Q. Will the Ignitor III in the Flame-Thrower distributor work with aftermarket capacitive discharge OR COMPONENTS SHALL CONSTITUTE THE SOLE REMEDY OF 7. Check the distributor gear for signs of excess wear, or potential prob-
boxes? PURCHASER AND THE SOLE LIABILITY OF PerTronix WHETHER ON lems.
A. We recommend the Ignitor or Ignitor II as a trigger source for a capacitive discharge box. WARRANTY, CONTRACT OR FOR NEGLIGENCE, AND IN NO EVENT
For more detailed information log on to www.pertronix.com or contact the technical department at WILL PerTronix BE LIABLE FOR MONEY DAMAGES WHETHER DIRECT
(909) 599-5955. OR CONSEQUENTIAL. DISTRIBUTOR INSTALLATION
1. Remove the Flame-Thrower billet distributor cap.
Q. Will the electronic shift assist in an OMC boat work with the Ignitor III in the Flame-Thrower dis- 2. Install the distributor gasket over the gear, and up to the distributor col-
tributor? lar. Use a small amount of gasket adhesive to help hold the gasket in
A. The Ignitor III in the Flame-Thrower distributor will work with all OMC stern-drive applications, place.
when our “diode fix” is used. If you’ve purchased a kit that didn’t include the “diode fix” diagram, call 3. Lubricate the distributor gear and distributor shaft with clean engine oil.
our tech line.
4. Set the distributor into the engine such that the rotor is pointing in the
Q. How can I receive additional help? 440 East Arrow Highway same direction relative to the engine as was the rotor in the removed
A. Check our web site for current trouble shooting tips and up to date technical information. Log on to San Dimas, CA 91773 distributor. As the distributor drops down, the rotor will turn slightly as it
909-599-5955 engages with the camshaft gear. Adjust for this rotation by turning the
www.pertronix.com. You may also contact our tech line at (909-599-5955)
www.pertronix.com rotor a few degrees prior to the gear engagement. Several attempts
03-09 0019-008723
 may be necessary to achieve the proper rotor position. The distributor 3. For Non-vacuum advance distributors: REV-LIMITER SETTING PROCEDURE
collar should sit completely flat on the intake manifold or block. 4. Remove the vacuum hose and plug the vacuum port. Set the timing per 1. Remove distributor cap and rotor.
5. Turn the distributor housing so that the rotor aligns with the housing as the OEM specifications. Securely tighten the hold down bolt. 2. Turn the ignition key to the ‘ON’ position. Do not try starting the engine.
it was aligned with the removed distributor. 3. Turn the Rev-Limit dial clockwise until it stops. Turn the dial counterclockwise until it
6. Install the distributor hold down and tighten the hold down bolt slightly. MECHANICAL ADVANCE ADJUSTMENTS stops. A slow blinking of the LED indicates that the setting procedure has been initial-
Remove all paint and corrosion from the distributor hold down for prop- 1. To adjust the mechanical advance curve, select the appropriate springs ized and that the Rev-Limit can be set.
er grounds. from the chart below. The Flame-Thrower billet distributor is factory 4. Turning the dial clockwise sets the Rev-Limit. After turning the dial, pause and watch
7. Place the distributor cap onto the housing. Tighten the cap into place equipped with the silver springs. the LED for verification of the Rev-Limit setting. Long flashes indicate 1000 RPM’s
and install the spark plug wires in the proper firing order. The orienta- 2. Remove the cap and rotor. and short flashes indicate 100 RPM’s. For example, 6 long flashes followed by 2 short
tion sequence and locations of the spark plug wires are the same as 3. Remove the existing springs and install the desired springs. flashes means the Rev-Limit is 6200 RPM’s. Continue turning the Rev-Limit dial until
with the removed distributor cap. It is easiest to move one wire at a time 4. Reinstall the rotor and cap. the desired Rev-Limit is reached.
from the removed cap to the billet cap. NOTE: Leaving the Rev-Limit dial in the full counterclockwise position disables
the Rev-Limiter.
5. Let the LED sequence thru at least three complete cycles. This verifies the correct set-
WIRING
ting and prepares the unit for permanent storage of the Rev-Limit.
The Flame-Thrower III billet distributor can be used in conjunction with most
6. Turn the ignition key off, this signifies to the Ignitor III that the Rev-Limit procedure is
ignition coils rated at 0.32 ohms or greater. For optimum performance we
complete. Note: The Ignition key MUST be turned off or the engine will not start.
recommend our Flame-Thrower III canister style or HC e-core coil.
7. Your rev limit is now set and will not change until you go through this procedure again.
8. Re-install cap and rotor.
Many vehicles came equipped with ballast resistors or resistance wires. To
achieve optimum performance we recommend removal of these compo-
NOTE: Setting the rev limit may be done effectively and easily on a bench or table.
nents. Determine the proper wire length, and attach the provided terminals.
INSTALLATION OF ADVANCE LIMITERS Connect the module to a 9-volt battery as shown in figure 2. Then follow the setting
(Use a wire crimping tool to achieve an adequate connection).
The Flame-Thrower billet distributor comes with three different sets of procedure outlined above.
advance limiters. These allow the maximum mechanical advance to be
1. Attach the Red wire to the coil positive terminal or a 12-volt ignition
limited to 20, 16 or 12 degrees. Black Wire (Open) + 9 Volt
source. Battery
2. Attach the Black wire to the coil negative terminal. -
1. Choose the desired advance limit from the chart below.
3. Check to insure correct polarity and that all connections are tight.
2. Remove the distributor cap and rotor. Red Wire
4. Reconnect the battery negative cable.
3. Remove the advance springs.
To Ignition Switch 4. Install one advance limiter on each inner advance pin. (See Figure 1)
5. Reinstall the advance springs.
6. Reinstall the rotor and cap.
+ - 7. The advance limiters can be mixed resulting in unique variations of the Jumper Wire
original advance curve. When combined with mixed advance springs
and limiters the mechanical advance can have a maximum of 78 differ-
ent advance curves.
Figure 2

Figure 1 Maximum Mechanical Advance

Crank Shaft Degrees
REV-LIMITER SPECIFICATIONS
Settings RPM’S
FINAL ADJUSTMENTS Minimum 4000
1. Start the engine and set the initial timing. Maximum 9000
2. For Vacuum advance distributors: Locate the vacuum hose that was Factory Setting 5500
previously attached to the vacuum advance canister. This hose should
originate at a ported vacuum source. Temporarily plug the end of the
vacuum hose at the ported end of the hose. Set the timing per the
OEM specifications. Securely tighten the hold down bolt. Remove the
vacuum plug and reattach hose to the vacuum canister.