On Going no start

Easy to check. Clip a test lamp or multimeter to coil + and ground, turn the key to "run". Should have power. Twist and hold the key to "start." Should have power.


First I was under the impression that Pertronix used a ballast.

But regardless here is how this works

There is only 1 switched 12V, from the key, coming into the engine bay, in the RUN position of the key. THIS GOES DEAD when the key is twisted to start. Often this is dark blu, "IGN1". This supplies loads such as ignition system, alternator field, voltage regulator, electric choke if used. IT IS NOT fused
AGAIN, it GOES DEAD when the key is twisted to start

During cranking, "start" there are TWO separate power sources into the engine bay, from separate contacts in the key. One is the normally yellow "start" wire which fires the start relay and the sater

The second, normally brown, is IGN2, the ballast "bypass" circuit. This connects to the coil + side of the ballast resistor. IF YOU DO NOT use a ballast, you MUST jumper the IGN1 "run" and the IGN2 "bypass" together at the power point for the ignition system, ALSO making certain, that you did not cut loose any of the other needed loads in the branch