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Omix Electonic Dist. For F Head

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by ib4classics, Mar 6, 2007.

  1. Mar 6, 2007
    ib4classics

    ib4classics Member

    Johnson City,...
    Joined:
    Feb 13, 2007
    Messages:
    94
    F.Y.I. I just purchased an OMIX distributor (electronic ignition) for my
    1961 CJ5 F head.
    Found out it is made in Tiawan, maybe that is ok, I asked the distributor of the product, Baseline 4x4, about replacement parts, i.e. ignition module. I am told no internal parts are available for these units, they are sold as a complete unit only. Can you say, I see a problem here!
    I have not installed the unit, $130.00 as yet. I have sent an email to the supplier, Omix, and the distributor, Basline 4x4 expresing my concerns.
    The old points system may not be as good, but at least it is repairable.
    John
     
  2. Mar 6, 2007
    cdeal28078

    cdeal28078 New Member

    Huntersville, NC
    Joined:
    Feb 23, 2007
    Messages:
    6
    That is the main reason I removed the MSD distributor and 6 A box from my F100. I did'nt have any trouble with them but did'nt like the fact that I could'nt get replacements from the store on the corner or the local pick and pull if I had trouble.
    Clint
     
  3. Mar 6, 2007
    sparky

    sparky Sandgroper Staff Member Founder

    Perth, WA
    Joined:
    Sep 20, 2002
    Messages:
    9,221
    MSD sent me a whole bag full of replacement parts, all I did was ask for one thing. They are available.

    Back on topic here, understandable your concern.
     
  4. Mar 6, 2007
    Mike C

    Mike C Member

    Austin, TX
    Joined:
    Feb 19, 2007
    Messages:
    743
    I have the same one. My solution will be to keep the points distributor in the parts bag. I don't drive mine on the road, so it's not as big a concern as it would be for those road warriors out there.
     
  5. Mar 6, 2007
    kiowamtp

    kiowamtp Member

    DFW
    Joined:
    Dec 24, 2004
    Messages:
    618
    I have petronix and still do not trust it all that much. I have my spare distro set up ready to slap in in my toolbox. I think it is easier to swap out the distros then mess with points and stuff on the trails.
     
  6. Mar 6, 2007
    sparky

    sparky Sandgroper Staff Member Founder

    Perth, WA
    Joined:
    Sep 20, 2002
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    9,221
    So with all the mistrust, I'm curious, how many folks have had a Pertronix unit go bad?

    For instance, it's well known that the module in GM HEI's goes out at will, having a spare of those in the glovebox is easy and makes sense. But how many folks have had a Pertronix unit fail on them?

    I'm asking because it seems like even the folks that have 'em sing their praises but then are quick to add, but I don't trust it. Why is that?
     
  7. Mar 6, 2007
    kiowamtp

    kiowamtp Member

    DFW
    Joined:
    Dec 24, 2004
    Messages:
    618
    Well, for me it is like anything new. I have no previous experience and I like the idea of a fall back just in case, until I get comfortable with it. With that said, I have never heard of one going bad from normal use. I have seen people use the same setup for years.
     
  8. Mar 6, 2007
    jpflat2a

    jpflat2a what's that noise?

    Hermosa, SD
    Joined:
    Jul 30, 2003
    Messages:
    8,525
    my only concern was I can't get the repair parts locally if something were to fail; I'm carrying the Presto as backup.
    with that being said, I carried spare points and condenser, rotor and cap for my V6 Presto as well; not that I didn't trust them, just wanted to be able to repair it on the road.
    why do we carry spares of anything ?
    because we don't trust it or because we know anything can fail at any time?
     
  9. Mar 6, 2007
    w3srl

    w3srl All-around swell dude Staff Member

    Port Orange, FL
    Joined:
    Nov 6, 2002
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    4,275
    What Jim said. I guess it's a comfort level, I know which FLAPS are better than others for certain things, and for other stuff I order online first without even checking. I'd betcha lunch that even a well-stocked NAPA wouldn't have a #1581 or #1541 Pertronix in stock.

    FWIW- I carry a bunch of trail spares in the underseat toolbox in the flatty but wouldn'tcha know I didn't have a spare coil in there when mine fried at Windrock this year? McRuff had a spare in his Jeep though, and it got me back to camp. How many folks have fried a coil on the trail with conventional ignition?
     
  10. Mar 7, 2007
    ib4classics

    ib4classics Member

    Johnson City,...
    Joined:
    Feb 13, 2007
    Messages:
    94
    Here is my update, I had excellent cooperation from Baseline 4x4, I will be returning the Omix Dist.
    The Call from Omix, The Tiawn Dist. is built to last so no need for parts:)
    I have the name and contact info. for a professional Dist. restorer in San Diego, I will send my original unit to him today for a total rebuild.
    May not be state of the art, but I can always get home.
    Really appreciate all your input.
    John
     
  11. Mar 7, 2007
    Desert Runner

    Desert Runner Member 2024 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hickory, Pa
    Joined:
    Sep 11, 2005
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    823
    I would appreciate info on this, as my dist was a rusted mass when I got my 65, I've managed to get the engine running but the Dist is still in need of rebuild.
    Thanks
    Jay
     
  12. Mar 7, 2007
    Mike C

    Mike C Member

    Austin, TX
    Joined:
    Feb 19, 2007
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    743
    My experience is that the electronics make for easier starting, better idling, longer plug life, better throttle response, and for the most part, better operation in general. It will be worthwhile IMO to have the electronics and hope for the best. I bought mine from Baseline as well.

    As far as Pertronix, I have had (2) fail. One was within the 2 year warranty and they replaced no questions asked. The second one was around 5 years old and I just bought another.
     
  13. Mar 7, 2007
    sparky

    sparky Sandgroper Staff Member Founder

    Perth, WA
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    That's the kind of info I was wondering about. Failure rate, thanks.

    Jim, I know that just about anything can fail. It's just some things are well known to fail while others aren't. Hence my asking if Pertronix really were that prone to failure or just a mistrust of something "new".
     
  14. Mar 7, 2007
    ib4classics

    ib4classics Member

    Johnson City,...
    Joined:
    Feb 13, 2007
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    The web site for the gentleman that does the dist. rebuild is www.willysdistributors.com, His name is Kurt Hostetter.
    Good Luck
    John
     
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