I installed what I think was the Pertronix Ignitor on my 56 Victoria about 50,000 miles ago and have enjoyed not having. to reach way back in the engine bay to change points and condenser. I run a stock 292 with a later 450 cfm Holley 4 barrel and hand choke.. I kept the original coil and external resistor. I have enjoyed the set up other than hard starts on cold mornings. It seems odd to me that the motor more often than not, will fire only after I release the key from the start position to the on position. And if it doesn't fire off the vacuum wipers will jump in place occasionally. Shouldn't the motor fire in the start position? . 

There is a wire at the starter solenoid small terminal marked with an "I".  That wire ultimately connects to the positive terminal of the coil.  Its purpose is to provide 12 volts to the coil for starting.  The  resistor is not powered when the ignition switch is in the "start" position.  Somewhere in the  pertronix installation that wire did not get reconnected. or the starter solenoid is not sending the 12 volts to the coil.

John - "The Hoosier Hurricane"

sounds like something is not wired correctly..  What Pertronix, one or two. and are you running the resistor?  If two, then the resistor need not be used.  The brown wire is not used if you are not using the resistor

54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

I believe I have the Ignitor 1 as it was installed over 15 years ago. I am using the original resistor.

Are you using the 1956 LOAD-O-MATIC or 1957/ DUAL ADVANCE DISTRIBUTOR?

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I am using the 57 and up distributer.

Geo56, if your Pertronix 1 lasted 15 years+, I would say that you got your money's worth. A family member has had a Pertronix 1 in his 65 Mustangs for years without issues. You might consider replacing it with the Pertronix ll, if it's time, but the Pertronix lll, I don't think, is compatible with the 57 distributor. 

Has this been the same since you put in the Pertronix ?  If so, it is wired wrong.  I had the same problem with a conventional distributor (Mallory) many years ago and found out I had it wired wrong.  Unfortunately, I do not remember what I did wrong (at that time I wired up my 48 (302) with an aftermarket harness)..    If you don't have the original directions, get hold of Pertronix and ask for a copy.  They may have one you can download.

54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

The easiest way out is to install the points and condenser (if kept) (don't buy new as it is junk) and see what she does. Otherwise you are going to have to go through a diagnostic routine.

This has been happening since original install and the problem was not there with points?

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