ALTRONIC Ill INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

MEDIUM ENGINES, 2·16 CYLINDERS FORM Alii II 4·92

WARNING: DEVIATION FROM THESE INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS MAY LEAD TO IMPROPER

ENGINE OPERATION WHICH COULD CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY TO OPERATORS OR OTHER
NEARBY PERSONNEL.

CAUTION: See CAUTION notes regarding devices connected to the shutdown lead in section 9.0.

1.0 DESCRIPTION
1.1 The Altronic Ill ignition system consists of these basic components:
1. Altronic Ill Unit- see drawing 309 301 for dimensions.
2. Wiring Harness
3. Ignition Coils - one per spark plug; use only the following types:
501 061, 591 010, 591 040, 501 061-S, 591 01 0-S, 591 007, 591 011 A, 591 011 B, 591 012
4. Engine Drive Member - Base Mount Unit: 560 001

2.0 ENGINE
2.1 Set the engine so that no. 1 cylinder is at the desired ignition firing point.
NOTE: See section 8.0 for Special Applications.

3.0 DIRECTION OF ROTATION

3.1 Determine the rotation of the Altronic Ill unit (looking at the drive end of the Altronic Ill) for the engine being
equipped. Even firing units can be used for either CCW or CW rotation.

4.0 BASE-MOUNT UNIT

4.1 Attach engine drive member 560 001 to the end of the unit's flex coupling with the two spring pins provided.
4.2 Locate timing mark on the housing for the proper rotation (see drawing 309 302). Rotate the unit shaft until the
red mark on the shaft lines up with the proper mark on the housing.
4.3 Maintaining the alignment of section 4.2, install the unit on the engine bracket. Slip the drive member 560 001
over the hub on the engine shaft; insert and tighten locking screw and nut. Secure the Altronic Ill unit to the
engine bracket with four 3/8"-16 screws maintaining proper alignment. The flex coupling should not be
elongated or compressed.
4.4 Final timing should be set using a timing light with the engine at operating speed.
CAUTION: FOR THE SAFETY OF OPERATING PERSONNEL, THE ENGINE MANUFACTURER'S SHIELD MUST BE
IN PLACE COVERING THE FLEX COUPLING AND ENGINE DRIVE.

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ALTRONIC Ill INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
MEDIUM ENGINES, 2·16 CYLINDERS FORM Alii II 4-92

5.0 FLANGE-MOUNT UNIT

5.1 Locate timing mark on the housing for the proper rotation (see drawing 309 302). Rotate the unit shaft until the
red mark on the shaft lines up with the proper mark on the housing.
5.2 Mount the unit to the engine drive keeping the two red marks lined up as close as possible. Install and tighten
finger-tight two 3/8"-16 mounting bolts.
NOTE: Once the unit is mounted, if the red lines cannot be made to meet by rotating the entire unit, remove
the four screws which fasten the back cover assembly to the unit. The entire back cover assembly
should then be pulled away from the unit about two inches. Slowly tilt the top of the back cover away
from the unit keeping the internal plug (underside of circuit board) connected. Rotate the distributor
gear until the two marks described above line up. Then reinstall the back cover to the unit, engaging
the gears, and keeping the two red marks together. Securely tighten the four cover mounting screws.
5.3 Final timing should be set using a timing light with the engine at operating speed. The entire unit is rotated to
adjust ignition timing.
5.4 Tighten the two 3/8"-16 mounting bolts.

6.0 IGNITION COILS

6.1 Use only the Altronic coils indicated in section 1.1.
6.2 Mountthe ignition coils as close to the spark plugs as possible keeping the high-tension lead length to a minimum
but also keeping temperature below 200°F. (95°C.) during operation.

7.0 PRIMARY WIRING

7.1 The firing order of the Altronic Ill units is as follows:
NO. OF CYLINDERS CCW ROTATION CWROTATION
2 A-C A-C
3 A-B-C A-C-B
4 A-B-C-D A-D-C-B
5 A-B-C-D-E A-E-D-C-B
6 A-B-C-D-E-F A-F-E-D-C-B
8 A-B-C-D-E-F-H-1 A-1-H-F-E-D-C-B
10 A-B-C-D-E-F-H-1-J-K A-K-J-1-H-F-E-D-C-B
12 A-B-C-D-E-F-H-1-J-K-L-M A-M-L-K-J-1-H-F-E-D-C-B
16 A-B-C-D-E-F-H-J-K-L-M-N-P-R-S-T A-T -S-R-P-N-M-L-K-J-H-F-E-D-C-B

7.2 Starting with lead "A" to the coil of #1 cylinder, the harness leads are connected in accordance with the engine's
firing order to the positive ( +) terminals of the coils - see wiring diagram 309 303.
7.3 A common ground lead connecting the negative(-) terminals of the coils must be run as shown in the diagrams
and be connected as shown in the wiring diagrams.
7.4 All connections should be made using ring type terminals specified for 16 gauge wire and #10 stud size.
Terminals should either be soldered to the wire or attached with an appropriate staking tool. All primary wiring
should be protected from physical damage, vibration and temperatures in excess of 200°F. (95°C.).
7.5 If two ignition coils per cylinder are used, use parallel wiring as shown in wiring diagram 309 303.
7.6 SHIELDED SYSTEM -For component layout and wiring for a shielded system, refer to wiring diagram 309 304.
See drawing 509 025 for instructions of altering the length of a shielded primary harness.

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ALTRONIC Ill INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
MEDIUM ENGINES, 2·16 CYLINDERS FORM Alii II 4·92

8.0 SPECIAL APPLICATIONS

8.1 Listed below are applications that have wiring different from the standard hook-up shown in section 7.0.
ENGINE ALTRONIC Ill ROTATION A - B - C - D - E - F - H - I - J - K - L - M
Caterpillar G379 8B25H ccw 8 - 5 - 4 - 7 - 2 - 3 - 6 - 1
Time unit to #8 cylinder.
Caterpillar G379 8T25H ccw 1 - 8 - 5 - 4 - 7 - 2 - 3 - 6
Time unit to #1 cylinder.
Clark BNHBNHLA-8 8C25H ccw 6 - 7 - 2 - 3 - 8 - 5 - 4 - 1
Time unit to #6 cylinder.
Clark RNHRA-32 6A39H cw 1 - 3 - 2 - 1 - 3 - 2
Tie two leads together to the coil(s). of each cylinder.
Cooper GMV/GMVA-4 6A29H ccw 1L-1R- X -2L-2R- X
Leave leads C and F open circuited.
1-R PVG-6, XVG-6 8B29H cw 1 - X - 2 - 4 - 3 - 5 - X - 6
Leave leads B and H open circuited.
1-R XVG-2 4G29H CW 1-X-2-X
Leave leads B and D open circuited.
Roiline H2000 8B25H cw 1L-2R-3L-1R-4L-3R-2L-4R
Unit must turn CW; time to #1 L cylinder.
Roiline L3460, L4000 12H35H cw 1R-6L-5R-2L-3R-4L-6R-1L-2R-5L-4R-3L
Unit must turn CW; time to #1 R cylinder.

9.0 SHUTDOWN WIRING

9.1 The "G" harness lead is the switch or shutdown panel wire. It must be grounded to shut-off the ignition. See
the CAUTION notes below.
9.2 For proper operation of Murphy tattletale switches or fuel valve, use panel adapter 501 213 as shown in drawing
509062.
CAUTION: Altronic Ill units with 900 series circuit boards have an output voltage of 200-225 volts. This affects the
hook-up to some instruments with input taps for different input voltages. It is advisable to check the
voltage rating of all instruments connected to the ignition system shutdown lead. In particular, the Altronic
690 107 barrier requires hook-up to terminal3 (175-350V.); and the 690 101-1 annunciator power supply
must be exchanged for type 690 101-3. See Altronic Bulletin 32C for details.
CAUTION: Re-calibration of speed sensing instruments connected to the Altronic Ill "G" lead may be required on 10
and 12-cylinder engines. When using an Altronic Ill unit with the 372 912H circuit board, use the 6-cylinder
calibration for 12-cylinder applications, and use the 5-cylinder calibration for 1a-cylinder applications.
See Altronic Bulletin 32C for details.

10.0 SECONDARY WIRING

10.1 The spark plug leads should be fabricated from 7 mm, silicone insulated, tinned copper conductor with suitable
terminals and silicone spark plug boot. Keep spark plug leads as short as possible and in all cases not longer
than 20 inches (500 mm). Spark plug leads should be kept at least 2 inches (50 mm) away from any grounded
engine part. In deep spark plug wells, use rigid, insulated extenders projecting out of the well.
10.2 The use of a clear, silicone grease (such as Dow Corning DC-4, G.E. G-623 or GC Electronics ZS) is
recommended for all high-tension connections and boots. This material helps seal out moisture and prevent
corrosion from atmospheric sources.

-3-
 FLANGE MOUNT

.24:1
(6.2)

.• 4 <U> SLOT
'w'[DTH
FLANGE t.IODELS
WODEL PILOT DIAWETER "D" FLANGE NO. or
ORIENTATION .4-4 SLOTS
-A 3.250/3.248 <82.55/82.50) VERTICAL I
D 3.000/2.998 <76.20/76.15) HORIZONTAL 2
G 3.250/3.248 <82.55/82.50) HORIZONTAL 2
-GV 3.250/3.248 <82.55/82.50) VERTICAL 2
MODEL -G
-D

MODEL
~-----------------------------,:~, ----------------------------~
~---------------------------~:~ ----------------------------i
....
ne9>

@
ALTRONIC m

&.&1
(173)

Fl.£XIBLE COUPLING
Sl.PPLIED ON UNIT

AL TRDNIC INC.
AL TRDNIC III UNIT
BASE MOUNT
DIMENSIONS IN INCHES AND (Mt.l) l-!9 - 92 309 301
 CCW ROTATION CW ROTATION

L9J[JW<OODm®ffiJ L9][JU'[r(])(]i)'!]~® Lill

0 0 0 0

0 ~ 0 0
~ 0

o@ 0 o@ 0

REVIS! N
Nl DATE BY DESCRJPTD
AL TRDNIC INC.
AL TRON!C III UNIT TIMING
VTP DLt NONE PMT N.IQIEIII

•.,. J-2l-·· 309 302

 £'0£' 60£'

LEADS
GROUND HOOK-UP DETAIL:

~SHUTDOWN:
COIL NEGATIVE TER~INAL TO PANEL LEAD
~OUNTING BRACKET CONNECTION
AT BOTH ENDS Of EACH BANK.
-:- GROUND "G" LEAD TO SHUT-OFF IGNinOIN
USE HOOK-UP SHOWN FOR
TWO COILS PER CYLINDER

COIL
JUNCTION 501 061
BOX 591 010
591 040

SPARK PLUG

SPARK PLUG LEAD

COIL 501 061

591 010
591 040
""' '""''" ,00,_,\
SHOWN FOR TWO COILS
PER CYLINDER.
•• COMMON GROUND CONNECTION
LEADS COMMON
COINNECTOR
GROUND
7-PIN ALT. Ill CASE
14-PIN "N" LEAD
17-PIN ALT. Ill CASE

REVISIONS TOI.£RANCES
NO. DATE BY DESCRIPTION
(ExCEPT AS NOlED) ALTRONIC INC.
DECINAL TITLE
.XXX - :t.005 WIRING DIAGRAM - UNSHIELDED
.XX - ±.010 AL TRONIC Ill IGNITION SYSTIEM
2
f11AC110NAL
ORA'IILIN BY SCALE
3 WTIP NONE PART NUMBER
CHEC1<ED BY DAlE
4 3-23-92
5
MATERIAL
APPROVED BY 309 303
 tO£ 60£

* UNSHIELDED
CLASS I, GROUP D, DIV. 2 CERTIFIED SYSTIEI.C.
SPARK PLUG AND LEAD MAY BE SHUTDOWN:
USED WHERE SUCH RATING IS NOT REQUIRED. ~UNO "G" LEAD TO SHUT-OFF IGNITION

CONDUIT "L"

IGNITION COILS:
501 061-S
591 010-S
591 007
FLEXIBLE SHIELDED
591 011A/B
OR RIGID COIL
CONDUIT 501 061-S
591 010-S

JUNCTION
BOX

TWO COILS PER

CYLINDER SHOWN
ABOVE AND BELOW.

INTIEGRAL
COIL
591 007
ALTRONIC Ill 591 011A/B
UNIT •• COMMON GROUND CONNECTION
COMMON USE PARALLEL HOOK-UP
CONNECTOR SHOWN FOR TWO COILS
GROUND SEPARATIE GROUNDS PER CYLINDER.
7-PIN ALT. Ill CASE IN JUNCTION BOX
AS SHOWN.
14-PIN "N" LEAD
17-PIN ALT. Ill CASE

REVISIONS TOlERANCES
NO. DATIE BY DESCRIPTION
(EXCEPT AS IIOlED) ALTRONIC INC.
DECIMAL TITLE
.XXX - :1:.005 WIRING DIAGRAM - SHIELDED
2 .XX - ±.010 AL TRONIC Ill IGNITION SYSTIEM
FRAC11<>1AL
J DRAWN BY
WTP SCAI£ NONE PART NUUBER
4 CHECKED BY DATE
3-23-92
5
MATERIAL
APPROVED BY 309 304
 TO SHORTEN HARNESS
1. LOOSEN AND DISENGAGE NUT (2) AND REMOVE CONDUIT (1)
COMPLETELY FROM CONNECTOR AND HARNESS ASSEMBLY (3).

2. REMOVE ITEMS (5), (4), AND (2) IN THAT ORDER FROM CONDUIT (1).
NOTE THREADS ON (5).

3. CUT CONDUIT TO LENGTH WITH HACKSAW AND DRESS WITH FILE TO

INSURE A CLEAN, SQUARE END. REMOVE FILINGS FROM INSIDE CONDUIT.

4. REINSTALL ITEMS (2), (4), AND (5) IN THAT ORDER.

5. INSTALL REASSEMBLED CONDUIT INTO (3) AND TIGHTEN (2).

REVISIONS TOLERANCES
NO. DATE BY DESCRIPTION
(EXCEPT AS NOlED) ALTRONIC INC.
DEONAL TITLE
3-14-92 WTP REDRAWN ON CAD .XXX - :1:.005 SHIELDED HARNESS
.XX - ±.010 CONDUIT LENGTH ADJUSTMENT
2
FRAC'R~Al
DRAWN BY SCAU:
3 DWA NONE PART NUMBER
CHECKED BY DATE
4 5-28-85
5
MATERIAL
APPROVED BY 509 025
 [ SAFETY SWITCH ADAPTER
NO. 501 213

[ ALT. GND. sw.

(0 0 d
IGNITION SHUTDOWN LEAD -'-- TO MURPHY TATTLETALE
(NEG. GND. SYSTEM ONLY) -- SWITCH OR FUEL VALVE

REVISIONS TOLERANCES

NO. DATE BY DESCRIPTION

(EXCEPT ,0.5 NOTED) AL TRONIC INC.
1 DECIMAL
.XXX - ±.005
TITLE HOOK-UP DIAGRAM
.XX - ±.010 501 213 PANEL ADAPTER
2
FRACTIONAL
DRAWN BY SCALE
3 WTP NONE PART NUMBER
CHECKED BY DATE
4 3 25 92
5
MATERIAL
APPROIIED BY 509 062