MTFCA Forum

We are dealing with an estate T that has a Sure Fire ignition. The literature I have says 12 volt only, but owner says NO, 6 VOLT!!
Did they ever come for 6 volt??

Thanks for any information one way or another.
Ross

I am guessing you mean "True-Fire" (?) and if so, then yes, folks run them on 6V, but the ones who have tried otherwise say it runs better on 12V

Hope this is helpful

If you purchase and find it doesn't work, you can do some searches on the Forum for help (I think they are no longer made and support is where you find it)...though I may be wrong.

“True-Fire”. I believe that’s what you’re asking about. It runs on any voltage from 6 to 12.

Thought about it long ago & so I copied the instructions
Congratulations on your purchase of the Bittner Engineering True-Fire Ignition
System. This Ignition System is designed to operate on any voltage between 6
and 12 VDC and replaces the original commutator and coils on your Model T Ford

Yes TRUE-FIRE, my error!!
I have a version of the instructions (that maybe from a later manufactuerd dated "Revised March, 2004." indication 12 volt only. (See attached) The extra unit has a"IGBT 60-12 V" on the bootom, I'll have to go to actual T and see what's there (if anything) fingers crossed.

Thanks for all the imput.
Ross

Trouble with the T.F. is as far as I know, Mr. Bittner is no longer dealing with it and there goes the support system for it.
Back when I had my first T.F. on my very first T (came with it...no mag) I found out that you really need to "dissasemble" it per all the connections and thorougly clean them, seems grit and grime that makes its way to the contacts makes it not happy. An hour well spent about every other year. My current '11 Torpedo also came with T.F. (oh the shame of it all! ) but it does start and run fantastic with it. Going into year 3 now, time to clean up its act! I may put the system back to all stock someday though, as I have "corrected" a few other "no-no's" on this car...ha ha.

I have ran TF ignition in three cars for 16 years. No problems at all. 8 and 12 volt systems run like a dream

My1914T wrote: ↑

Wed May 10, 2023 8:10 pm

True-Fire March 2004.pdfYes TRUE-FIRE, my error!!
I have a version of the instructions (that maybe from a later manufactuerd dated "Revised March, 2004." indication 12 volt only. (See attached) The extra unit has a"IGBT 60-12 V" on the bootom, I'll have to go to actual T and see what's there (if anything) fingers crossed.

Thanks for all the imput.
Ross

The revision dates on the two instructions are just 1 Month apart and the commutator parts are different. It is possible that the electronic components initially used were no longer available - hence the changes. Regardless of what model? you will need the small puck like piece (clear or white) for the commutator. A member made a few last year I believe --
--
This is from MAC's web site (out of stock) https://www.macsautoparts.com/model-t-t ... 617-1.html
-- Trying to see if there were 2 versions

I have run Tru Fire systems for many years. The issue with the original systems was not the system but the material the rotor was made of. It tended to melt with higher engine temps.

A member here Walt Berdan had made new rotors out of a different material and they hold up under higher temps. When the older rotors got hot the pressed in magnets dislodged and cause mis fires and also quit providing spark.

I found Mr Bittner very helpful and he even repaired a couple of Tru Sparks I bought here . I as a precaution carry an extra box and timer with a harness attached just incase but have never needed it.

It is very important to connect the system as directions spell out. If you don't it only take a second to destroy the circuit board inside the coil box. I run mine on 12 volts very quick to start and runs very smooth even under heavy load.

As a disclaimer, all you authentic and original model t folks here don't waist my time telling me what a bad model t owner I am, because at 80 years old I really don't give a damn about your opinon

I had bought the white rotor from Walter some time ago, as i saw the need for it in the spare True-Fire our friend has.
I, as well, am 80, and feel somewhat as you.
Thanks everyone, the"village" has proved it's worth, yet again!
Ross.