Re: Ignition Coil Testing

Posted by jim mason on August 10, 1998 at 18:58:39

In Reply to: Ignition Coil Testing
posted by Gordon Biggar on August 09, 1998 at 11:55:51

there is a rube goldberg device shown in an old marc news(may-june 86).it amounts to a star wheel,points, condensor, coil, and 6volt battery.essentialy you make a distributor with out the distribution.hand crank the star wheel to open and close the points. watch the size/color of the spark between the points to check the condensor and the size color of the spark to check the coil. this won't check for heat related failure, but it will sort out bad condensors and weak coils.
: If I recall correctly, an on-the-car test for the viability of a coil is to see if a snappy, blue spark jumps from the coil wire (distributor end)when placed near a ground with the engine cranked.
: Is there an affordable (a relative term, I admit)testing device that can be employed on the bench with somewhat more scientific results, particularly if one is going to test the output of a number of coils?If so, what are the specs for a 6-volt coil?
: Thanks in advance.
: Regards,
: Gordon

E-Mail Comment to Webmaster