[AT] Testing a coil

[Steve W.]

My old distributor machine has a dedicated coil tester on it. What it
basically does is run the coil off a motorized set of points while it
sets inside a small heater unit. The heater gradually warms the coil
while the points cycle. It has an adjustable plug gap on it that you set
according to the chart (basically 6 volt coils get 3/8" gap and 12 volt
ones get 1/2") You actually start testing by putting the coil in the
freezer overnight. Then install it and crank up the tester. You let it
run until the temp on the coil hits 200 deg. If it sparks the entire
time it is good.
Don't see why one couldn't be built using an old distributor and a small
motor.

Steve Williams

----- Original Message ----- 
From: <DAVIESW739 at aol.com>
To: <at at lists.antique-tractor.com>
Sent: Monday, March 20, 2006 9:30 PM
Subject: Re: [AT] Testing a coil


> Tthe best  and easiest way to test a coil  is to take the coil wire
from the
> distributor and hold it near a good ground on  the block then with a
screw
> driver gently open and close the points. when the  points open you
should get a
> good blue spark about 1/4 to 3/8 in. long if its  yellow then you need
to check
> voltage going to the coil and the ground on  the  distributor. If all
is well
> with the primary voltage then get another  coil.
>
> Walt Davies
> Cooper Hollow Farm
> Monmouth, OR  97361
> 503 623-0460
>
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