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How long does a new ignition coil last?
Posted: Mon Sep 11, 2006 5:29 am
by project_timemachine
I think my ignition coil is going bad... I used my roadster to finish some errands and when I tried to restart the engine it wouldn't come to life. I just had the carbs cleaned out as well as the fuel filter. I touched the coil and it was hotter than normal. It seems to me that this is the culprit. Anyway, how long should an ignition coil last? Mine also has a ballast resistor. The coil is about 7 months old and I rarely use the roadster (once a week). Thanks
Posted: Mon Sep 11, 2006 8:36 am
by glennhuff
Steven,
Sounds like you have a coil problem. A good coil should last for a very long time, but you may have just gotten a bad one. The other possibility is that you left the key on. This will burn the coil if the points are closed (also smokes the points). Also check to make sure that the coil is wired correctly on the primary side. They should be labeled + and - . Good luck.
Glenn
Posted: Mon Sep 11, 2006 11:20 am
by spyder
Are the points adjusted correctly? What is the dwell?
Posted: Mon Sep 11, 2006 6:44 pm
by project_timemachine
I've installed new points and it has been adjusted. Previously, the dwell was at 38-39 and now it's 45. I also checked the wiring and it seems to be hooked up right. Do I need to adjust the dwell again?
Posted: Mon Sep 11, 2006 8:56 pm
by itsa68
If the dwell angle is too small, the points gap is too wide and results in poor acceleration or high speed performance.
If the dwell angle is too large, the points gap is too narrow and causes the points to rapidly deteriorate.
I think the recommended dwell is between 49-55 degrees for the 1500 & 1600.
Mine is set at 50 degrees and the points last for a long time and the car reponds well when accelerating.
Ray B.
Posted: Tue Sep 12, 2006 2:37 am
by project_timemachine
What brands of ignition coils are you guys using? Is there a recommended OEM coil for the 1600 roadster? Thanks
Posted: Fri Sep 15, 2006 10:52 pm
by dbrick
Generally there are three grades of coils, high end like an Accel or MSD or Bosch, stock replacment, and cheap crap. Either of the first two should last almost forever if fed the proper voltage.
If it needs or includes a resistor, it is the right type. Just read carefully.
http://store.summitracing.com/egnsearch ... 4294890812
Local speed shop might be a good source too. Some of these coils need to be mounted vertically, not sideways. I just adapted the bracket