c2 coil and ballast resistor tests

[Jack H.]

Disagree with much that's said....

I've seen 'bad' ballast resistors that suffered from ohmic contact problems aggrevated by heating and on-road shock/vibration. I've seen coils that static test A-OK but fall apart under dynamic load/heating for a number of reasons.

I don't know of a good way to 'bench test' each and every component and then absolutely/positively guarantee you'll get an accurate system functionality warrant.

If the problem can be recreated by driving the car, then why dissect it and take a piece-wise approach? Why not put science to work--instrument the engine to real time monitor the spark waveforms, shove exhaust analyzers up the tail pipes and take it for a spin on a chassis dyno? You'll nail what's awry PDQ and end the guessing game!

[Jack H.]

Disagree with much that's said....

I've seen 'bad' ballast resistors that suffered from ohmic contact problems aggrevated by heating and on-road shock/vibration. I've seen coils that static test A-OK but fall apart under dynamic load/heating for a number of reasons.

I don't know of a good way to 'bench test' each and every component and then absolutely/positively guarantee you'll get an accurate system functionality warrant.

If the problem can be recreated by driving the car, then why dissect it and take a piece-wise approach? Why not put science to work--instrument the engine to real time monitor the spark waveforms, shove exhaust analyzers up the tail pipes and take it for a spin on a chassis dyno? You'll nail what's awry PDQ and end the guessing game!

[William C.]

Re: Disagree with much that's said....

Don't discount the possibility of the rotor being the broblem also. The length of the rotor tip was changed in the 70's and the effect on a high compression FI car hits right about at the 5000 rpm level. Try a good high performance rotor and see if that fixes the problem.

[William C.]

Re: Disagree with much that's said....

Don't discount the possibility of the rotor being the broblem also. The length of the rotor tip was changed in the 70's and the effect on a high compression FI car hits right about at the 5000 rpm level. Try a good high performance rotor and see if that fixes the problem.

[Joe C.]

Re: c2 coil and ballast resistor tests

Larry:

Trust me, the high spring tension points is a good place to start. It is cheap, quick, and possibly will solve your problem. It sure worked for me. If not, then as others have said, it might be coil, possibly ballast. I wouldn't look at the condenser, because if it was bad, it would cause rapid failure of the points, and the engine would run badly at all rpm's.

I have been using a "202" coil that I picked up in Carlisle 3 years ago for 5 bucks. It was dirty, rusty, but most important DRY ans FULL. A fresh coat of gloss black, and she's good as new. After I changed the points, I have been able to shift my L76 at 6500 rpm all day, if I want. Duke gave me the tip on the points, and he was spot on.

Joe

[Joe C.]

Re: c2 coil and ballast resistor tests

Larry:

Trust me, the high spring tension points is a good place to start. It is cheap, quick, and possibly will solve your problem. It sure worked for me. If not, then as others have said, it might be coil, possibly ballast. I wouldn't look at the condenser, because if it was bad, it would cause rapid failure of the points, and the engine would run badly at all rpm's.

I have been using a "202" coil that I picked up in Carlisle 3 years ago for 5 bucks. It was dirty, rusty, but most important DRY ans FULL. A fresh coat of gloss black, and she's good as new. After I changed the points, I have been able to shift my L76 at 6500 rpm all day, if I want. Duke gave me the tip on the points, and he was spot on.

Joe

[Al Corelli]

I'm in the NYC area.

And I have a Sun Distributor machine, as well as at least 10 dwell meters. (I collect old Snap On meters).
I also have oscilloscope or three or five, that you can test with.

The only small problem is I'm leaving on a Road Tour to Windsor this afternoon.(There's some "show" or something)

You are welcome to use my equipment. I would be more than happy to help.

[Al Corelli]

I'm in the NYC area.

And I have a Sun Distributor machine, as well as at least 10 dwell meters. (I collect old Snap On meters).
I also have oscilloscope or three or five, that you can test with.

The only small problem is I'm leaving on a Road Tour to Windsor this afternoon.(There's some "show" or something)

You are welcome to use my equipment. I would be more than happy to help.