wires to coil--power to them

[Michael F.]

when you turn the key to on (but do not start) does the wire that goes to the positive terminal on the coil have power, if so how many volts? Also where does the positive wire to the coil go to....starter, ignition switch????

[Timothy B.]

Re: wires to coil--power to them

Michael,

With the key in the ON position there should be approx 7 to 10 volts at the + coil terminal. There are two wires at that location, one from the ignition switch that travels through a ballast or a resistance wire which gives a reduced voltage as stated above and another from the R terminal on the starter soleniod that gives the coil 12 volts just for cranking and faster start. When the ignition switch is released from the cranking to the run position the ignition switch wire powers the coil with reduced voltage.

[Jack H.]

Depends...

Tim's reply of 7-10 volts PRESUMES the ignition points in the distributor just happen to be closed allowing current to flow through the ballast resistor and the coil's primary winding. In that case, the ballast resistor will dissipate energy and the battery voltage will drop appropriately.

BUT, if the points happen to be open by random chance, then there's not completed circuit to ground. No current will flow through the coil primary and you'll measure FULL battery voltage...

[Michael F.]

Re: Depends...

thanks guys, that helps me.