Coil voltage

Power from the ignition switch is 6 volts - it then goes into the ignition resistor on the inside firewall under the dash and drops it to 4 volts.
 
I think it depends on if the points are closed or not. I would make sure the points are open before checking the voltage. Seems like I read that someplace.
 
Flathead Fever said:
I think it depends on if the points are closed or not. I would make sure the points are open before checking the voltage. Seems like I read that someplace.
Click to expand...
If points are open, there is no current flowing, therefore no voltage drop across resistor, then you would read the full 6V at the coil.
 
Post no.4 is correct.

If the engine happened to stop with points open, voltage at the coil will just be battery voltage, 6.0-6.5 volts. Bump the starter one time to get the points closed and take another reading.

The ignition resistor produces a 3 volt drop. So depending on your battery condition, you should measure voltage at the coil about 3.0-3.5 volt.

Later with engine turning, points open 20% of the time, the averaged voltage at the coil will jump up to about 4 volts.
 
just as an aside...

a voltage drop below 6v would play havoc with a 6v ELECTRONIC ignition system that depended on 6v to work properly, i would think.
 
hueyhoolihan said:
just as an aside...

a voltage drop below 6v would play havoc with a 6v ELECTRONIC ignition system that depended on 6v to work properly, i would think.
Click to expand...

I believe you're correct on this. In that case, you wouldn't need the stock ignition voltage resistor and could bypass it with a jumper wire.
 
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