constant power to coil

[sidevalve]

I wired my engine last night with a temporary firewall to test my new engine. The body is off the frame. When ignition switch is in off position I still have power to coil. Is this normal? Will it fry my coil? I have not got the motor running or timed it yet. I plan on doing that tonight if all goes well.

 

[Purdy Swoft]

If wired correctly, the coil is hot all the time ( not to the touch) . You only get power to the points when the switch is on. The coil will get hot to the touch if the ignition switch is left on when the engine is not running.

 

[steve s]

Unless the ignition switch is closed, there is no complete circuit for current to flow thru and the coil is in no greater risk of overheating than any other piece of wire that is not doing anything at the moment.

Even with the ignition switch closed, it depends on whether the motor happens to have come to rest with the ignition points closed or open whether or not current wil flow. With the recommended wiring, the ammeter will show you which is the case. Usually, the points will be closed.

Steve

 

[sidevalve]

Timed it and got it running last night. Runs and sounds like a dream. Real smooth. Thanks to all the help from the Barners.

 

[Mike V. Florida]