One for the books

[MikeK]

How about one for each plug, adjustable gap and clear glass so you can watch your coil deteriorate from over-voltage as you put off plug maintenance to the point of doom! Apparently a 'T' era accessory. Why clean your plugs, when you can burn out your coil(s) instead? More info on the MTFCA site HERE.

 

[Tom Wesenberg]

So if I understand this right, one takes the strap off of the distributor just about a 1/4" or so and it should run? This will 'intensify' the spark and help clean the plug off-used in short duration of course. Or am I missing some part of the picture.

Mike

That's right. As the coil builds voltage to jump the plug gap it can bleed off through a wet sooty coating, but with the added spark gap at the coil wire, the voltage needs to build to a higher voltage before it can jump the gap. This higher voltage then jumps the plug gap before it has time to bleed off through the wet insulator.

Jerry has a point about just filing the rotor for a larger gap, but like Mike said, this higher voltage build is tough on the coil and can lead to coil failure. It's much better to keep the plugs clean and dry, and don't do short cold starts just to hear the engine run because you can't wait for spring.

I learned an expensive lesson back in the 70's when I ran 2 of my antique cars for 15 minutes, then let them set for 6 months. Those short 15 minute starts didn't burn off the condesation, and both engines are still locked up.