Why coil ring & magnets with generator ?

J

joel robb

Junior Member
I got shocked bad once as a kid so usually stay away from the electrical area ...but rying to figure out why a T with generator needs a coil ring and magnets. If I can work my way thru this, might just get a T !!!
 
Truth is in Theroy,they are two seperate systems. The Gen .is there to charge a Battery..The coil and Magnets are a Magneto.
 
Joel, generators and starters became optional in 1919 but the coil ring and magnets were used to the end of T production in 1927. Cars without that generator and starter option were sold to the end of T production. (hand crank)
The model T coils work very well on a properly set up mag ring. The 6 volt battery can be used to power the ignition but the mag seems to get better results.
There are cars today modified with no mag and on 12 volt system that run OK. Distributors and other types of electronic ignition are also available.
 
Willy is correct. For the first ten years the T came without a starter and generator. (There were no electric starters when it was first produced.) After Ford added the option of electric start in 1919, you could still purchase a T without the generator and starter. Henry Ford loved the T and resisted any major change until the end in 1927. The original configuration is quite reliable and easy to use if all is properly maintained and adjusted. A lot of T drivers enjoy demonstrating the crank start even if they have a starter-equipped car.
 
A few more factors: The coils work best on AC current which is what the mag actually produces. It's technically an alternator. The points last longer using AC. Another thing: Even if a T had a starter, battery & generator it still came with a flywheel mag and a starter crank handle. It may have just been easier to leave that stuff there as opposed to picking engines & cars that didn't have starters ordered.
 
The mag. produces AC current depending on the charge of the magnets and the rpm of the engine range from 17 to 31 volts AC. any points would like AC current because you don't get a transfer cone build up on the points like a DC set up would have. AC means alternating current. So any deposit you would get on the points would go back and forth , hence points last many times longer with AC. I have always found T's run their best on the mag. due to a higher current I feel. I love the buzz of a good coil set up and have had T's all my adult life. Once a few years ago I considered a more modern set up, but decided at the last minute that the way Henry built it has been just fine all these years. A proper set up coil box with good coils and points will outlast any distributor in my humble opinion. A real true T guy would agree with me , am sure this will stir the pot a bit, but I will stick to the way Henry built it.
 

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What do you suppose the wattage output of the mag is and has anyone rectified a portion of it to eliminate the generator?
 
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