Bench Testing a 9N coil

Thank all of you for all of the quick responses! Some of you asked the question... 6v or 12v? It has a 12v alternator and battery running but to the best of my knowledge it still has a 6v coil. At the time I converted it from the old 6v generator I was told that everything else would work just fine. Surprisingly enough, it has ran like that for about 5 years. What is your opinions on that?
Thanks again,
Chuck

In any case.. you can do a few basic tests, and make a few assumptions based on that after watching it in operation.

First.. test for pimary continuity... Use ohm meter on lowers setting and test between top post and the pigtail contact on the bottom. Depending on the sophistication and calibration of your ohm meter.. you may read anywhere from 1/2 to 2 ohms.. ( also depending on if you are testing a 6v coil.. or 12v coil ). Ohm meters are just not real accurate. Now.. if it measures anywhere close.. the primary at least has continuity.. though some windings may be shorted... etc.

Test secondary.. from top post to flat spring contact.. should be using the kohm scale.. Should read somewhere in the 4-8k range.

Best way to diagnose these is to get good points set at .015, and install it ont he tractor.. run a hot wire right to the coil top and check spark by bumping tractor over in neutral.

many spark problems are dirty connections and bad switches.. lastly.. bad coils.. etc.

T do a cheapy non scientific test on the condensor, take the lead on the condensor and touch it to its case.. now.. set ohm meter on lowest scale. and put leads across the condensor case and lead. Watch the scale on the meter... ( analog is best ).. It will swing from a low resistance to a high resistance ( as the cap charges.. and will show infinite or so.. when it is fully charged. )

Your tractor itself will be the easiest diagnostic tool to test that coil.. short of some specialized bench equipment.

Soundguy

Take the cap off and let it air dry.

Also if it has antifreeze in it that can insulate the points and they won't work until they are cleaned. Spray something like brake cleaner on them and that will clean and dry them at the same time. Don't use any solvent that has a lubricant in it.

Zane