12v Coil and No Spark (response to Dell)

My only confusion is that the instructions with the TISCO kit specifically state to use the included resistor in addition to the standard resistor. Also, I am positive that the coil included in the kit is marked as 12v with a sticker. Could it be that the coil is actually a 6v coil with a 12v sticker. The manufacturer might do this because people are �expecting� a 12v coil, or because they are easier to source. Seems like a stretch but I�m having trouble reconciling the conflict. I believe some folks have written in the archives that one can determine if a coil is 6v or 12v by measuring its resistance. I will try to look that up. Now my curiosity is really aroused, not to mention my temper.

But to clear up any confusion, you're gonna hafta measure your intended ignition coil primary resistance.

First....ZERO your ohm meter by connecting your two meter leads together, some meters have a zero adjust knob, alot of digital meters don't, don't sweat it. If'n unable to zero, write down the ohmmeter reading anyways.

2nd..... read the frontmount ignition coil primary resistance from the coil terminal to the springy thingy on the bottom.

3rd..... a 6 volt frontmount coil primary should read less than 1 ohm. A 12 volt frontmount coil primary should read about 4 ohms. Realize that these readings are not intended to be "exact" but to give you something to make a decision with.

4th.....Decision time.....If'n primary resistance is about 1 ohm, its a 6 volt frontmount coil and use the 2 resistors as you once had it wired up..... If'n coil primary resistance is 3-4 ohms, its a 12 volt frontmount coil and use the 0.4 ohm 20 watt recommend resistor.

OBTW..... the secondary resistance should be 5,000 to 10,000 (5K-10K) ohms resistance which will read like an open on the low ohm meter range..... .and if'n you're in the high ohm meter range, the low primary resistance will read like a short circuit.

If'n you do not understand this instruction, please ask more questions..... ....Dell

Is a .6 25 watt resistor close enough for a 12 Volt coil??

Thanks

What we're trying to do here is to limit the 12 volt current thru both the coil and the points to about 3 amps.

Voltmeters are so much more accurate measuring amps by converting amps thru resistance to volts....its an Ohms Law thing.

Therefore, if'n you are converting a frontmount to 12 volts witha 12 volt ignition coil, you need a 0.4 ohm 20-25 watt power resistor or you will burn out eather the coil or the points.

There have been many post answering this question. You might want to check the "archives" of this great N-Board and read about the trials and tribulations of the electrically challenged converting to 12 volts..... .....Dell

I now assume the only incorrect aspect of the directions is the inclusion of the extra resistor in series with the original resistor.

Your mileage may vary

Mountainman (CA)