Ignition coil ????

[martym]

What is the best way of testing coil is working ok ??

[GreenV8S]

12V on the +ve side, briefly earth the -ve terminal and check that you get a good spark between the king lead and an earth point. If it's a ballasted coil, power it through the ballast resister.

[martym]

think mine is not working as have tried this. Could be reason for not starting. If its just a new coil needed will be happy to get new one.

[tvrgit]

GreenV8S said:

12V on the +ve side, briefly earth the -ve terminal and check that you get a good spark between the king lead and an earth point. If it's a ballasted coil, power it through the ballast resister.

em, I might be wrong here, but shouldn't you earth it and then test for a spark as you REMOVE the earth? Maybe that's what you meant, I just wanted to make it clear that it won't spark when you earth it, it will spark when you break the circuit again.

[GreenV8S]

tvrgit said:

em, I might be wrong here, but shouldn't you earth it and then test for a spark as you REMOVE the earth? Maybe that's what you meant, I just wanted to make it clear that it won't spark when you earth it, it will spark when you break the circuit again.

You're right, and that was what I was trying to say by 'briefly' i.e. dab the earth on and off and you will get a spark.

[tvrgit]

GreenV8S said:

tvrgit said:

em, I might be wrong here, but shouldn't you earth it and then test for a spark as you REMOVE the earth? Maybe that's what you meant, I just wanted to make it clear that it won't spark when you earth it, it will spark when you break the circuit again.

You're right, and that was what I was trying to say by 'briefly' i.e. dab the earth on and off and you will get a spark.

I was sure that wwas what you meant Pete, I just didn't want anybody earthing it, thinking it didn't work, and then getting a surprise gazillion volts up their arm when they disconnected it again. Bloody Health and Safety you know!

[martym]

Turns out a new coil has done the trick, yippy! oh & a new set of leads as token jesture. Funny how do one little job (changing dizzy plug) can result in coil failing ?. I was initially sure there was a prob with job I did but it was ok all along. Any just pleased to hear her fire up.
PS thanks to all who supplied a bit help!