[heroper]

Hi All, I am curious about the voltage on my coil. When the ignition switch is in the "ON" position I have 5.8 volts. I've heard 8 or 9 volts is more normal, but it seems to run OK. When I turn to the "Start" position I get the full starting voltage of approx 10.5 (as the 2nd wire on the coil is off of the starting solenoid). What confuses me is that after the car starts and the ignition switch returns to the "ON" position I still have full battery voltage of now about 13.5. I don't understand what is feeding this voltage to the coil. There should not be any feed to the starting solenoid when the key is returned to the "ON" positon from the "Start" position. Any suggestions as to where to look is appreciated. It would seem like this higher voltage is hard on the points? I do get a weak looking spark, maybe I should go with a 12 volt "high-voltage" ignition system?

thx much!!
Larry

 

[Steve340]

Which cars had the resistor wire?
This is going back like 25 years in my memory, some cars had a resistor wire to drop the voltage, others use a ballast resistor, so you have 5, then while cranking its 8, then after start, its 13.5 " System Voltage "
Ill try to dig out an old manual and see If I can jog the memory

Im not sure higher voltage would be hard on the points, because the coil builds up voltage, 20,000 volts if im correct, and discharges when the points open, if its high, it might cause the long term life of your coil to be less

 

[heroper]

Thx for the note. It looks like it has the resistor wire not the ballast.

The difference in voltage is:
6 volts just sitting there with the switch in ON position.
10.5 volts cranking (battery being sucked down by starter)
13.5 volts once started (now the alternator is charging the battery).

I have old prints and I cannot see any way that full charging battery voltage can get to the coil, but it is.

thx
larry