6 volt coil

[cro-magnum]

I know I know, we don't talk about points and coils on TDR. I have a 1945 ford 2N. I cant get it started and I have come to the conclusion that the coil is bad. I can't locate a 6 volt coil in town today, but I have a 12 volt coil I know is good. The only difference I can find is that when testing a good 12 you should have 10,000 to 11,000 ohms on primary to secondary. 6 volt should read 7,500 to 8,500 ohms.



My question is will a 12 volt coil do anything to damage the rest of my ignition system or charging system? I am trying to complete a project tonight then I will put the correct coil on when I can locate one.



Thanks for any info on the subject



Travis

 

[Grizzly]

I wouldn't try it. Not a good idea to mix 6 an 12 volt anything.

 

[B.G. Smith]

The original system on the Ford was 6v, right? The original coil was less than 6v. probably 3 v. It originally had a resistor in the power supply to the coil to reduce the voltage. Likewise the 12v coil does not use 12volts, it either has an internal resistor or is supposed to be used with an external resistor. They do this so the coil will always see enough voltage to operate at full capacity, during starter operation the voltage can drop several volts. I assume you have converted the electrical system to 12 volts. If so then the coil you have should work, coils are usually marked as to whether they have an internal restistor or that an external is required. If it's internal you are fine, otherwise you will need an external resistor. bg

 

[cro-magnum]

Thanks for the input guy's. The coil has just over 6 volts to it. It does have a resistor but doesn't seem to work. It shows 6 volts before and after it. I managed to get the points to arch so I am making head way. I cleaned them before posting, then messed around with them while I was waiting on your responses. I'll put it back together and let ya know. The resistor may have made the points burn a little faster than would be expected

Thanks Travis

 

[Bill Stockard]

The original system on the Ford was 6v, right? The original coil was less than 6v. probably 3 v. It originally had a resistor in the power supply to the coil to reduce the voltage. Likewise the 12v coil does not use 12volts, it either has an internal resistor or is supposed to be used with an external resistor. They do this so the coil will always see enough voltage to operate at full capacity, during starter operation the voltage can drop several volts. I assume you have converted the electrical system to 12 volts. bg

I have an old B F Avery Model R tractor that my father bought new in 1950, and like the Ford, it had a 6-volt system. I upgraded it to a 12-volt system several years ago and replaced the original 6-volt coil with a 12-volt coil with a built in reisistor. I left the original Delco 6-volt starter on the tractor. It spins the engine very well, but I am careful not to stay on it very long. I'm the only one who starts and runs it so the starter hasn't been a problem.



Bill

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

The resistor won't display the reduced voltage on the output side until the designed load (coil) is placed upon it - then you will likely measure something less than 6 volts - WHEN the points are closed...

 

[cro-magnum]

Got it going and the job done. I must not have gotten the points clean enough the first time. I just set them and closed everything up thinking that would fix it, next time I'll watch the arch first. Thanks for all the input.
See ya Travis