Coil to use ????

[dovenshi]

What happens if you use a 6V coil on a 12V system? Do I lose half of the power to the plugs?
I have a 1945 Ford Tractor with a front mount distributor that was converted to a 12v system before I got it. I fried a coil and replaced it, however it did not say 6 or 12. After looking up the manufacturer on the www it said this was a 6v coil. Now it fires, but doesn't run totally. Could this be the problem,?

 

[RWolf]

You burn out the coil. There is a possiblity if you size the ballast resistor correctly you may be able to get away with it. Why not just get a new 12 coil?

 

[Eagleview]

That's what i'd do . Just put a 12 volt coil on . If your tractor has a balast resistor the coil will run at 8 volts , (although i'm not sure if the capacitor will be suitable , someone will know ). If it does not have an external balast i would use an internally balasted 12 volt coil .

 

[Hooked_on_HP]

Take a look at the points. If you left the key on and fried the coil you fried the points also.
Bill

 

[Redneck in training]

What happens if you use a 6V coil on a 12V system? Do I lose half of the power to the plugs?
I have a 1945 Ford Tractor with a front mount distributor that was converted to a 12v system before I got it. I fried a coil and replaced it, however it did not say 6 or 12. After looking up the manufacturer on the www it said this was a 6v coil. Now it fires, but doesn't run totally. Could this be the problem,?

The coil will take twice the current but it will not provide twice the spark. The reason is that the magnetic field (and that is the storage of energy going to the spark) will saturate. The excess current will just heat the coil. Since the coil will take much higher current it will eventually burn. Get 12V coil and matching capacitor.

 

[LRH]

Everyone who recommends to just get a 12V coil are correct, only problem is a conversion coil for a front mount dist is a little more difficult to locate vs a side mount.

 

[PILOON]

To create hotter spark chrysler used 6 volt coils on 12 volt systems.
When in the running mode voltage was supplied via a dropping resistor but when starting 12 volts was kicked in via the the starter relay/contactor thus making for a hotter spark.


Redneck:
LOL!
I also am in in country and recall once when in city getting out of the car and upon opening the door, out of habit, I p@e on the front lawn much to the wife's embarassement.
Can't overwork those septics eh!

.

 

[Redneck in training]

To create hotter spark chrysler used 6 volt coils on 12 volt systems.
When in the running mode voltage was supplied via a dropping resistor but when starting 12 volts was kicked in via the the starter relay/contactor thus making for a hotter spark.


Redneck:
LOL!
I also am in in country and recall once when in city getting out of the car and upon opening the door, out of habit, I p@e on the front lawn much to the wife's embarassement.
Can't overwork those septics eh!

.

6V coil on 12 V will produce somewhat hotter spark but not twice as hot. If used continuously it will overheat. I would get JY 12V coil if money is the concern.

PILOON
I was born in a village in central Europe and have fond memories of village life as a kid. Left home at 15 and lived and worked in the city for 42 years and dreamed about owning piece of land. Bought small hobby farm in 2003 and moved there in 2004. Just loving it.

Your place must be in beautiful location. I flew over few times when the trees were changing colors.

 

[Soundguy]

What happens if you use a 6V coil on a 12V system? Do I lose half of the power to the plugs?
I have a 1945 Ford Tractor with a front mount distributor that was converted to a 12v system before I got it. I fried a coil and replaced it, however it did not say 6 or 12. After looking up the manufacturer on the www it said this was a 6v coil. Now it fires, but doesn't run totally. Could this be the problem,?

Sorry.. that don't fit.

Ford tractors switched to side mount distribs in about mid 50. If you have a 54 tractor and it's a ford.. it's a NAA with a red tiger engine with an angle or side mount distrib and round coil.. the earlier 1939-50 front mount distribs with the square coils are totally 100% different.

On a 6v system, the square coil needs the oem dash mount ballast resistor.. if you go to 12v, you need to add additional resistance in.. getting the primary ressitance int he 3.5ohm range is good as you want to limit primary current to the 3-4 amp range. Oem ballast ressitor has a thermal coeficient and take a minute or so to heat up fully and thus come up to full ressitance.

there is a 12v square coil out there, but all the ones I've seen still like the oem ballast resistor in place. as it is still not a true 12v native coil.

if you have a round coil ( there are conversions available ).. quit playing with 6v coils and get a real 12v round coil like a NAPA IC14SB.. and no ressitors.

soundguy