Reproduction Parts for 1916-1964 Chevrolet Passenger Cars & 1918-1987 Chevrolet & GMC Trucks



Visit the new site at vcca.org

Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Rate Thread
#201110 03/17/11 06:13 PM
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,411
Likes: 7
37Blue Offline OP
ChatMaster - 1,000
OP Offline
ChatMaster - 1,000
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,411
Likes: 7
I have come across several coils. One I know is a 12 volt. The other two are not marked. All are Delco-Remy.

1) How can I determine the difference between a 12V and 6V coil?

2) How are these tested to determine operability?

Thanks, 37Blue

37Blue #201121 03/17/11 09:22 PM
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701
Likes: 141
ChatMaster - 25,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 25,000
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701
Likes: 141
Usually an old 6 volt will have no volt number on it....like if its from before the 12 V years.


Gene Schneider
Chev Nut #224331 11/11/11 02:47 AM
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1
Grease Monkey
Offline
Grease Monkey
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1
If we discuss in technical language then it can be said that 12v coil contains higher internal resistance to limit the total current as compared to 6V coil.

37Blue #224755 11/15/11 01:31 PM
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,411
Likes: 7
37Blue Offline OP
ChatMaster - 1,000
OP Offline
ChatMaster - 1,000
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,411
Likes: 7
Found testing info on the Jim Carter truck parts website.

Try this link.

http://www.oldchevytrucks.com/blog/index.php/2010/02/coil-testing/

The site also lists some interesting solutions to car maintenance problems back "in the day".

37Blue #227121 12/09/11 08:55 AM
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,306
ChatMaster - 2,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 2,000
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,306
Why is the condenser needed to run this test? Thanks, Mike


Mike 41 Chevy
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 19,758
Likes: 63
ChatMaster - 15,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 15,000
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 19,758
Likes: 63
A condenser with case grounded is necessary to achieve a strong spark. Without a condenser the spark will be weak.


How Sweet the roar of a Chevy four!
Chipper #227896 12/17/11 10:54 PM
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 302
Likes: 4
Backyard Mechanic
Offline
Backyard Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 302
Likes: 4
6V coils usually measure 1,5 ohms primary resistance, 12V coils 3 ohms or thereabouts.Picture shows 2 coils in parallel and the condenser is there in case the tested coil linkup includes an open condenser in the distributor. 2 condensers in parallel would not stop car from starting.Shorted condenser would. See Ed Packers book "Electric Trouble Shooting on the Motor Car"

wannchev #227913 12/18/11 01:55 AM
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 11,162
ChatMaster - 10,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 10,000
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 11,162
This question of Is the coil Bad? Or the high tension coil wire bad? Or is it the condenser? or is it the breaker points?
Coils are hard to test with a multimeter on the bench, the ohms readings don't consider the loading and the huge changes in voltage flux, it is easier to change them out with a new one or one that you have tested on a good running engine.
I do use a ohmmeter with a very high resistance scale to test a condenser for a good capacitance kick. Or you can charge a condenser up on a spark plug terminal and lay it on a wooden workbench with the lead wire hanging over the side of the workbench and let your buddie pick it up and test it for you. ZZZAAAAPPPP! Ha!
This test setup on the Carter site is ridiculus!, you can have the condenser changed out, engine test run,then the coil changed out engine test run, and the points visually checked and the gap measured while getting all the wire, tape and clips you need, then you would be getting the tape job done and the wireing figured out, then whether the test shows the coil to be good or bad, you have to disassemble the octopus looking apparatus! Do it right and do it once.
Get a life!


Life's a long winding trail, love Jesus and ride a good horse!

Link Copied to Clipboard
 

Notice: Any comments posted herein do not necessarily reflect the official position of the VCCA.

Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5