Here we go again
Hanley and I have very different views on the subject and frankly I'm weary of the exercise. Regarding coils and electronic ignition, the following are FACTS and not subject to interpretation:
Here's where Hanley and I part ways. He is focused on coil input voltage without regard to ignition system amperage. Consider 9 volts coil input (well within Hanley's voltage) and a readily available Flamethrower 1.5 ohm coil. Any thought on how that combination will work? Your voltage as recommended is good without consideration of the amperage and you're screwed.
Same example, different numbers. Coil input 14.2 volts and a Moyer 4.3 ohm coil. Whaddya think now? Huge input voltage per Hanley's rule yet the system amperage is 3.3 amps WITHOUT any supplemental resistance. Notice too that without supplemental resistance you'll have two less wire connections aka potential failure points in the primary ignition wiring.
My point is - now and for the past several years - amperage - amperage - AMPERAGE!
Within reason, the coil input voltage does not matter as long as the system has sufficient resistance via coil, supplemental resistor or a combination of both to render the system amperage below 4 amps (per Pertronix). Good engineering practice is to build in a margin of safety below the maximum.
Hanley and I have very different views on the subject and frankly I'm weary of the exercise. Regarding coils and electronic ignition, the following are FACTS and not subject to interpretation:
- Once a coil has suffered an overheat episode to the point of shutdown it is permanently damaged internally. After cool down it may return to function but will be less tolerant of even normal heat in the future risking (almost certainly) repeated failures. The problem with a coil overheat is damage to the insulation on the internal windings. Once done, it's done even if it gives the illusion of operation temporarily.
- Pertronix, the manufacturer of our electronic ignition systems, specifies right in their literature a 4 amp maximum system amperage.
- Alternators produce more than 12 volts for battery charging and therefore to our entire electrical system when under power. It's inescapable. 13.8 ~ 14.2 volts is the normal range.
Here's where Hanley and I part ways. He is focused on coil input voltage without regard to ignition system amperage. Consider 9 volts coil input (well within Hanley's voltage) and a readily available Flamethrower 1.5 ohm coil. Any thought on how that combination will work? Your voltage as recommended is good without consideration of the amperage and you're screwed.
Same example, different numbers. Coil input 14.2 volts and a Moyer 4.3 ohm coil. Whaddya think now? Huge input voltage per Hanley's rule yet the system amperage is 3.3 amps WITHOUT any supplemental resistance. Notice too that without supplemental resistance you'll have two less wire connections aka potential failure points in the primary ignition wiring.
My point is - now and for the past several years - amperage - amperage - AMPERAGE!
Within reason, the coil input voltage does not matter as long as the system has sufficient resistance via coil, supplemental resistor or a combination of both to render the system amperage below 4 amps (per Pertronix). Good engineering practice is to build in a margin of safety below the maximum.
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