Coil question.

[DMT]

I recently was calibrating the fuel level system with the ignition on and noticed the coil was getting hot. I disconnected the feed to the coil and Lumenition system, whilst working.

This afternoon I went into the garage and noticed that the ignition was on, it had been left on for more that 36 hrs!!! I expected the coil to be hot or cold / melted. It was cold.

Assuming the coil was dead I tried to start. No problem, she fired up OK. I have not driven her yet, BUT have I damaged the coil / Elec Ignition.

I would appreciate your views on this.

Regards. Dave

[wilf]

I would take a simple route - If it works, it's good!

Had you left it with the coil etc. disconnected?

More surprised that your battery wasn't dead, but with no drain to the coil,it was only running the ignition and oil lights I guess.

[MikeParker]

I recently was calibrating the fuel level system with the ignition on and noticed the coil was getting hot. I disconnected the feed to the coil and Lumenition system, whilst working.

This afternoon I went into the garage and noticed that the ignition was on, it had been left on for more that 36 hrs!!! I expected the coil to be hot or cold / melted. It was cold.

Assuming the coil was dead I tried to start. No problem, she fired up OK. I have not driven her yet, BUT have I damaged the coil / Elec Ignition.

I would appreciate your views on this.

Regards. Dave

Sounds like on the first occasion the contact breaker contacts were closed so current going through coil and getting hot and on the second the contacts were open, so no current. For each time you run the car then stop you have a roughly 50/50 chance of landing on a position with closed contact breaker.

[wilf]

But Mike - it has Lumenition, so no contact points?

[Wheelz]

Yes but if the chopper was in a position cutting off the beam the coil would be switched off.

[MikeParker]

But Mike - it has Lumenition, so no contact points?

Wilf,

Some newer electronic modules cut the current to the coil when the engine is stopped, but the majority, particularly older units, do not. My old Lumenition unit did not. I.e. you could do static timing adjustment.

Mike

[DMT]

Thanks Gents

I guess I'm lucky.

[MikeParker]

Thanks Gents

I guess I'm lucky.

Quite lucky actually! About 1 in 5 chance of the coil not being on with the specified dwell angle of 36 degress. I am not sure most electronic pickups will give you that. Probably more like 1 in 3 for most. Still, luck was on your side!

[DMT]

Car went great yesterday. Went to Market Harborough car show. Very impressed.

Tested the car today with ignition on, coil started to heat up.

Thanks gents, problem solved.

Regards

Dave

[wilf]

Out of interest, is your car dark blue? A friend of mine was at that show and asked me if I knew it.

[DMT]

No, French Blue. I saw the Dark Blue one. Nice.