Subject: RE: ? ignition wiring?

Author: ju-@astrocomma.com

Date: Aug 22, 2005, 7:39 AM

Post ID: 1719331521

Hi John,

Yes, I think it is time for a new coil (unless anyone with
more
electical/coil experience corrects me). I just went out and
checked mine
and it was reading 4.4 Ohms across the terminals. This is the
old one
that I used before I installed electronic ignition. I've got a
bunch of
cross-references on my website that should help you find one
local and
cheap. Or, just get one from MG Cycle (http://www.mgcycle.com)
-
although I couldn't find one on their website???

John Fish wrote:

Greg Bender wrote:

Thanks, Greg! I took the ground wire off the coil, then I

checked

resistance across the + and - terminals of the coil. I am

geting 1.8

ohms. Time for a new coil, do you think?

John

Hi John,

Here are a few things you can check...

First off, it seems that most of your wiring is correct.

However, you

state that you are connecting the negative terminal on the

coil to

ground. This should not be. There are two possible wires

that connect to

the coil negative terminal. One wire goes to the

tachometer (which you

may or may not have) and the other wire goes to the

distributor and

connects there (along with the wire from the coil).

Second, you state that the positive coil wire is coming

from the

ignition switch. That is correct and you should be getting

12.x whatever

volts there with the ignition switched "on". I'm not sure

what voltage

you would have if measured between the positive and

negative terminals

on the coil??? But, I don't think it is a valuable

measurement to worry

about. I believe the best check is for ohms across those

terminals (with

no juice flowing). You should have 3 Ohms of resistance

when measured

that way.

Third, make sure that the connections from the distributor

to the spark

plugs are correct. The one nearest the left side of the

bike goes to the

right (#1) cylinder. The one nearest the right side of the

bike goes to

the left (#2) cylinder.

Fourth, make sure that your points are properly gapped.

This is done

with the left cylinder (#2) at TDC. Just follow the

directions in

Chiltons or the workshop manual...they both do a decent

job of

describing the procedure (both are available for download

from my

website).

Fifth, make sure that your distributor cap and rotor are

installed

properly and good shape.

Finally, if you've done everything and it still won't

start, I've found

that a jump start from a running car gives the extra spin

needed to get

everything going. This was when I was using a garden

tractor battery

instead of the massive upgrade I've got installed now! :>

Hope this helps and be sure to let us know how it goes.

Regards,

Greg Bender


John Fish wrote:

My new-to-me 1972 Eldo has no spark. It had an SK

enterprises CDI unit

on it that I took off in a quest to simplify. It died

on me on my first

ride while the CDI unit was still on it. I would like

to review the

wiring of the coil and distributor. Please bear with

me, as I am not

good with electronics, so speak slowly and clearly and

don't make any

sudden moves. :) Also, I got about 6 bee stings while

mowing the lawn

and the benadryl is making me dopey (er).

White wire from the ignition switch to the "+" terminal

of the coil.

wire from the "-" coil terminal to the distributor

terminal in paralell

with the condensor. wire from the "-" coil terminal to

ground. wire

from the center of the distributor cap to the center of

the coil. spark

plug wires to the plugs.

No spark at the plugs. no spark when I take off the

wire next to the

condensor, turn on the ign, and hold it close to the

block while opening

the points.

12v measured at the battery. 10.8v measured across "+"

to "-" at the

coil.

New condensor.

Sorry about the length.

John

1972 Eldo
2000 V11 sport

Regards,

Greg Bender
1971 Ambassador
2000 Quota
http://www.thisoldtractor.com/gtbender

Florida MGNOC website
http://www.thisoldtractor.com/fl_mgnoc

Minnesota MGNOC website
http://www.thisoldtractor.com/mn_mgnoc

1972 Eldo
2000 V11 sport

Regards,

Greg Bender
1971 Ambassador
2000 Quota