Less "noisy" coil wire recommendations?

[Pat Martone]

When using a CB radio, are there any recommendations for a less "noisy" distributor-to-coil wire, to reduce the ignition noise?

Thanks.

[Purdy Swoft]

You could use the spark plug adapters with 14 mm resistor spark plugs. You would also need the modern distributor cap with carbon filled plug and coil wires. This should work. I've never tryed using a CB radio in a model A, but that is basically what modern cars use. Maybe an electrical engineer will chime in.

[Tom Wesenberg]

I agree with what Purdy said as the best solution. If you go this route be sure to poke a wire into the ends of the carbon wires for a better connection. I used to have to repair carbon plug wire ends that burned, causing a weak spark. A 1" long thin wire poked into the end, then bent over the side before the terminal is crimpped in place is what I did.

I wonder if you might also need to use a supply line filter to the CB? This is usually just a small capcitor and choke connected to the power wire for the CB..

[MikeK]

Following up on Tom's last sentence, look at this: LINK

[Mitch//pa]

agree to switch over to supression wires is the best fix hit it at the source. the inline capacitor in the power lead may do the trick by itself, i would try that first and if the result is not to your liking switch the wires also.

[Pat Martone]

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Thanks for the helpful replies.
We use CB radios to talk to each other during long club tours.
I am an Electrical Engineer.
I was hoping a resistor or insulated coil wire, alone, might help reduce ignition noise coming into the CB's reciever, because I don't want to change-out my stock distributor or the brass "straps" that go to the spark plugs for modern wires, because I prefer to retain the original look.
From the replies, it appears I will have to live with the ignition noise unless I want a modern distributor and wiring system.

[Pete]

Originally Posted by Pat Martone

Thanks for the helpful replies.
We use CB radios to talk to each other during long club tours.
I am an Electrical Engineer.
I was hoping a resistor or insulated coil wire, alone, might help reduce ignition noise coming into the CB's reciever, because I don't want to change-out my stock distributor or the brass "straps" that go to the spark plugs for modern wires, because I prefer to retain the original look.
From the replies, it appears I will have to live with the ignition noise unless I want a modern distributor and wiring system.

Roger on that.
It is EXTREMELY difficult to filter ignition noise out of an AM,read CB, radio. Almost impossible and retain original engine configuration.
The best solution, but not cheapest, is go to GMRS(general mobile radio service) or FRS(family radio service) type radios. These are FM and not subject to most noise.

A very slight improvement for your current installation would be to mount the antenna on the back of the car if not there now.

[Pat Martone]

Thanks again for the advice.
My antenna is already mounted on the back of the car.

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

Pat,
On Minerva, I ran the late cap with carbon resistor wires, mostly because OOOOLD Model A guys said it wouldn't even run. It stopped all the static on my vintage transistor radio in the car & my digital multi meter worked well with the engine running! Bill W. & The Grounded Dog.

[Pat Martone]

Thanks, Bill.

[P.S.]

Those pretty looking straps between the distributor and the spark plugs act like antennas and spew RF very effectively. On the spectrum analyzer, I can see spikes all the way up into the UHF band when the A is running.

Adding suppression to the CB radio power lead may help filter some alternator whine, but it won't help to filter the ignition noise since that noise is coming in through the antenna. You can verify this by running the CB off of a gel cell battery instead of the car's electrical system.

I suspect the Model A ignition system could be tamed a bit by using the distributor cap that uses "normal" spark plug wires between the cap and the plugs, and using resistor type wires.

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

[QUOTE=P.S.;685162]Those pretty looking straps between the distributor and the spark plugs act like antennas and spew RF very effectively. On the spectrum analyzer, I can see spikes all the way up into the UHF band when the A is running.

Adding suppression to the CB radio power lead may help filter some alternator whine, but it won't help to filter the ignition noise since that noise is coming in through the antenna. You can verify this by running the CB off of a gel cell battery instead of the car's electrical system.
Yo, Paul, "SPEW" is a great term! When I fire Vermin with the brass straps & NO hood, I hope my garage door opener doesn't go beserk! Bill W. (The car's been down so long that we can't find the hood!)