The Ford Barn

bigd1101 · 07-08-2022, 07:15 AM

Removing the old "Flame Thrower" coil and installing the new Flame Thrower, I ran into a mystery. The old coil was connected with the positive post running to a grounded nut on the radiator frame while the negative post ran to the distributor and then a wire running to the ignition out of the distributor.

Everything I've read says on the 6 volt system, you run the positive to the distributor and the negative to the ignition. Note that the distributor has an electronic ignition so maybe that is why the old configuration is set up this way?? I do know the wrong set up diminishes the power coming from these coils. Also, the plugs are gapped at .030 and it says I might have to re-gap the plugs a bit for the added spark power? I didn't notice any problems with the old gap with the old Flame Thrower coil....

Don

1931 flamingo · 07-08-2022, 08:57 AM

And why are we changing the coil?? Any problems with the way the old one is wired?? Just wondering.
Paul in CT

Merc Cruzer · 07-08-2022, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigd1101

Removing the old "Flame Thrower" coil and installing the new Flame Thrower, I ran into a mystery. The old coil was connected with the positive post running to a grounded nut on the radiator frame while the negative post ran to the distributor and then a wire running to the ignition out of the distributor.

Everything I've read says on the 6 volt system, you run the positive to the distributor and the negative to the ignition. Note that the distributor has an electronic ignition so maybe that is why the old configuration is set up this way?? I do know the wrong set up diminishes the power coming from these coils. Also, the plugs are gapped at .030 and it says I might have to re-gap the plugs a bit for the added spark power? I didn't notice any problems with the old gap with the old Flame Thrower coil....

Don

The old coil was connected with the positive post running to a grounded nut on the radiator frame while the negative post ran to the distributor and then a wire running to the ignition out of the distributor.

I would like to see a picture of that please.

[email protected]

Thank you.

bigd1101 · 07-08-2022, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1931 flamingo

And why are we changing the coil?? Any problems with the way the old one is wired?? Just wondering.
Paul in CT

The old one was losing power. Hitched up the new one the same way, took her out and all seems OK....

19Fordy · 07-08-2022, 10:06 AM

bigd1101:
Read the first two items listed in this Google search pertaining to how to wire up Pertronix coil for 6V positive ground and 6V negative ground systems.
https://www.google.com/search?q=wiri...hrome&ie=UTF-8

rotorwrench · 07-08-2022, 10:27 AM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Electronic ignition systems use a different method of supplying a half wave DC current to the ignition coil and each manufacturer of such products may vary in their designs. Use that diagram for positive ground systems in the link for Pertronix ignition hook up.

I've heard that the Pertonixs systems are fussy about how they are connected. Any mistakes in connection will likely kill their module.

bigd1101 · 07-08-2022, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rotorwrench

Electronic ignition systems use a different method of supplying a half wave DC current to the ignition coil and each manufacturer of such products may vary in their designs. Use that diagram for positive ground systems in the link for Pertronix ignition hook up.

I've heard that the Pertonixs systems are fussy about how they are connected. Any mistakes in connection will likely kill their module.

That's the route I'm taking. The old Flame Thrower hitch up is what I did with the new Frame Thrower coil. It's a Pertronix ignition too, so I figured why change the way it was. Took the car for a drive and all seems good.

Merc Cruzer · 07-08-2022, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 19Fordy

bigd1101:
Read the first two items listed in this Google search pertaining to how to wire up Pertronix coil for 6V positive ground and 6V negative ground systems.
https://www.google.com/search?q=wiri...hrome&ie=UTF-8

If I am reading the wiring diagram correctly, the "ignitor/distributor" is before the coil, where as the normal system, the points/distributor is after the coil.

rotorwrench · 07-09-2022, 08:12 AM

It's on the power side instead of the ground side so it manipulates the power to the coil rather than the a breaker on the ground side. When dealing with electronics a designer can go either way as long as it makes the coil saturate the core and collapse the field to induce a high tension spark.

Pertronix calls it an igniter but that's just a term they use for their module. The part that actually ignites the mixture is the spark plug. Ignitors are used in turbine engines for lighting off the flame but they use high tension in the joules range to get the kerosene & gasoline mixed with air to light off.

07-08-2022, 07:15 AM	#1
bigd1101 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: Ithaca Posts: 345	Installing new 6 volt coil quandary Removing the old "Flame Thrower" coil and installing the new Flame Thrower, I ran into a mystery. The old coil was connected with the positive post running to a grounded nut on the radiator frame while the negative post ran to the distributor and then a wire running to the ignition out of the distributor. Everything I've read says on the 6 volt system, you run the positive to the distributor and the negative to the ignition. Note that the distributor has an electronic ignition so maybe that is why the old configuration is set up this way?? I do know the wrong set up diminishes the power coming from these coils. Also, the plugs are gapped at .030 and it says I might have to re-gap the plugs a bit for the added spark power? I didn't notice any problems with the old gap with the old Flame Thrower coil.... Don

07-08-2022, 08:57 AM	#2
1931 flamingo Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: new britain,ct 06052 Posts: 9,390	Re: Installing new 6 volt coil quandary And why are we changing the coil?? Any problems with the way the old one is wired?? Just wondering. Paul in CT

07-08-2022, 10:06 AM	#5
19Fordy Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Coral Springs FL Posts: 10,950	Re: Installing new 6 volt coil quandary bigd1101: Read the first two items listed in this Google search pertaining to how to wire up Pertronix coil for 6V positive ground and 6V negative ground systems. https://www.google.com/search?q=wiri...hrome&ie=UTF-8

07-08-2022, 10:27 AM	#6
rotorwrench Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 16,440	Re: Installing new 6 volt coil quandary Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Electronic ignition systems use a different method of supplying a half wave DC current to the ignition coil and each manufacturer of such products may vary in their designs. Use that diagram for positive ground systems in the link for Pertronix ignition hook up. I've heard that the Pertonixs systems are fussy about how they are connected. Any mistakes in connection will likely kill their module.

07-09-2022, 08:12 AM	#9
rotorwrench Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 16,440	Re: Installing new 6 volt coil quandary It's on the power side instead of the ground side so it manipulates the power to the coil rather than the a breaker on the ground side. When dealing with electronics a designer can go either way as long as it makes the coil saturate the core and collapse the field to induce a high tension spark. Pertronix calls it an igniter but that's just a term they use for their module. The part that actually ignites the mixture is the spark plug. Ignitors are used in turbine engines for lighting off the flame but they use high tension in the joules range to get the kerosene & gasoline mixed with air to light off.