MTFCA Forum

MKossor

New spark plugs doesn't eliminate the spark plug variable based on my experience. I installed brand new, expensive, properly gapped Champion X spark plugs on a completely rebuilt engine with known good coils, all new wiring, including new plug wires and Delrin plastic coil box so spark from each coi...

MKossor

Also be sure not to over heat the tar or it can spontaneously combust in flames! Don't ask how I know

MKossor

Status update - project delays due to unexpected business travel. Great feedback from Beta testers. Still working on perfecting the coil contact interface. Another design iteration is in progress. Want to get it right before doing a production run. Thanks for the feedback and patience.

MKossor

And a great morning for a Model T ride to recognize all who served our country.

MKossor

Pocket Coil Checker - Update Several design revisions were made thanks to great feedback from folks here and the Model T FB groups. The new Digital Version is the same business card size but has significantly fewer components and more features: 1. Power turns on automatically when secondary resista...

MKossor

I believe the Capacitor value in original Ford coils was 0.5uF, if so, yes the new Model T coil secondary resistance and capacitor checker will tell you if the capacitor Value is 0.47uF +/- 20% and may not need replacing.

MKossor

Update: prototype circuit boards are due in this week. I was able to incorporate most of the great suggestions made here.

If all goes well, should have a production run made late May or early April.

Thank you for all the great comments and suggestions.

MKossor

Yes! Prototype circuit boards are due in this week. If all goes well, should have them available late May or early April.

Many great comments and suggestions from the discussion Forum. I was able to incorporate most of the suggestions.

MKossor

Unfortunately, no. Can't make Luray this year due to schedule conflict. Great swap meet, people and food. Looking forward to next year.

MKossor

Its that wonderful time of the year again! Time to test and tune Model T coils for the Summer Touring season. Learning the art of coil tuning is fun and easy to do with the right tools and videos. Taking an active roll in how well your Model T runs also adds a very satisfying component to the Model...

MKossor

Double sparking occurs because of improper coil point adjustment. The coil points open too earley, close and re-open as the Magnetic field is building up. The first spark fires early and is weak, the second spark fires late and is also weak. An HCCT measures average coil current as an indirect appro...

MKossor

Just finished building the prototype Model T Coil RC Tester. First pass success! The circuit simulation software really is that good in helping to get it right the first time. Only problem is.... the tiny beeper that fits in the compact case puts out a tiny sound that you can hardly hear. Question :...

MKossor

Great comments and questions. Right now, the intent is to provide both visual (Green LED) and audible (Beep) indication when the test passes. Same pass/fail indicators are used for Secondary winding resistance and capacitor value range tests. I figured the operator will know what test they are perfo...

MKossor

With the Holidays over and the bitter cold days of Winter dragging along, time to start thinking about Model T activities again. I've been told the Ol Model T Coil Beepers are in short supply and folks wanting one can't get one. If your not familiar with it, the Coil Beeper is a handy little device ...

MKossor

Here are typical Multi-Spark firing consistency results of 4 properly adjusted coils using a HCCT by an experienced HCCT user. 100 sparks are fired at the rate of 2000 RPM. The computer keeps track of the time each spark fires and plotted on graph for each coil. The firing distribution results may v...

MKossor

Brief redirect; the best tool for any Model T task is one you have available, choose to use and are satisfied with the results it achieves. Using period correct vintage tools whenever possible is another facet of the hobby that makes it more enjoyable for some and having knowledgeable vendors suppor...

MKossor

David, thank you the courage to share your experience with the ECCT and the engine performance using ECCT adjusted coils tuned for equal and consistent firing time. Unfortunately, that makes you a target of Ron’s snide comments which deter others from sharing their similar experiences here. No one s...

MKossor

Comparing ECCT test results on any other coil testers is like comparing Apples to Watermelons. The ECCT coil test measures the time the coil takes to charge up and fire the very first spark responsible for engine combustion. All other Model T coil testers measure average coil current as an indirect ...

MKossor

Congratulations on acquiring your first Model T! Another useful reference essential for getting a Model T running the best that it can and keeping it running well is the MTFCA Coil Testing and Tuning Webinar . The Webinar includes an overview of the Model T ignition system, key components, how they ...

MKossor

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everyone. Happy motoring in 2025.

MKossor

Brian,

So sorry to learn this sad news. Condolances to you and the Potter family.

MKossor

So sorry to learn this sad news. Condolances to Bob and family.

MKossor

Yes! the ECCT is still available and in stock.
More information can be found here: www.modeltecct.com

MKossor

Give someone tuned coils and they may enjoy a smooth running engine for a while. Teach someone to tune coils and they may enjoy a smooth running engine for a lifetime. It's not difficult, its fun to do and very gratifying taking an active roll in how well your engine performs as you drive along down...

MKossor

The weather looks great for next week, looking forward to seeing everyone at Hershey! Safe Travels.

MKossor

Bringing the following:
E-TIMER - Maintenane free drop in electronic ignition
I-TIMER - Maintenance free mechanical timer replacement
ECCT - Coil Tester tunes coils by actually measuring firing Time

Chocolate Field C2A-61. Stop by and say Hello!

MKossor

Who's going and what are you bringing? Screenshot_20240925_230157_Gallery.jpg E-TIMER - Maintenane free drop in electronic ignition I-TIMER - Maintenance free mechanical timer replacement ECCT - Coil Tester tunes coils by actually measuring firing Time Chocolate Field C2A-61. Stop by and say Hello!

MKossor

So sorry to learn this sad news. Will miss his Model T art with many others. Condolances to family and friends.

MKossor

The spark plug wire that’s laying directly on the burnt wire just isn’t good. NOTHING should be within 1" of the coil box spark plug wire terminals, spark plug wires or spark plug terminals. High voltage (10kV - 20kV) from the coil will always take the path of least resistance. Old, warn, or dried ...

MKossor

I think I heard of a permanent magnet on one of the early I-timers glue failing and the magnet falling off. If not noticed when removing the timer, would this have caused the issues? Just a wild thought. Engine overheating can be problematic to several engine components. If battery power is present...

MKossor

Paul, You heard no coils buzzing on trouble shooting step 1: (Slowly hand cranking the engine with battery ignition power on, spark retarded) Then you stated: "I disconnected the battery and pulled the coil box lid hoping to see something visually." Then you went onto trouble shooting step 2: (check...

MKossor

Actually, E-Timer failures are rare and I-Timer failures are even rarer. Yes, instances of the internal fuse blowing are much more common, providing fail safe protection of external wiring faults, shorted coil faults and defective coil point faults. Such incidents are gleefully boasted as E-Timer or...

MKossor

Paul, I provided a detailed trouble shooting process on your previus post of 7/13. What were the results of each step in the process? Knowing those answers should promptly lead to the likely root cause. I repeat that process here for convenience: Here are a few troubleshooting suggestions: With the ...

MKossor

A primary benefit of the E-Timer is superior ignition performance with zero maintenance. That includes eliminating periodic coil point adjustment and point replacement achieved by bypassing the coil points with tiny fuse jumpers. The coil points continue to buzz but operation is purely cosmetic as t...

MKossor

Another option is stock coils and an E-Timer. Operates on 6V-12V battery so eliminates all Magneto variables yet provides maintenence free performance and automatic Timing Advance. More information here: www.modeltetimer.com

MKossor

Coils drift with usage, humidity and temperature cycling. You may be missing out on better engine performance. Test and tune your coils regularly for best engine performance.

MKossor

so I built a tester to take the bigger coils Adjusting Kingston coils for equal and consistent firing time by actually measuring firing time (aka dwell time to fire spark method) can provided significantly improved engine performance compared to adjusting coils for the same average coil current. Th...

MKossor

Glad to learn your rebuild went well and on the mends. Sounds like you will be exercising soon doing 100 or so brake petal flexes as part of your PT regimen.

MKossor

High voltage spark can jump between spark plug wires or from spark plug wires to other wires or objects IF the spark plug wires have old, worn or dried out or cracked insulation and should be replaced. It is good practice to route spark plug wires to maintain a minimum 1" clearance from any other ob...

MKossor

Troubleshooting Model T ignition issues with E-Timer Electronic Ignition installed is not the same as Troubleshooting a stock Model T ignition. Do NOT "HOT WIRE" timer wires to ground to see if coils will Buzz! Doing so will instantly BLOW the fuse jumpers installed across the coil points requiring...

MKossor

Yep, I went with Dave's percision made Trans shaft as well and very pleased with performance and value. Don't waste your money on over priced alternatives in MHO.

MKossor

I almost made a big mistake of buying new high priced drums when I learned of Dave Nolting drums. Took a big hit cancelling my oreder and switching over but sure glad I did.
Great drums and great value providing great performance for the last 3 years with Kevlar bands. Thank you Dave!

MKossor

Thank you Kirk for the status updates and for sharing you experiences with the Montana 500. Great stories.

MKossor

Thanks for the status update. Sounds like your coil are ready to tuning now that you have verified point contacts are good with proper point geometry. Find someone in your area with an ECCT coil tester to help tune all 4 coils for equal and consistent firing Time. You will be amazed at what a differ...

MKossor

And should you decide to proceed as Humbelj mentioned, the car can run equal to or better than magneto by installing an E-Timer. 20 minute install vs engine overhaul until you are ready. More info here: www.modeltetimer.com

MKossor

FYI, ECCT, I-Timer and E-Timer Back in stock.

www.modeltecct.com

www.modeltitimer.com

www.modeltetimer.com

MKossor

An HCCT, used properly, can do a fair job of synchronizing coils and minimizing current draw. Provided all 4 coils are identical electrically and mechanically. In other words, have the same coil inductance, and resistance with matched coil points having the same mechanical properties. Otherwise, th...

MKossor

This video on coil testing and tuning should help answer your questions. https://youtu.be/RYcGD-8Ol3s?t=364

MKossor

I watched 3 transmission videos that should have been called how not to. @ first I thought it funny, then realized this guy was "teaching" folks how to destroy transmissions. The same can be said for his coil testing and tuning videos. How Not to test and tune coils. Travesty newbies view and belie...

MKossor

Steve, nice work and wonderful documentation as usual. Thank You for sharing your methods and experience.

MKossor

Great news on resolving your timer and fuel issues.

and had my coils tested

Still highly recommend you find someone in your area with an ECCT coil tester and have your coils adjusted for equal and consistent firing Time; I think you'll find it well worth the effort.

MKossor

Well, there's your problem! What Steve said. Coils checked by my over qualified and expert friend today on a Robo Strobe. A Novice with the correct tool can achieve results a seasoned expert can only hope to impervising with tools designed for another purpose. The ECCT directly measures the time a c...

MKossor

Find someone in your area with an ECCT coil tester to properly adjust your coils for equal and consistent firing Time to rule out coil adjustment.

Cleaning a worn out timer may serve little purpose, what type of timer and what condition are the contacts in?

MKossor

Is there any difference in performance between the E-timer or the I-timer in a speedster setting with coils and a battery? Pat has it right, the I-Timer only activates the coils precisely synchronized with piston position; ignition timing and engine performance still largely depend how well coil po...

MKossor

limiting factors can become the timer and coils

Not with the E-Timer and stock coils!
Automatic Timing Advance continues to 2600 RPM with precision of +/- 1 degree on 12V.

MKossor

That is quite a complement Dan, thank you.

MKossor

given there was no warrantee with it Not correct! The official warranty is 1 year parts and labor. In practice, minor issues have been fixed at little or no charge over the past 15 years. There was one notable exception where an E-Timer was submerged in salt water for 2 weeks due to flooding that r...

MKossor

Thank you for sharing your experiences using the E-Timer Electronic Ignition and the I-Timer Ideal Timer. Approaching the 15th anniversary for the the E-Timer and 7th anniversary for the I-Timer . Anyone missing the thrill and experience of routine timer maintenance can always go through the motions...

MKossor

What is the difference in capacitors with the same rating? Capacitors are electronic components with the basic function being the the ability to store and release energy. They also have the ability to pass Alternating Current (AC) while blocking Direct Current (DC). These characteristics of a capac...

MKossor

I'm actually getting new replica brush holders cast out of zinc right now. I just approved the engineering drawings last night and should see them in a month or so. It will be one of my small contributions to the hobby to help save these aging generators (and starters). Thank you Jeff! Just wanted ...

MKossor

See the ECCT FAQ page for more information on testing ignition coil capacitors using the ECCT.

https://modeltecct.com/faqs

FAQ: "Does the capacitor have to be replaced if it tests POOR?"

MKossor

The present production run of E-Timer, I-Timer and ECCT is almost sold out. Inventory is limited but suggest ordering soon if anyone was considering these items for the upcoming touring season. Production costs have increased significantly (just like everything else) so there will be a price increas...

MKossor

Sorry to learn this sad news. Russ was very kind to share his knowledge and coach me in rebuilding my vaporizer when I called him for help. I encountered difficulty and couldn't get it running smoothly. I followed Russ's guidance and had it running well soon after. Wonderful role model for the Model...

MKossor

So far I see most people prefer the E Timer, but when I checked on the web page there is nothing in stock. Are they still in business? Yep, still in busines and in inventory, just out of the office this week don't want to disappoint anyone with slow shipping. Will be back on stock soon for quick sh...

MKossor

And should you get tired of periodic timer maintenence and replacement, the Ideal Timer is another option.

60K+ miles and still operating with the same +/- 1 deg percision and consistancy as the day installed with Zero maintenance.

MKossor

Afrazer wrote: ↑
Mon Jan 08, 2024 9:06 am
Will have a table or two for anyone that wants to bring a aftermarket ignition to have on display.

I can bring alone an E-Timer electronic ignition and an Ideal I-Timer to display if those would be of interested.

MKossor

Looking forward to it!

MKossor

Good to have you back on the forum Steve and very good to read things continue to improve.

MKossor

This is really interesting. Does this imply that coil amperage is directly proportional to time-to-fire? i.e. Low coil amperage = more negative timing (advaced of zero) on the ECCT? Coversely High coil amperage = positive time (retarded from zero) on the ECCT? I'll definitely investigate this relat...

MKossor

speedytinc wrote: ↑
Thu Nov 23, 2023 4:02 pm
There is the advantage of setting all the coils with a low amp draw on the ecct @ say a -2 or -3 late firing.

Slight clarification, firing with negative timing error is firing Early.

Great discussion, thanks for sharing your experience.

MKossor

With the ECCT, the spark happens every time with the pistons all at the exact same level. Clarification; the timer activates a coil to begin the process of charging up and firing spark. Tuning coils for equal and consistent firing time minimizes ignition timing variation contribution due to the coi...

MKossor

Perhaps you could explain, better than me, why in the production version the current setting reference was deleted and why when the parameters you settled on, pretty much ensured when a coil is set up correctly the current draw will look after itself. When tuning coils for equal and consistent dwel...

MKossor

I read that your scientific tests confirm my quick empirical seat of the pants video test: coils can be tuned quite well by non electronic means, yielding no significant perceptable performace differences. An unanticipated conclusion not supported by the TDAS data in my view. The data presented in ...

MKossor

Steven, Thank you for an excellent production and presentation. Your well planned methodical approach and narration was a pleasure to view. I applaud your curiosity, motivation and willingness to share what you learned here on the forum. Many great replies, valid considerations and thought-provoking...

MKossor

Great report Dave, thank you for the update.

MKossor

When it comes to the Model T electrical system, what Ron Patterson says is right. Well, perhaps with exception to ignition coil tuning for equal and consistent firing time. On that particular topic, opinions and experience varies markedly. Otherwise, certinally a valued contributor of considerable ...

MKossor

Remove all coils from the coil box then repeat the timer continuity measurements. There should be no connectivity between timer terminals then. With the coils installed in the coil box and sharing a common power connection, there will be continuity between each timer segment via respective coil prim...

MKossor

Sill looking for RR door panel for 1927 touring, WTB. Thanks

MKossor

If interested in an HCCT for a display of early automotive technology, hope you find what you are looking for. If interested in tuning Model T coils for equal and consistent firing time, an ECCT is a more cost effective tool better suited for that purpose. More information available here: www.modelt...

MKossor

Adding fail safe protection to your Model T electrical system is sound advice advocated by John Regan cira 2008 and still holds today. The recommended fuse value is 25A to protect a 20A system (12 AWG wire) or 1.25% rated operating current. Here is a link to the original post along with some related...

MKossor

Thank you for sharing the details of your trip Steve. Wishing you a safe and enjoyable trip.

MKossor

Chocolate Field C2A 61 Electronically Cranked Coil Tester - ECCT Coil testing and Tuning Demonstrations of Standard 1913-1927 KW/Ford coils AND Heinze Coils Maintenance free Electronic Timer Ignition - E-Timer Maintenance free Ideal Timer - I-Timer Looking forward to seeing everyone. Stop by and sa...

MKossor

Wow, great story Don. Congratulations!

MKossor

I have over 10,000 miles on this car, and have never had the lid off the coil box. There is a huge difference between a Model T engine that " runs " and a Model T engine that runs well . Its really difficult to appreciate the latter if you only experienced the former. The chances all 4 coils have t...

MKossor

Recommended reference is the ECCT instruction manual available here: https://modeltecct.com/ecct-downloads Another resource is the FAQ page found here: https://modeltecct.com/faqs In short: the ECCT capacitor test is very sensitive to leakage resistance and can produce a " POOR " result but does not...

MKossor

One needs to use a device such as this in order to properly diagnose and adjust a coil box. Adjusting coils by measuring average coil current as an indirect approximation of coil dwell time to fire spark was certainly a marked improvement over adjusting coils by sight or ear. Today, however, modern...

MKossor

Wow

MKossor

Here is another link I think you may find informative and of interest about Heinze coils.

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=26730&p=205560

MKossor

Matt, Nice work documenting your coil rebuild process.

Ron, Congratulations on your 25,000th coil rebuild.
A look back on your past reported milestones and its apparent your picking up speed with all that experience!

MKossor

That is quite a range of resistance values. Possible explanations for the variation in secondary resistance values is use of different diameter wire (resistance increases as wire diameter decreases), different number of turns of wire or both. This presumes all coil secondary windings are wound using...

MKossor

1. It is operated by ear - much similar to tuning a coil.

Not all Advice is good advice. For example......

MKossor

How much cylinder firing error is exceptable/not noticeable? one degree? 3,4,6? How much error till performance is noticeable? Top Very clear and concise questions of high relevance to the discussion. Unfortunately, the answer sought is not always a clear and concise in my experience. There are man...

MKossor

the balance of the quality of coil performance attained is entirely in the hands of the operator Well, that sums up use of the HCCT vintage technology very well. I will add the behavior of coil dwell time to fire also differs with the abnormally slow magneto voltage rise time and abnormally low vol...

MKossor

Contradictory to modern perception the Model T Ford and its ignition system has no need to be spot on. ....... learning how to do these things in the manner of the 1920s Model T owner is what I'm after. ........ Yes, it's relatively easy to get a Model T engine to "Run" with coils tuned by ear. It ...

MKossor

Not this year, unfortunately. Perhaps next year. we had a wonderful time last time.

MKossor

Tired of messy timer maintenance every 500 Miles? Surging, jerking, missing....

MKossor

Spring time is coil tune up time

MKossor

Oh Well, so much for Open AI on this task.... 4. When the timer opens the electrical contacts, the stored electrical energy is sent to the spark plugs, which produce a spark that ignites the fuel mixture in the engine's cylinders. Nope, sorry but that's completely wrong. It's the coil points electri...

MKossor

Now I must get back to the microchip I dropped in my model t...so far no difference. The only ignition related microchip that can be dropped into a Model T that I am aware of is the E-Timer. If you are experiencing no difference in engine performance after installing an E-Timer the root causes are ...

MKossor

FYI, Luke Chennell of Midnight Coil Repair now tests, rebuilds, and tunes Heinze coils using the Heinze Edition ECCT. Contact Luke here: https://www.facebook.com/MidnightCoilRepair/

Search found 446 matches