MTFCA Forum

MKossor

Dennis, a more recent approach is a Vane actuator used by the I-Timer. Rather than a roller, flapper or brush; the 4 magnets tell the Timer which coil to activate and the windows cut in the outer diameter tell the timer when to activate the coil without any physical contact so its maintenance free a...

MKossor

The Nu-Rex Generator Cut Out (Semi-Conductor Type) js NOT a voltage regulator. It does not "put out" up to 20A; I believe it is just a Diode cut out capable of passing up to 20A of current through it which is apparently the same current ratings as the original cut out contacts. The FP VR is a comple...

MKossor

Charles J wrote: ↑
Sat May 16, 2020 6:43 pm
Would like to hear from people who have used one

Interesting the most verbose response from outside the OP's target audience. Thanks to the I-Timer users who shred their honest experience with it.

MKossor

Thank you for the all the wonderful feed back. Very please to know so many found the Webinar informative and helpful. Time well spent sharing knowledge and information that helps others enjoy the hobby more. Have a safe and enjoyable touring season.

MKossor

Keith, insufficient data. Define "does not work" ; I assume it does not generate any spark but does it : Draw current? Do the points open periodically ( ie buzz)? Does the secondary measure around 3200 Ohms If so, could be arcing internally ( Read URSOL) Is there excessive arcing at the points when ...

MKossor

Very sorry to learn this sad news. Enjoyed reading Herm's posts and the knowledge he shared with the Forum. Condolances to family and friends.

MKossor

Bobt, wish you contacted me first if you encountered difficulty with E-Timer installation or operation. Sluggish/sub-par performance is always an indication of insufficient timer advance that is typically easily remedied. The E-Timer provides the best Model T engine ignition performance possible wit...

MKossor

Dave, the ECCT capacitor test is very sensitive to leakage so Capacitor test results can easily be skewed as a result. The most important detail is the Capacitor Value - should be 0.47uF but can vary (+/- 20%) so Capacitor Test results displaying the Value in the range of 0.33uF to 0.56uF is accepta...

MKossor

I received notice that MTFCA Webinars will be subject to the same rules that apply to the Forum. That means vendors, suppliers and developers of Model T products or services offered for sale commercially are ineligible to provide content for MTFCA hosted Webinars. The coil testing/tuning topics I pr...

MKossor

Thanks for all the replies. It appears sufficient interest does exist to begin preparation. Since this is an interactive activity, I would like to invite a few folks to participate by checking their inventory of spare Model T parts for coils with used sets of coil points (later production points wit...

MKossor

Proposed Coil Testing/Tuning Webinar in the future if there is sufficient interest to warrant preparation and hosting. Proposed Topics Coil Testing Capacitor Value/Leakage - When to replace capacitor Coil Firing Time/Consistency - When to adjust points Coil Point Inspection/Refurbishing - When to re...

MKossor

Neil has it right (Ding, Ding, Ding). On first thought, mistakenly thought the maximum (peak) output voltage would occur in position C because that is the position for in car re-charge when you zap the magneto coils and thought the output would be reciprocal - NOT! The maximum magneto voltage output...

MKossor

Poppie, not sure I understand your answers as they pertain to magneto waveform points A,B and C above. Please clarify.

MKossor

Yes, but what are the fly wheel magnet positions with respect to the magneto coils corresponding to the magneto output voltage waveform? A. Maximum (peak +V) positive voltage output B. Maximum (peak -V) negative voltage output C. Zero (0) magneto voltage output Just trivia for anyone remembering ele...

MKossor

Final answer? Is he right?

MKossor

Magneto Trivia question: What are the physical positions of the flywheel magnets with respect to the field coils for maximum (peak) output voltage and minimum (zero) output Voltage?

MKossor

Tony, here's the math: 1000 RPM / 60 sec = 16.667 RPS (Revolutions Per Second) Each engine revolution produces 16 magneto pulses: 8 positive and 8 negative pulses = 8 complete cycles per engine revolution so Magneto output frequency equals engine speed (in RPS) x 8 so that is: 16.6667 x 8 = 133.333H...

MKossor

Matt, great minds think a like. I started on an " E-Dash " project a while back: a magnetic mount, 2 line LCD display powered by 2 wire connection to the Magneto post that would simultaneously display: Speed (MPH) Magneto Voltage Engine RPM Engine Temperature Micro controller based, of course, so MP...

MKossor

A unique feature of the Anco (aka Anderson) timer is the ability to adjust the activation timing of the individual coils by bending the internal prongs. This is typical done statically. All this effort is of course moot if the individual coils are not all adjusted for equal and consistent firing Tim...

MKossor

Steve is great, very knowledgable and helpful when ordering parts for every job I have done on my 1927 Touring. Thanks Steve!

MKossor

Thanks for the additional information Philip. Not the capacitor since it is new. Are there missing sparks during the multi-Spark test? If so, then the coil may be sparking internally which is typically a non-repairable fault. That can happen if the coil was ever operated without a suitable spark gap...

MKossor

What do you mean by Odd readings? A screen shot of the capacitor test, coil dwell test and multi-spark test results would indeed be helpful. Did the capacitor test results indicate proper value (0.47uF)? A coil with a bad capacitor (low value for example) can be adjusted for near normal firing time ...

MKossor

I too hope this is over by Hershey. I found this article on Social Distancing helped put things in perspective for me. https://www.ariadnelabs.org/resources/articles/news/social-distancing-this-is-not-a-snow-day/ We have not experienced a Pandemic like this in a long time and unfortunately, many fol...

MKossor

The E-Timer is an Electronic Timer for the Model T housed in a high quality reproduction Ford timer case and is immune to timing cover misalignment. It uses the original coils and original wiring without any modifications to the car or wiring. The coil points are bypassed with tiny fuse jumpers so y...

MKossor

Pleased to affirm no involvement in this incident.

MKossor

Great and welcome news!

MKossor

While the concept of inductive discharge spark ignition is fairly simple to understand, attaining good engine performance in the Model T requires a little more knowledge and skill. That is because the multiple coils in the Model T each must be properly adjusted for equal and consistent dwell time to...

MKossor

Bobt, Short Answer: Adjusting coils on a running Model T is NOT recommended for 2 main reasons: 1. You cannot effectively adjust coils for good engine performance 2. You CAN get shocked touching the coil points with the coils operating Long Answer: Good Model T engine performance requires properly t...

MKossor

I took the 5 coils to a friends ECCT and they all failed. Capacitors Indicated POOR [/size] Neil, the most important detail of the ECCT capacitor test is the capacitor Value; it should read between 0.47uF and 0.56uF. If so, the capacitor does Not need replacing. A Poor result with proper value read...

MKossor

Scott, Your reference 3V magneto output is actually low based on my test data; my Allan HCCT peak voltage output is 5V cranking at 60 RPM (1 revolution per second which I would say is on par with hand crank starting given only 1/4 turn is turned at that rate). I checked my HCCT test data and noted ...

MKossor

Scott said " the coil is a current-operated device" but later said "You're never going to get more than around 3V from hand cranking" regarding concerns about difficult hand cranking coils adjusted for equal and consistent dwell time to fire spark that test higher average HCCT current. Wait, What? ...

MKossor

Luke, It is indeed gratifying to earn positive performance reports using coils adjusted with your tool. The problem I encountered was doubt and criticism of readers skeptical of strictly subjective performance comparisons vulnerable to placebo effect and reluctance to report disappointing results. ...

MKossor

Mark, improved performance operating on AC/Magneto versus 12V battery is due to the limitations of using average coil current as an indirect approximation for coil dwell time to fire spark to adjust your coils regardless of how experienced the operator is based on my TDAS test results. A novice usi...

MKossor

Great progress on this collaborative effort. Once the coil test algorithm is finalized, I'm looking forward to how the next phase evolves on validating the coil test algorithm. That part was a lot of fun and yielded some interesting and non-intuitive results that helped optimize the ECCT coil test ...

MKossor

Good news, hope that coil tuning is all it was and lesson learned.

MKossor

Thanks for the update. Good luck cleaning it up and re-assembling.

MKossor

Coil point adjustment drifts with use, more than many realize as I stated in my Dec 15 post; needing periodic adjustment using proper tools not unusual. However, coil points should NOT have worn to the point of needing replacement after 3 years with moderate use you described if the capacitors are ...

MKossor

Great job Rob! I thought that car on the cover looked familiar when I opened up my copy this morning.
Sure enough.

MKossor

Great New Year Resolution:

Learn how to test and adjust your coils for optimum performance.

MKossor

Precise coil activation
No messy maintenance

Win / Win

MKossor

Wow Indeed James, classic example of the pot calling the kettle black. More Sarcastic orthogonal comments certinally do not further your purported thoughts for a better forum in 2020. Perhaps we can All Try a little harder to that end. By the way, I adapted the standard use of larger font from Stev...

MKossor

Scott, Your likening time keeping between the ECCT and HCCT stated on 12/20 10:36PM between mechanical and digital watches for an event (meeting with another person) that has a error consequence (minutes) is many magnitudes distinct from ignition timing consequence (millionths of a seconds). I atte...

MKossor

Jim, coils do require periodic maintenance and adjustment for equal and consistent firing time. Consider sending your coils to Erik Larson (www.modeltcoils.com) or Brent Mize (www.coildocter.com) to have them tuned up. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised with the performance when you get them bac...

MKossor

Acknowledging the transfer of knowledge is sometimes a futile pursuit, I will not dwell further other than attempt to clarify one point. Some folks like myself live in congested areas where the ability to pull out in traffic quickly when the opportunity presents is essential. The ability to acceler...

MKossor

A much better analogy for the HCCT to ECCT comparison is using a sun dial to tell time rather than a digital watch. Yes, that much of a difference. The sun's position to tell time is akin to using coil current to tell time. Granted they are on different scales but there are more variables involved ...

MKossor

Very interesting, some might even say eye opening.

Matt, Luke is spot on; Stick to monitoring the primary coil current. It provides all the information you need without risk or exposure to dangerous High Voltage.

MKossor

Chris, good catch. the caption should have read "1" (meaning single) spark Not 1" (1 inch) spark.

Right you are Luke P, will do.

MKossor

The Ideal Timer is now available for use with properly adjusted Model T coils that provides the best Model T engine performance possible using stock coils and Never needs Maintenance! The Ideal Timer ( I-Timer ) is a direct, drop in, replacement for the stock Model T timer that provides precise coi...

MKossor

Tis the Season!

Coil maintenance and tuning season that is

Happy Holidays

MKossor

Good progress, superimposing coil firings with each press of the switch. Displaying coil firing current history is an excellent metric to gauge coil firing consistency as you stated. Coil firing consistency ultimately equates to engine ignition performance. Here are two examples of coil firing hist...

MKossor

Luke, nice work. I would love to join in the technical discussion but am prohibited from doing so by forum rules imposed by the present "Leadership". Thats's because I am a current vendor that sells a commercial Model T product and therefore barred from posting related lengthy descriptions or photo...

MKossor

"Coils rebuilt several years ago." Find someone in your area to test/adjust your coils for equal and consistent firing Time . Coil point adjustment drifts with use, more than many realize. Also make sure the coil box contacts are all tight and clean. Verify the coils are all seated and secured prop...

MKossor

Adam, what Luke is doing is showing folks how to do for Free what others have taken years to research, develop and build into established products that benefit the Model T hobby. That’s his prerogative to freely share his investment in time, effort and education. I feel a few comments are in order ...

MKossor

Condolences Mike to you and your family. Thoughts and prayers are with you.

MKossor

Here is a link showing the tool. I believe the rules permit me to share a link. I received over 40 signatures on the petition to revoke the Vendor Discussion rule at Hershey. The rule presently prohibits vendors from posting photos, detailed descriptions or discussions of their creations here on th...

MKossor

Thanks for the interest in the new tool. I will post a website link in accordance with the rules as soon as I get back from Hershey. It really is a New tool having just received the first run a few days ago and had no time to prepare and upload the information getting ready for the trip to Hershey....

MKossor

Interesting common theme emerging with the few who support the Gag Rule; senior members who don't like sharing the forum lime light and resort to belittling personal attacks on posts that attract more attention than theirs then sometimes attempt to rationalize their behavior touting their intellect...

MKossor

Mark, thanks. email sent. Scott, thanks for the well wishes. Always try to make the trip to Hershey a little more interesting with new things. Yes, that is what I call the Forum Gag rule that suppresses the open exchange of information by product developers. The rule came about because some folks s...

MKossor

New innovative tool makes coil adjusting faster and easier. Sorry, New Forum Gag rule forbids me from describing merits of the new tool or posting photos of it. Folks attending Hershey can see it up close and use it at Chocolate field space C2A 61 Forum participants visiting will also have the oppo...

MKossor

Steve, good troubleshooting approach. Fuel/mixture could be at issue. Good process of elimination checking for intake leak. Another thing to try is swapping the carburetor for a known good one to rule that out. Good luck identifying and resolving the root cause. Looking forward to learning what it w...

MKossor

Hershey2018.jpg See the E-Timer - Electronic ignition I-Timer - Ideal Timer ECCT - Electronically Cranked Coil Tester Coil testing and tuning demonstrations. Take advantage of show specials while supplies last. Be first to See what's NEW this year! Stop by and say hello! Chocolate Field C2A 61

MKossor

I sent all MTFCA Directors my email request to repeal the Gag Rule prohibiting Model T product developers from discussing the merits of their creations, photos, and fielding application questions on the forum; has anyone else?

MKossor

BINGO! - those are both excellent points that makes one ponder; who the heck is benefiting from suppressing discussion of good products that work really well and helps folks enjoy the hobby more? It sure isn't Forum members or developers who take considerable risks to make products for the Hobby.

MKossor

Let your feelings be known to those who set the Rules.

https://mtfca.com/clubpages/contacts.htm

NOTHING will change otherwise!

MKossor

I agree with Dick. The bottom line is the New forum Rule prohibiting Model T product developers from discussing the merits of their creations, theory of operation, and fielding application questions of interest to many here was a poor decision and disservice the forum. How the heck is suppressing d...

MKossor

Actually, the standalone ECCT can test the magneto output is sufficient to properly operate coils without the software. The test scale is similar to the venerable St. Louis Magneto tester for those familiar with that instrument. The scale is somewhat meaningless; based on model year as opposed to vo...

MKossor

Scott, that is a pretty good summary of what typically happens. Unfortunately, I don't have a lot of time to revive old crusty coil points until near the end of the day when things get slow. Lots of folks stopping by to see the E-Timer, I-Timer and ECCT; discussing or demonstrating how they work. B...

MKossor

Steve, Thanks for documenting and sharing your trip with the Forum. Always enjoy reading about adventures traveling in a T posted by you and Dean Yoder. Safe travels.

MKossor

Larry, I will be at Hershey this year, Chocolate Field C2A 61 Demonstrating the ECCT coil tester and would be happy to test your coils for you. Testing is fast and easy, However, do not offer coil rebuilding services. I can adjust the points for you but may need to refer you to rebuilders if the po...

MKossor

Common ECCT user comments: "My car has never run better" "Easier starting, Smoother Running, More Power!" "I can now take hills in high pedal that I could not before" "I had No prior experience adjusting Model T coils; even a Novice can adjust coils like a professional" "I purchased rebuilt coils s...

MKossor

Chocolate Field C2A 61 Hershey2019c.jpg See the E-Timer Electronic ignition I-Timer Ideal Timer ECCT - Electronically Cranked Coil Tester Coil testing and tuning demonstrations. Take advantage of show specials while supplies last. Be first to See what's NEW this year! Stop by and say hello! Chocola...

MKossor

Scott, your post speaks volumes to those of us who HAVE ventured ahead, pursued our passion and invested heavily in both time and money to produce products for this tiny fraction of a very focused hobby. THIS forum IS the life blood that determines if a Model T product or service succeeds or fails ...

MKossor

WOW! Great story and great adventure Dave. Congratulations on a successful run.

MKossor

One week remaining, offer expires 8/15/19

MKossor

Don, thanks for your inquiry. The E-Timer provides the ultimate in engine ignition performance because it eliminates coil point adjustment and magneto variables in addition to timer variables. The I-Timer eliminates the same timer variables and delivers similar engine ignition performance using prop...

MKossor

Great story and success. Congratulations.

MKossor

Indeed. They are my first call whenever I need parts. Steve Lang is very knowledgeable and helpful whenever I have questions.
Thank You Langs!

MKossor

Thanks for the inquiry but I will not be able to attend this year, having Timer and Coil problems....... (just kidding :lol: ) Need to replace the rear seals before taking on a long trip (25 miles - is long for me). Will be at Hershey in October and hopefully Fosterfields next year. Had a great time...

MKossor

2019 Summer I-Timer Special; offer valid 8/1/2019 through 8/15/2019 * Please include copy of ECCT equipment purchase receipt to qualify for discount. Please add $10 Shipping to lower 48 US states. International buyers, please email for shipping rates. *While supplies last, One discount per customer...

MKossor

The E-Timer was developed for folks who enjoy driving their cars more than working on them to keep the ignition system functioning properly. Simply replace the stock timer with the E-Timer and enjoy maintenance free operation with the sound and appearance of stock operation but with superior perfor...

MKossor

The I-Timer is a direct replacement for the stock Model T mechanical timer. It provides reliable and consistent coil activation, precisely synchronized with piston position and never needs maintenance . Start on battery and run on Magneto or battery as usual. The I-Timer is immune to timing cover m...

MKossor

MKossor

Matt, Precisely adjusting coils for average current within 0.01% will guarantee the coils fire at different times unless the coil inductances are also precisely matched AND the coil points are adjusted to open abruptly without arcing. Model T coils can vary by +/- 10% in my experience which also mea...

MKossor

Thanks to the ECCT users for sharing your observations and experience using ECCT adjusted coils with the forum. Very pleased it continues to earn high marks and praise. Dave, of course a coil tested on the other coil testers will not "fail" (to function) when tested on the ECCT but they do frequentl...

MKossor

Ok so new wisdom is .010 to .012 cushion spring gap, but the new points are like .017. Where the heck did this "new wisdom" come from? The Ford specification is 0.005" which agrees very well with the measured test data I took using a set of points with adjustable cushion spring travel. CushionSprin...

MKossor

A Clarification regarding coil adjustment interval: The HCCT is a wonderful vintage tool with proven history of performance. It uses Average coil current measured over many sparks as an indirect approximation of coil firing time. In this context, properly adjusted means all 4 coils are adjusted for ...

MKossor

Yes, YOU can share the information I sent you here. Will likely be of interest to others here. R&D can be a real time sink for sure. It took me 3 years to develop the ECCT and learned a lot long the way. Best of all, got to meet and get to know a lot of knowledgable and wonderful folks along the way.

MKossor

Matt, did you receive my email with data illustrating how coil firing consistency can deteriorate with firing rate associated with higher engine RPM? Regarding your present inquiry, mechanical switches suffer from non-ideal switching characteristics. Switch bounce is a primary characteristic in whic...

MKossor

Nikolaus asked: "Does the model t magneto generate sparks jumping in alternating directions when used on an HCCT without a timer due to the magneto's A/C?" MK> Yes "In HCCT use, every peak of the current (8 positive and 8 negative) are creating sparks, whereas in a car with a timer, every fifth peak...

MKossor

Keen, please see my post of April 22 above regarding comparing coil test results of the ECCT with other coil testers. Don't waste your time with that.

Judge coil adjustment method by comparing engine performance. That is the only thing that really matters. Please share your findings when you do.

MKossor

Matt, did you receive my email with example of improperly adjusted coil that fires relatively consistent at low to mid RPM but steadily degrades as firing rate increases? In actuality, the higher engine speed will not likely be achieved due to the degrading coil firing consistency. Enginge smoothnes...

MKossor

Matt, regarding your question: " can you adjust a set of coils to have equal dwell time at one speed, but then when you change the speed things drift?" Absolutely! A coil adjusted to fire consistently at 2000 RPM can definitely start firing erratically as firing rate increases if not adjusted correc...

MKossor

Nice exposure for the Model T but a few things off mark. Anyone else catch this article?

https://www.yahoo.com/news/buy-perfect- ... 21223.html

MKossor

Matt, good to see you taking the initiative to experiment and learn by building your own MCCT. Here is what I learned when studying Model T coil point operation and the challenges they present that make adjusting them for equal and consistent firing time a challange. In Theory, the basic concept is ...

MKossor

Tom, Regarding ECCT capacitor test failing on all 4 of your coils. The capacitor test requires the point contacts to be clean and closed making good electrical contact (shorted) at the beginning of the test. You open the points during the test and must make sure you don't touch both point contacts w...

MKossor

Don, The ECCT capacitor capacitor test is very sensitive so a couple comments on interpreting the test results: The most important parameter of the capacitor test is the capacitor Value, typically 0.47uF but this can vary by +/-20% Capacitor value measuring less than 0.33 uf should be replaced to av...

MKossor

dykkeer552 said " I now tests all coils on all three devices as they should be perfect on all three. " Please note this is NOT true! The ECCT tests coil point adjustment by actually measuring the Time it takes the coil to fire the first spark on the power stroke whereas the other coil testers measu...

MKossor

Philip, FYI, nice HCCT meter available in the classifieds right now. viewtopic.php?f=5&t=2946

Good luck with your vintage coil tester project.

MKossor

Les, The contacts probably open too slowly for a typical 0.47uF capacitor to afford much protection against contact arcing. The capacitor value would have to be MUCH larger to be effective in suppressing contact arcing. You can't use a large capacitor across coil points because you need the field to...

MKossor

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