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Testing a Rebuilt Metal Coil Box
Posted: Mon Jun 28, 2021 12:39 pm
by 1912touring
Good afternoon everyone.
I finished building a new metal coil box and switch this weekend for a 1916 engine. Is there a way to test the functionality of the coil box apart from installing it in a car?
I have verified the coils on ECCT. I want to make sure that the new reproduction switch and my soldering/wiring are good to go.
Kind regards,
Mike Hanson
Kingwood, Texas
Re: Testing a Rebuilt Metal Coil Box
Posted: Mon Jun 28, 2021 1:00 pm
by George Mills
Take the front switch plate off...
use a continuity tester (cheap voltmeter from the parts store set to high ohms)
Remove coils...
One lead on the bottom copper strip...
Other lead on one side of the contact arc bar in the switch housing...
Flip switch....it should cycle the needle to full or zero with each flip...
Move to other side contact bar arc....
Flip switch....same expectation...
Button it all up, should be good to go...
Be careful taking the front plate off the switch, the rotor wants to fall out
Re: Testing a Rebuilt Metal Coil Box
Posted: Mon Jun 28, 2021 1:20 pm
by 1912touring
Thank you George!
Re: Testing a Rebuilt Metal Coil Box
Posted: Mon Jun 28, 2021 2:05 pm
by Scott_Conger
You should also ensure isolation of the Mag post from the Bat post at all times in all switch positions
George's test will make sure something will work
this test will ensure you don't inadvertently kill your magneto
assuming you used care in the rebuild, this test is unlikely to fail, but if there is a problem, rectifying things would take a good bit of effort. Might just as well go the extra mile and check while it's painless.
Re: Testing a Rebuilt Metal Coil Box
Posted: Mon Jun 28, 2021 4:41 pm
by George Mills
Good point Scott!