How do I get my coils out of the coil box?

[DHort]

I have a 1920 Touring with a dash. The coils are stuck tight. I am sure if I get the first one out the rest will come, but how do I get that first one out? You can only grip 2 sides of the box. If I have to sacrifice the points to pull it up that is OK. I can install new points. Or do I jam some sort of tool in the side and hit that tool with a hammer? Just a suggestion. Thank you.

[brendan.hoban]

Insert a flat bladed screwdriver underneath the bridge on No. 2 or 3 coil, hold is horizontal and tap beneath with a soft hammer. Be gentle and hold that screwdriver horizontal. When you get one out, the rest will follow easily.

[Moxie26]

I would remove the box from the firewall, remove the metal center brace of the box entirely and rivits, then proceed to tap the coils out by hitting the bottom of the box wood to force them out. If they're stuck in the box to begin with, not only do you have to probably dry out the coils wood casings, you'll have to replace the two pieces of coilbox wood along with terminals if necessary.

[Charlie B in N.J.]

It’s been a while but doesn’t that “support rod” as it’s called in Langs that runs through the center of the box have a tab that’s bent over and can be straightened to release it? If so that might give you some play allowing the box side to flex a bit. It that tab can be reached without removing the box there’s some work saved.

[DanTreace]

For difficult coils to remove from that metal box, try wiggling the two coils in the center of the box.

Normally the end coils can be held by the corners of the box. Grasp the standoffs of the bridge, don't grab the point sets, you can usually wiggle back and forth by grabbing onto to the standoff larger nuts and push and pull, and lift.

If still stiff, try the thin plastic nozzle on a spray can of WD-40 to lube between the boxes. That may allow the boxes to pull out. You can't mess with the center tie bar unless you remove the entire box from the firewall.

Sometimes a thin putty knife can slip between two coil boxes and wiggle them sideways. Using a flat blade screwdriver to pry against the metal box is a bit harsh and will dent and gouge the wood case, plus deform the metal.


After the wood boxes are out, before replacing in the metal box, coat the wood surfaces with a good paste wax. Sometimes the wood case sides can also be slightly sanded if the surfaces are rough or damaged.