Home › Forum › Ask A Member › Can I test the coil w/ a multi-meter? Batt. / Distr. ignition › Re: Can I test the coil w/ a multi-meter? Batt. / Distr. ignition

#63075
amuller
Participant

    Generally what you want is a 12 volt coil "for use with external resistor" or something like that. Unfortunately specs are often lacking for coil primary resistance and so on. But in general the resistor is similar in value to the coil primary, so when running the coil voltage should be in the range of 6 to 8. Cars typically had a bypass setup so the coil got full voltage while cranking. Does your motor have such a setup?

    Couple of possibilities:

    "Universal Tractor Replacement Ignition Coil 12 Volt" 12 volt, for use with external resistor" You can probably buy such a coil at a tractor supply store, or a NAPA auto parts, or order it on line. Here is something from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Parts-Player-Ign … PGK7K4RAQG Or this one: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006EFZGUY/re … B00Q0D3JYA Or here is one that comes with a bracket and resistor:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004AIYAZE/ref=psdc_15729031_t1_B004AJ28MK

    The generic coil might have a different diameter so you might want to order one with a bracket, or order a bracket separately. Something like this:https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-g3862/overview/.

    Really, no need to agonize over this. Measure the coil resistances before you install it so you have a baseline.