12 volt coil

I have read many posts on this forum regarding the need for a resistor an a "true" 12V coil. Not beuing sure what a "true" 12 V coil was, I measure the primary resitance and got 1.1 ohms (digital fluke) which confused me since the archieves repeatedly states 2.5 ohms is typical. I measured the primary in my 56 Ford car coil which uses a resistor and found it to be 1.5 ohms. I noted in one archive the resistor value required changes based on max current changing from 3 amps on a 4 cyl to 8.5 amps on a 8 cylinder. I checked the primary feed voltage through the resistor on the 56 Ford and found approx. 7 volts which seems low. BTW, the 56 Ford does foul plugs quickly but I have always suspected it is my 3x2 carbs. What are the coils I have? Are they "true" 12V coils? Thaniks fro all you past help.

POP

Your report of about 1.1-ohms it typical of a true 6-volt coil. 6-volt coils can be made to run and act like 12-volt coils by adding a 12-to-6 volt converting resistor. (this is cheaper but not as good as buying a true 12-volt coil) Which is exactly what you report for BOTH yer sidemount 8N and '56-V8. Understand?

Number of cylinders has NO EFFECT on coil resistance. Points don't care, 6-or-12 volts. Condenser don't care, 6-or-12 volts. But the condenser has to match the coil and fit the distributor. Understand? Its the volts.

You write..... ."I checked the primary feed voltage through the resistor on the 56 Ford and found approx. 7 volts which seems low"..... .NOT REALLY. You report your coil primary resistance of about 1.5-ohms which is typical of a real 6-volt coil. You report you have an EXTERNAL RESISTOR which is converting your '56-V8 12-volt battery system to acceptable 7-volts for your 6-volt coil.

I see NOTHING WRONG with your reported volts and resistances. What I do see is someone that is electrically challenged..... ..respectfully, Dell, 50yrs electronics engr

Thanks for the enlightenment. I think I undertsand now. You are right, electrically challenged. Also hated chemistry. You can"t see either happen!

Popbreed, 45 years Mechanical Engineer.

Thanks for the help! I will get two coils tomorrow and elminate both resistors.

Pop