Re: Way to check a coil?

Posted by Wayne Swenson on February 28, 2004 at 20:04:15 from (66.228.233.148):

In Reply to: Way to check a coil? posted by BB on February 28, 2004 at 18:06:03:

Is your intake manifold leaking air??
Start the tractor and when it is acting up, take a can of your favorite "loosen-all" and spray around the manifold. If the engine sound changes it is an indication of a bad gasket or damaged manifold.
Coils can be checked with an ohmmeter or commercial tester.
Why not use an in-line spark tester and observe the spark when the engine is running??
First make sure your plug wires are the original, metal core type; the carbon core ones don't work very well on tractors. Second, find a piece of clear plastic tubing (about 1/4" I.D. and 2" long), then cut a piece of plug wire long enough to go between the coil and the center tower of the distributor cap and cut it in half. Slide the ends of the cut wire into the tubing until they meet in the center. Replace the coil to distributor wire with your new "diagnostic tool" and start the engine. Gradually increase the wire end gap to determine the spark quality. You should be able to easily see if the spark is bright blue and steady indicating all is well. A good system will probably jump a 1/4" or better gap.
This really looks "cool" in a dark shed or at night!!
This will work on either a magneto or battery operated distributor if the coil wire is accessible. You can also try one spark plug wire at a time as a cylinder diagnostic tool.
Try it and amaze your friends with your "electrical diagnostic tool" all for about $1.00 or less.

Follow Ups:

• Re: Re: Way to check a coil? Mark 05:55:17 02/29/04 (0)

Post A Followup Name: E-Mail: Subject: Re: Re: Way to check a coil? Comments: Optional Link URL: Link Title: Optional Image URL: Email Notification: If you check this box, email will be sent to you whenever someone replies to this message. Your email address must be entered above to receive notification. This notification will be cancelled automatically after 2 weeks.

TRACTOR PARTS	TRACTOR MANUALS

We sell tractor parts!  We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today. [ About Us ]