I've got a 1959 A10 S/A. The engine was rebuilt about 3 years ago with 12v, updated dynamo, wassell EI.
I am now about to fit my fourth coil. 3 emgo dual coils died and have now got a Boyer with a heat sink.
One of the coils failed after about 5 miles, the other about 50 before a serious misfire that just enabled me to get home.
I am my wits end and fed up being picked up by the AA after interminable waiting time.
In the past I have positioned the coils behind the 'ski' slope and in the tool box. I am now thinking about locating it at the top of the frame down tubes where my horn currently is, to prevent overheating.
I have Wassell kit (I've bought a new black box to fit) with DVR2 regulator, keyed ignition switch and haves tried standard champion N4's and NGK Iridium plugs. I have been through all the wiring, re routed and re made connections checked continuity etc.
before I put everything back together anyone have any ideas why I'm blowing coils? Location, plugs and gaps?
I know some coils have been fitted under the seat but I don't have the space under mine.
I would return the ignition to a magneto, they are far less likely to strand you at the road side. Then get the 12v dynamo and regulator sorted while you ride about. This gets rid of the coils and most of the electronics too.
My current read is "The Rugged Road" by Theresa Wallach. She and her companion Florence BLenkiron road a Panther single from London to Cape Town in 1943. All with a magneto. There's a reason most light aircraft use mags.
Hi,
It is a bit odd that 3 coils would fail and Emgo are usually reliable. I doubt that the plugs/plug gaps would cause coils to fail. My wife's '51 A10 runs on NGK B6 plugs with an Emgo coil and mostly Boyer EI and latterly Pazon EI with the coil under the seat. No problems over many thousands of miles.
Coils have historically been under seats or behind covers behind the cylinders so they do not necessarily need to be in a cold air stream so in the tool box should be fine. The box itself would function as a heat sink as well as the thin aluminium one that comes with the coil.
Do you have access to an alternative EI to try but not Wassell? Also, check that your ignition switch is properly isolating the coil. If there is current getting to the coil when not in use it will cause over heating.
Dave.
I would say the most obvious suspect is "Wassell".
Rather like the current stuff sold under the Lucas name, it's just not very good IMO.
I'll 2nd that. My Wassell regulator lasted a few weeks, now on a DVR2 which is flawless. Run a mag for the ign, never misses a beat.
I've got a Boyer Bransden 12volt set up on my A10 and had no problems, yet.
The coil is located under the seat and i've got an on/off switch located on the frame downtube where i can get to it without a faff around.
I bought the kit from SRM which included the coil, reg/rec, igniter unit etc, and instructions LOL.
Hi
I have had the same with having to call the AA on 3 coils that have packed up on me, don`t know what it is I have the wassell Ign and have tried 3 differant makes of coil the one in there at the minute is a Boyer bransden still I can not find what it is that do them coils in, I have made a heatsink and it is big and it is fitted under the seat too........ it is one of the Most Dam things going when out for a ride but in the back of your mind it is always there making you think is it going to pack up on this ride. I have even put a spair coil in the tool box on my 1962 RGS just incase....... Not a Nice feeling tho so I feel your pain.
if you find out lets us all in on what it is...........and yes I did think about putting the old mag back on but Ha Ho you think you are doing right by trying to make things more reliable ........ then you get a kick in the teeth.
Cheers Mo
All that money spent. Fit an over hauled mag then end of of problems.
One of the main reasons light aircraft have been very slow to adopt coil ignition and have stuck with mags for so long is the number of failure modes. Generator, regulator, battery and charging faults along with cabling, wiring faults and accessory failures can all drop the voltage or cut the power to the ignition system and stop the engine. It makes a lot of sense to isolate the ignition from the rest of the electrical system for reliability. That's where a magneto really scores, its high quality and self contained. So long as its maintained the failure rate is very low.
Coils failing.
The internal resistance of the coils has to be correct otherwise they consume too many amps and overheat and fail.
Does your ignition supplier provide which coils are needed to go with their EI system or at least suggest that certain coils must go hand in hand with your system
Thank you everyone for your replies. I have my original mag. I changed to EI because the cost of getting it re magnetised and refurb was marginally dearer than EI system at the time. I will now get it re vamped and if(when) the new coil packs up I'll fit the mag!!
DAVE: I don't have access to alternative EI but I will check if saw is isolating.
RHYATT: emgo coils were the recommended ones
MO GOLDIE: Good to know I'm not alone.I thought is was just me! Carrying a spare coil is worth a thought. Losing confidence about going for a club ride out or even around the locality if I am going to get all kitted out only to be taken home in the back of AA van. I seriously thought about selling the bike but relented and bought a new coil.
I gave up on a RE bullet a few years back, part exed it REALLY cheap for a newer one from a bullet enthusiast. He fixed it short order, and I could not bring myself to ask what he did. That dented my confidence, and I gave myself a good telling off for throwing the towel in!
Got it. I'm sure I would feel the same. Had a xv750 non runner with duff clutch given to me a while ago. Sorted clutch and starter gear but could not get it running. Ultra sound carbs , new earth leads etc. gave up and sold it. New owner bought a new battery and away it went. Regretted selling it ever since!
Is there a possibility that - however this EI was wired up - you have a permanent live feed to the coil and an earth coming from the EI box.
This could cook the coil by it being on permanently.
Just a thought
Ryhatt: I'll check that. Thanks