stronger spark, why?

[ronboonville]

I’ve noticed on some of my twins that one side has a stronger spark, able to jump farther. Could this be because of the points gap? Such as a larger gap having a weaker spark because points stay closed for shorter time? smaller gap producing a stronger spark? Any thoughts appreciated.

[frankr]

That is a possibility. The points are supposed to open at a certain time as the magnets pass by the coil. It is the time that they open that counts, not the gap. But the gap is related to the time, so it is one method of setting them. The accurate way is with a timing fixture. I’ve made a ton of them, but have turned it all over to club member Richard White. http://www.richardsoutboardtools.com

[MonkeyButt]

I had a similar issue and it turned out to be one condenser that was weaker than the other. You can test them with a multi-meter.

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” ― Martin Luther King Jr.

[olcah]

From swapping coils I believe that some coils just work better than others.

[ronboonville]

Check resistance of condensors?

[fleetwin]

quote OLCAH:

From swapping coils I believe that some coils just work better than others.

I think this is a good point, especially if you are using two different vintages or manufacturers of coils. Coil design has certainly changed over the years, and who know just how aftermarket coils were engineered/designed.
So, comparing spark when mixing vintages of OMC coils, or mixing manufacturers might be like comparing apples to oranges…
Will both cylinders jump a 1/4" gap? If so, I wouldn’t overthink it based on capability beyond 1/4". Is there a particular project that has prompted your question?

[ronboonville]

I am working on 57 West Bend/Elgin 7.5. I fitted it with omc coils. I swapped the condensors and the weak spark went away. I must of had a poor connection. I have great spark now.

[fleetwin]

Cool, am glad it is ressolved

[Tubs]

A "Boathouse Repair" is one thats done without having tools or the skills to do it properly.

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