stronger spark, why?

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  • June 6, 2017 at 3:33 am #7259
    ronboonville
    Participant

      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.

      June 6, 2017 at 6:41 am #59107
      frankr
      Participant

        US Member

        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

        June 6, 2017 at 6:45 am #59108
        MonkeyButt
        Participant

          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.

          June 6, 2017 at 10:50 am #59113
          olcah
          Participant

            US Member

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

            June 6, 2017 at 11:38 am #59117
            ronboonville
            Participant

              Check resistance of condensors?

              June 7, 2017 at 4:00 am #59178
              fleetwin
              Participant

                US Member - 2 Years
                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?

                June 7, 2017 at 1:13 pm #59190
                ronboonville
                Participant

                  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.

                  June 7, 2017 at 2:05 pm #59193
                  fleetwin
                  Participant

                    US Member - 2 Years

                    Cool, am glad it is ressolved

                    June 7, 2017 at 2:08 pm #59194
                    The Boat House
                    Participant
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