Coil voltage???

[allaircooled]

About a year age I bought one of those silver pos coils from our host and found that it was "bad" the minute I installed it on my car. After doing a search here I found there is a history of these coils being faulty. I called Pelican and the guy (can't remember his name) who does returns said he never heard of a problem with these coils but would send me out a replacement once I returned the faulty one. Well I ended up leaving home before the replacement came in (military obligations) and now finally was able to try the "new" coil out. I wasn't able to get two houses away before my car died!! After inspecting the coil I notice a sticker that says 12 volts. Which comes to my question. Aren't our coils rated at something over 100 volts? (can't remember exact number at this time.) The coils part number is the same as the oem black unit that I have. Just trying to figure out why these coils suck so bad and why I am out over $200.

[Early_S_Man]

Well, you are correct that a coil intended for CDI applications labeled 12 Volts is a bit misleading! But, then, a 'normal' 12 Volt coil sees about the same Voltages as the CDI coil on the primary after the points open and the magnetic field collapses.

Something is wrong about those silver coils, and I don't know what the specific problem is ...

[Gunter]

Coils don't fail that often; you may have something else wrong.
With ignition on, check that there is power to the CDI module.
(Yours is a 3-pin, later SC models had 6 pins)
Here is what I found re: CDI system:

12V is the operating Voltage supplied to the coil but, the trigger signal comes from the distributor (Green wire), goes to the CDI module which amplifies the signal to the coil and out comes about 400+Volts to the Distributor cap/ignition cables/plugs.

1. Clean all ground and signal connections ... both sides at every connector! That includes coil, CDI unit, and all braided shield terminations!

2. Remove 6-pin plug from CDI unit and check for continuity through the magnetic pickup coil ... it should measure 600 Ohms at the # 7 band #31d terminals, +/- 10 % at room temperature.

3. Measure the AC Voltage signal at Terminals #7 and #31d while cranking over the engine ... it should measure 1.0 - 2.0 Volts AC.

4. Visually check the condition of the green trigger-signal cable as it enters the distributor ... look for any cracks or missing insulation.

[allaircooled]

Thank you for replying, good info! I put an old black coil in and car runs fine. This was a problem I was working on before I left town for awhile on "business". I just wanted to test to see if the new silver coil I received was any good. I guess I have a nice shiny $200 paper weight for my desk.