Distributor and coil

[pflaming]

Question: If I use a 12 volt battery to try and start my engine, will I blow up the coil. I cannot hurt anything because the connection is direct from the battery to the starter and the coil. One post in the forum said he blew up his coil using a 12 volt wiring system. Does that apply to a direct connection? Won't continue until I know.

[Jerry Roberts]

You can run your engine with 12 volts but it is hard on the points (possibly other parts too ) your points will have a short life . The 12 volt set ups have a resister , usually ceramic , to drop the voltage on the wire going to the distributor . I would think that this resister would be a common item in most auto parts stores . Some of the old 12 volt Fords had a special wire with resistance to drop the voltage .

[pflaming]

I'm just trying to start the engine, did not want to buy a new six volt battery so borrowed one from my S-10. The wiring harness is out of my truck.

[Dodgeb4ya]

You can start and run it with 12 volts w/o a resister at least 1/2 hour. Maybe longer . I always start and run parts cars that way. Just don't forget to disconnect power to the coil - or it could blow up. I've had one do that leaving power to it for over an hour.

Bob

[brian hood]

If you get a balast resistor (go to any parts house thats not chain owned close to you in you area- maybe NAPA) and ask for a balast resistor for a mid 70's Dodge truck. Wire it in series with you coil and you will get a voltage drop to a usable point that shouldnt dammage anything.

Brian

[Dodgeb4ya]

If you do use a 12V coil full time you must remember for easier starting of the engine you need a full 12 volts to coil at crank start. Then when key is released to the run position 12 volts is then run through the ballast resister and on to the coil and points so they don't burn up @ 6-9 Volts.

Bob