14 replies to this topic

[Chekako]

Hello everyone,

 

I'm looking for the correct ignition coil for my 1986 Mini 1000, I have a ballasted system with an electronic dizzy fitted, I don't know the brand of it though since I did not fit it.

 

I've done a bit of research and only found coils that are either for a 1275ccm with electronic ignition or 1l with mechanical ignition.

 

 

Also: Why does it matter for the coil if it's electronic or mechanical ignition anyway?

 

 

Thanks for helping!

[MiniMadRacer]

To kick this off and very briefly (and simply)

 

1. A coil is designed for 12 Volt, or less Volt if its a ballasted resistor one, around 9 Volts If you give a 12 Volt coild 9 Volts it wont produce a good enouigh spark, and if you give a 9 Volt coil 12 Volts for any length of time you will fry it. This is all to do with the low tension side of the coil

 

2. An electronic coil produces a much higher spark voltage , 65,000 Volts or so compared with 15,000 Volts or so

 

3. An electronc designed coil will burn the points out in no time if used with a conventional points setup

[Chekako]

So I could just use one that was made for a 1275 with an electronic ignition system then?

[MiniMadRacer]

Yes, the engine size / capacity is not relevant to the coil choice....I believe you ned a balasted coil for electronic ignition. The other differnce between the coils for electronic and points systems is the resistance, (ohms) of the coil.. theresistance of the coil must be correct for the ignition setup you are using

[Chekako]

Is the resistance written on the coil or the dizzy itself? I only found an old sticker on the coil saying "use only with ballasted ignition", no Ohms there. If I know where to look I could get a brush and see if I can make anything out.

[MiniMadRacer]

Its not usually written on the coil, other than to say use with balast resistor.... if rlevant... see the thread below.. it may help

 

https://www.theminif...-testing-coils/

 

[Chekako]

Amazing, thanks very much! I'll check my resistance tomorrow and then hopefully order a correct one. My coil is losing oil by the way, that's why it needs replacement.

 

Thank you for your help!

[MiniMadRacer]

No problem, you are most welcome, after all, its for things like this that the Forum is for

[cal844]

What you need is a 12v feed to the coil and a viper coil from simonbbc.com....

https://simonbbc.com...10-DLB102-BLACK

yes I know it says for ballast systems BUT it's been proven reliable with a 12 volt feed (which is what you need on an electronic ignition) on AC Dodd various customer cars. I'm fairly sure this is the correct one that AC Dodd specifies. No doubt he will be along soon to let us know either way.

[Dusky]

A coil will only produce the voltage needed to jump the gap. Electronic coils can produce higher voltages when running too lean so your standard coil can’t produce a spark for example ( or when you take the plug out and look at it in the dry air). But while running it won’t really produce a higher voltage.

Edited by Dusky, 21 February 2021 - 10:41 PM.

[MinesRed]

What you need is a 12v feed to the coil and a viper coil from simonbbc.com....

https://simonbbc.com...10-DLB102-BLACK

yes I know it says for ballast systems BUT it's been proven reliable with a 12 volt feed (which is what you need on an electronic ignition) on AC Dodd various customer cars. I'm fairly sure this is the correct one that AC Dodd specifies. No doubt he will be along soon to let us know either way.

VC110 is the one I have on my 1275 with electronic ignition,ballast bypassed with a 12v feed
Made a noticeable difference n'all.

[ACDodd]

Yes the one in the link is correct. With point ignition, this coil must be used with a ballast resistor.

Ac

[cal844]

Yes the one in the link is correct. With point ignition, this coil must be used with a ballast resistor.

Ac

Good to hear, I wasn't sure so made sure to clarify 😊

[Pairaminis]

I don't mean to hi-jack this thread but it sounds like the OP has gotten his answer.  I have a non-ballast system and I'm currently using the Classic Mini Bosch ignition coil 3 0hms with a 59D A+ electronic distributor in my '84 998 Mini.  Does this sound okay?  The car has very low mileage and runs really well.  But I don't want to have an ignition problem in the near future.

Jack

Edited by Pairaminis, 22 February 2021 - 03:43 PM.

[Chekako]

What you need is a 12v feed to the coil and a viper coil from simonbbc.com....

https://simonbbc.com...10-DLB102-BLACK

yes I know it says for ballast systems BUT it's been proven reliable with a 12 volt feed (which is what you need on an electronic ignition) on AC Dodd various customer cars. I'm fairly sure this is the correct one that AC Dodd specifies. No doubt he will be along soon to let us know either way.

Yesss, just checked, my coil has 1.5ohms, so I'll put the viper in my car.

 

Thanks all :)