Does a beefy coil give you more spark?

[Manipulator]

I was thinking of getting a larger coil (I have points). Would this make more spark? Would it cook the points?

 

[bomar76]

Re: Does a beefy coil give you more spark?

1. No
2. No

 

[calwldlif]

Re: Does a beefy coil give you more spark?

More spark? Bad term.
Not so much more as hotter, bigger?
Higher volt coils allow bigger plug gaps
and still spark. Bigger gaps = wider sparks
Wider sparks, hotter sparks = better ignition.
As long as you are running the proper volts
to the new coil, points should last the same

 

[imported_Pioneer]

Re: Does a beefy coil give you more spark?

Invest in a solid state conversion kit - like pertronix - and coil to get better performance.

Points suck - esp on a boat. The kits are not that expensive and are really easy to install - no more annual replacements.

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Does a beefy coil give you more spark?

Only if you get the oversize Points, along the inch and a half thick sparkplugs.

Just kidding :} just stick with what the book calls for

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Does a beefy coil give you more spark?

Bet ya I can change my points out in the ocean and then tow you back when fried electrics have ya drifting
Points suck - esp on a boat. The kits are not that expensive and are really easy to install - no more annual replacements.[/quote]

 

[tommays]

Re: Does a beefy coil give you more spark?

Ya i have only been converting things to electronic for 30 years Its not that reliable yet

Tommays

 

[freddyray21]

Re: Does a beefy coil give you more spark?

I converted to electronics, but guess what I still keep the points and the old plate for them in the tool box on the boat, but then I am over cautious I guess. When I only had points I had an extra set with me too.

 

[calwldlif]

Re: Does a beefy coil give you more spark?

Ditto freddyray
in fact I would carry a new motor if I
could get it under he seat

 

[KaGee]

Re: Does a beefy coil give you more spark?

Don't know which to credit, the Pertonix Ignitor or the Flamethrower coil, but I guarun-damn-tee ya that my motor starts several revolutions faster than with the traditional points and coil. If the boat hasn't set for more than a week, it will normally start with the flick of the key.
It also idles smoother and lower... good for my Stringer drive.

SCATTY... I heard two calls for assistance on Saturday and both were for dead batteries.

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: Does a beefy coil give you more spark?

Yes,they are supposed to give you more spark,but do you need it? We sell a standard Mercruiser/OMC tune up kit,I think it's Sierra # 18-5250. Cost is $15.95.Put one in each spring,and you are set for the season.

Usually looking for more spark is caused by having a problem.What is happening with your motor that you think more spark will cure ?

Solid state is nice,but 5 miles out there is little you can do unless spares are on board.A $16 tune kit is easy to install,and have on board.

DHP.

 

[bjcsc]

Re: Does a beefy coil give you more spark?

Bet ya I can change my points out in the ocean and then tow you back when fried electrics have ya drifting

Yeah but if you had an electronic ignition couldn't you swap in a new ignition module and do the same? Spares are spares...

 

[bomar76]

Re: Does a beefy coil give you more spark?

this thread has gotten so far off course.....there was NO question about points vs electronic....

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Does a beefy coil give you more spark?

I don't care if ya started with a kite and some wire. We aren't talking much in the way of improvement gains, and points work just fine for the limited time they actually get used in a boat. When you backyard upgrade, and anything solid state loses the solid part., your floating. Period. One of my Harley choppers was upgraded to trigger ignition many moons ago, lost the go spark after 2 years, went back to points, and been riding it on the same set for years. And if needed, I can fix them at the side of the road. Thats my point. I have nothing against going to Pertronix, but heres a little food for thought. I see way to many questions here pertaining to the (screwed up) installation by un-qualified people. You might be good at, but what of the person that has trouble setting points. Life is only simple when ya have it figured out

Ya i have only been converting things to electronic for 30 years Its not that reliable yet

Tommays

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Does a beefy coil give you more spark?

It is now...

this thread has gotten so far off course.....there was NO question about points vs electronic....

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Does a beefy coil give you more spark?


Yeah but if you had an electronic ignition couldn't you swap in a new ignition module and do the same? Spares are spares...[/quote]


How many people buy two Pertronix Modules here, one for a spare? Just clap your hands........

(Hmmm...silence....)

Plus try putting them in at 6 foot seas with a storm a-coming.....plus in 45 years of riding point type Mo-cycles, NEVER had a point set up fail me.

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Does a beefy coil give you more spark?

Just for giggles...after 30 years with a Mallory Flatcap on my 25' 5000LB 350 (used more engines than points I think), I will next winter convert to a Electronic Ignition. But it will be the whole enchilada. Brand new, everything included...and not much more than what Pertronix wants for a mish mash of stuff. And the only reason is all new is the shaft MUST be worn by now, know the weights are probably sticking, or the springs getting slack. Time to make a wall clock out of it (I'm only good for 8 hours anyway). Will I carry a spare? Hell yeah...the 15hp kicker on the back.........like I always do.
(Amen on the dead batteries...I love running up and down our Marina with my load tester...hanging "Stupid" signs on people that thinks its (their battery) still got life...) 8)

 

[Don S]

Re: Does a beefy coil give you more spark?

But----But----But---But Scatty, my battery has been working perfectly for 20 years! Now you and your fancy machine are trying to tell me that the battery that has worked for the last 20 years is why my engine won't crank over.
Just out trying to sell batteies aren't ya!!!!

Bet ya never heard any comment like that did ya

 

[paulie0735]

Re: Does a beefy coil give you more spark?


A nice big fat shiny coil will look great in the photo but do didly squat for your boat, if the old one is working ok than the best thing you can do is leave it be. Use your points to buy Don a new battery...........:%

 

[KaGee]

Re: Does a beefy coil give you more spark?

If I can't change a Pertronix in 6 ft seas, how am I supposed to change the points?

You obviously have never installed a Pertronix.

Sorry for following the alleged Hi-Jack, however I believe the original poster wanted to know if there would be a benefit and somebody popped up and said with a change to electronic ignition.