Primary Voltage

[EN2]

In a J/E points magneto ignition system, How many volts are generated in the primary side of the coil?

 

[boobie]

Re: Primary Voltage

Why do you want to know ? I never had any reason to check it.

 

[EN2]

Re: Primary Voltage

I was just curious, maybe F.R. or The King knows.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Primary Voltage

for the most part, its almost impossible to measure.
unless you wish to add some wires then reinstall the flywheel.
unless its an ampifier set up used on the 3cyl and v4.
but its actually in the 120-160V range.
much less than about 60V peak and the secondary voltage simply wont generate enough voltage to spark.
to spark a .030 gap in the atmosphere at sea level takes about 2Kv.
add compression and lean or rich fuel mixs and it can go as high as 30 Kv.
Kv is Kilo Volts.
or volts X 1000.
its amazing how much voltage a magnet swinging around a coil of wire can generate.

 

[boobie]

Re: Primary Voltage

If you're that curious you could also measure the voltage of the black wire coming from the points going to the stop circuit of the ignition switch or stop switch.

 

[EN2]

Re: Primary Voltage

Thanks for the replies fellas, I wasnt planning on taking a reading but always wondered about these old mag systems.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Primary Voltage

them old mag systems.
typical of an EN.
however I am an FC.
them old mag systems, faster the magneto spun the more avalible voltage, unlike battery point systems.
which is why some racers still prefer magnetos over battery ignitions.
which is why even more racers like magneto powered CDI ignitions.

 

[boobie]

Re: Primary Voltage

En....Fc...???

 

[F_R]

Re: Primary Voltage

I don't know, but I've always assumed it was about 6 volts. That's what the old coil testers applied.

Perhaps in the interest of trivia, somebody who has a DVA will measure it and report the results.