Wico coil question - Elgin

[twocyclemania]

Started on another winter project; a 1957 12 Elgin that I've had for years. One of the coils died and I've come across a Wico coil that's different from others I've seen. This one only has one 'lead' coming out of it. It's an X1?406 (? can't make out the number). Others I've dealt with have two; one to the points and one for ground. This one only has a lead to the points. There is nowhere on the coil where another wire may be attached. Anyone have an idea as to why there is no ground and what do I do with it as the other coil on the Elgin has a ground? thanks

 

[F_R]

Re: Wico coil question - Elgin

There has to be a ground there somewhere, unless it is busted off. Look again. If you don't believe it is grounded, check it with a multimeter. Check resistance from the points wire to ground. Should be around an ohm. Resistance between the spark plug wire and ground should be a few k-ohms.

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: Wico coil question - Elgin

Gotta love those old Wico coils. Those are tough to find. I hope you can get yours to work.

 

[twocyclemania]

Re: Wico coil question - Elgin

I've looked it over a lot more. In the back of this coil is a flat spring/tang that appears to hold the coil in place on the field. It extends approx 1/2 inch inside the opening where it slides onto the field. I did notice that where its embedded in the back of the coil, part of it goes through the clear plastic and meets up with the coiled copper wire inside. At least that's what I think. It must ground on the field itself. I've never seen another like this one; they usually have a ground wire. Thinking about it, this would be a much simpler and easier design and it eliminates the need for the ground wire.

 

[Shane7]

Re: Wico coil question - Elgin

Buy yourself a cople of omc coils pry them off the laminate and slide them on the wico laminate

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: Wico coil question - Elgin

And let me know how that works. It'll be a good mod, incase I ever run across another Elgin or other off brand.

 

[twocyclemania]

Re: Wico coil question - Elgin

As for the OMC coil on the Elgin field. It's great advice. I've done it with a number of motors including most recently my 3.6 Scotty. They work just fine. There are two different thickness fields depending on motor and year. Only problem is that some of these Elgins and Scott products have the larger field (5/8 inch or something like that). The OMC donor coil will only fit on the smaller one's (usually later ones). You can use a smaller donor field to replace the thicker one in most cases though I believe I did find one of the thinner fields that was a bid too long and would not allow the flywheel back on. I do have a few projects where I'm waiting to find the smaller donor field (my early 50's 5.0 Elgin I believe). Anyway, I do have a few of these oddball motors running on OMC coils with no problems. If you deal with these motors make sure to keep or acquire the smaller field. A cheap fix with an OMC coil. Update on the 12 Elgin: I don't think it was the coil after all. I found the cam chipped (at the key) and must have allowed some movement or a sharp edge but it ate the end of the points that rotates around it. This was probably why I wasn't getting any ignition on that cylinder. Should have seen that earlier. The other set of points are 'chipped' and probably will need replacement. It's sitting until I can find a new cam. When I do I'll let you know the result. It's always something but that's what makes it so much fun; especially when you see these old motors come to life again.

 

[cajuncook1]

Re: Wico coil question - Elgin

And let me know how that works. It'll be a good mod, incase I ever run across another Elgin or other off brand.

Zephyr, you might like this link. An AOMCI member published this site and link.

http://www.oddjobmotors.com/tt1_replacewico_coil.htm

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: Wico coil question - Elgin

Zephyr, you might like this link. An AOMCI member published this site and link.

http://www.oddjobmotors.com/tt1_replacewico_coil.htm

Hey, thanks my friend. It's a great link.

 

[nwcove]

Re: Wico coil question - Elgin

ditto on the great link!

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: Wico coil question - Elgin

Wished I would have known about this years ago. I had a 1940 Water Witch that could have used that mod.

 

[twocyclemania]

Re: Wico coil question - Elgin

The guy who writes the 'oddjob motors;' Max W. is not only entertaining and interesting, he knows his s**t. From his info. I managed to revive a number of ignition systems for those using WICO (Firestone, Elgin, Scott Atwater). Google him and be prepared to be entertained.