I’m swapping out one modle of electronic distributor onto another model of ignition module.* I don’t have an analog ammeter or oscilliscope, so I have no way to tell which way to wire the pickup coil to give the same basic signal as the original coil. It doesn’t seem to matter though, as I get a spark no matter which way I wire the coil. So now I’m curious about two things.[ul] [li]First, what is the typical circuit for the primary side of a first generation electronic ignition? Is it a simple amp of some sort? If so, am I (probably) firing the ignition on the first half of the wave when the coil is wired one way and on the second half when wired in reverse?[]Second, how likely is it that wiring this thing backwards cause the module to die an early death?[/ul][/li][sub]If it helps, I’m putting a Ranger/Mustang 2.3l distributor (Motocraft) onto a Courier 2.3l ignition module (Mitsubishi)–yep, a Courier, go ahead and laugh. I’m already embarrassed enough by that @#$%^& truck.[/sub]
Look, save yourself the trouble. there are a ton of aftermarket electronic ignition retrofits out there. here is a good one, it can be used to easily retrofit your old system and make it work better, I’ve done it, it works, the description there tells you how. At least think about it first. Good luck!
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Thanks, but I’m not sure if that module would work. The ad makes it sound like that kit is for a points distributor and both of the distributors I’m using are transistor controlled with a signal coil on the plate. Besides which I’ve already got a spark, I just don’t know the “proper” way to phase the pickup coil.
Based on what I’m finding on the net it sounds like the coil phasing can affect dwell. The reluctor spacing is equivalent, so I’m probably going to hunt down an analog ammeter tomorrow, figure out the phasing and call it good (of course a dwell meter wouldn’t hurt.)
LOL! Yeah, I got you. And I understand the struggle, lord knows I’ve done crazier things. Hope it all works out for you. Good luck!!
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P.S. I used to love the couriers- you just can’t ever fine one not rusted to hell