+ and - on coil

jaybradley · Mar 17, 2011

On a positive ground 6 volt system is the distributor connected to the + or - on the coil?
In other words what terminal connection is correct?

Bob M · Mar 17, 2011

Depends on the engine's ground polarity.

If positive ground (most 6 volt systems) the coil - should connect to the ignition switch. The coil + should connect to the distributor.

For a negative ground system (most 12 volt systems, and virtually all 12 volt alternators) the coil connections will be reversed.

However from a practical standpoint, the ignition will work fine even if the coil is connected if the polarity is reversed.

old · Mar 17, 2011

On all machines with coils what ever your ground is that to is the side of the coil that gets hooked to the distributor. I.E. If + ground + to distributor if - ground - to the distributor. That holds true on all engines

couv · Mar 17, 2011

I totally agree with the advice posted.

But if you still get it wrong, the coil will get warm to the touch. Then hot to the touch.

That's your signal that you still got it wrong. Ask me how I know. :-{

John M · Mar 17, 2011

Years ago, on this very board, it was common to say either way will work. Then it changed to something to do with the "flow of electrons", now it does matter. Ive got one thats been running on negative ground, and the + side of the coil to the hot wire, been that way for nearly 20 years now. Haveanother thats wired right opposite, again, never a problem with it either. As Bob said, it will work both ways.

+ and - on coil

jaybradley

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Bob M

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old

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couv

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John M

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