6v-12volts?

[Lynn Eades]

1. No. its not the british distributor, its the third type dizzy(latest)and
2. its the capacitance of the condenser, that dictates whether your points burn out. the condenser needs to match the coil (what ever voltage it happens to be) If the capacitance of the condenser is too high, or too low (measured in micro farads) metal transfers from one contact to the other.Have you noticed how 6 volt systems seem to have large condensers, and 12volt systems, have small ones?

the main purpose of a resistor coil(or ballast resistor coil) is for ease of starting. for example a car that runs a 12volt system, with a ballast coil feeds its primary ignition system though the ballast resistor, reducing the voltage to around nine volts (essentially a 9 volt coil) When the key is in the start(cranking) position, the coil is fed directly with the full 12 volts, giving the spark a boost. when the key returns to the run position, the coil is once again fed 9 volts, having been dropped from 12volts, by the resistor.

[Tony Smith]

Originally Posted by Lynn Eades

1. No. its not the british distributor, its the third type dizzy(latest)I think you might be right, Lynn. Ross' pics weren't too clear.

the main purpose of a resistor coil.... When the key is in the start(cranking) position, the coil is fed directly with the full 12 volts, giving the spark a boost. when the key returns to the run position, the coil is once again fed 9 volts, having been dropped from 12volts, by the resistor.

Actually, when the key is in the cranking position, the Starter draws current and the Batt voltage drops well below 12v, down to around voltage the coil operates on. If this was run through the resistor, the coil would be getting insufficient voltage.

[rossbart]

One more quick question:

I am not familiar with a positive ground system - this is my first. I appear to have everything running 12 volt (except coil which is resisted down to 6 volts. I want to add some 12 volt electric guages in this interim time so I can monitor water temp, oil pressure, etc.. On a positive ground system do I need to wire everything in reverse of what I'm used to with automotive and 12 volt negative ground? In other words, on the guages, do I need to ground the positive wire to chassis and the black wire to the battery negative circuit with an inline fuse on the battery negative circuit?

I would assume so but am certain that there is a vast storehouse of knowledge here that I'd like the benefit. Thanks for any help to the new carrier owner.

ROss

[Jim Price]

Ross,
I used and recommend the booklet, "The Official 12-Volt Conversion Guide" by Randy Rundle. I picked it up on eBay. It was a lot of help!

Regards,
Jim

[Grant Bowker]

http://www.fifthaveinternetgarage.com/
Available here any time for $US10.00 plus the usual shipping etc., no need to wait for an auction. I haven't dealt with them but they've been advertising in Hemmings for quite a few years.
They also sell alternator pulleys to fit a variety of belt sizes and brackets to mount alternators to either Chev of Ford engines of the vintage used on CMPs.

[Lynn Eades]

Many older vehicles can be converted from +ve earth to -ve earth by changing the battery around, and re polarising the field magnets in the generator ( as simple as wiping a wire,hooked to the new live terminal of the battery, to the little terminal of the generator)Any alternator is not able to be changed easily. Instruments are not usually polarity sensitive, but some are.Generally speaking, fuel, temp, ampmeter,and oil pressue gauges are not polarity sensitive. Its generally the charging system that needs the attention. repolarising the 'fields" as I have just mentioned is all that is needed, but it must be done immediatley after the battery is reversed, and before the engine is run up. Otherwise the regulator and generator will burn out. Usual warnings, Check with an auto electrician.

[rossbart]

Thanks Lynn for the info. It's just the guages that I'm concerned with right now. So, I think I'll just try them as normal (but with an inline fuse just for insurance) and see if they work. Guess that will tell the tale won't it...

Ross