Coil to distributor wire gauge question

[tdskip]

Hi guys - on the new TR6 I noticed that the wire connecting the coil to the distributor was cracking and some of the individual strands were frayed.

I was planning on using a 12 gauge wire to replace the existing deteriorated connector, but the 12 gauge is noticeably thicker than what is there now. In theory, the thicker wire should allow for better transfer of power, but I wanted to double check that this would not cause a problem.

Thanks!

 

[DNK]

I don't know the theory, but bigger isn't always better.


I didn't just say that did I

 

[DNK]

I have a brand new one if your interested

 

[tdskip]

I don't know the theory, but bigger isn't always better.


I didn't just say that did I

I'm staying out of this conversation!

 

[PeterK]

The original black/white wire appears to be about 18 gauge.

 

[tdskip]

Hi Peter - is there a problem with using a thicker wire? The gauge of the wire would not be used to limit the flow of electricity, so would a thicker wire be problem?

I have 18 gauge handy, and take all of two minutes to make the connection, so not a problem to whip up that wire.

I'm curious about the theory here as well.

 

[Geo Hahn]

I would think 18 ga is big enough and (in this case) more than enough is no advantage.

Remember that wire isn't really 'powering' anything, just interupting the ground (via the points) that causes the coil to discharge.

While you're making one -- make 2. This is the one wire in the whole system that I specifically carry a spare of.

 

[martx-5]

Wire gauges have a certain ampacity. That is the capacity of the wire to carry current (amps). The thicker the wire, the more current it can carry before releasing the smoke. Thicker is never a problem unless there just isn't the room or the you need to make a sharp turn or something. If the original was 18 gauge, then that should be sufficient. 12 gauge is good for about 20 amps...nowhere near what the ignition system is using. I'd probably wind up using 14 or 16 gauge for this situation.

 

[TR3driver]

Using 12 AWG instead of 18 AWG isn't going to make enough difference to worry about to the electrons. Assuming it's about 1 foot long, we're talking about the difference between .0066 ohms and .0017 ohms; in a circuit with a total resistance around 3.0000 ohms. IOW, a difference of less than 0.2 percent.

The current does need to be limited in this circuit (otherwise the coil & points can overheat) but that wire doesn't do it.

But I don't see any reason using 12 AWG would cause problems either.

 

[TR3driver]

Wire gauges have a certain ampacity.

But ampacity is a very slippery concept; the number varies wildly depending on circumstances and assumptions (plus of course what metal the wire is made of, what temperature it's insulation will withstand, even whether it's solid or stranded, etc.).

12AWG copper can be rated from under 10 amps to over 40 amps "depending".
https://www.powerstream.com/Wire_Size.htm

 

[DrEntropy]

Awright, that'll be enuff. You guys are makin' my brane hurt.

12/18/16GA... WHATEVER. It's a trigger wire. For a forty year old English lump with POINTS. Paperclips on each end of a piece of LAMPCORD would get ya home!

*sheesh*

George gave th' BEST advice: Make TWO and toss one inna on-board spares kit. :thumbsup:

 

[TR3driver]

Paperclips on each end of a piece of LAMPCORD would get ya home!

And with enough paperclips, you wouldn't need the lamp cord ...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:]George gave th' BEST advice: Make TWO and toss one inna on-board spares kit.[/QUOTE]Can't agree with that. The spares kit should already have 3 or 4 clip leads, which will also do just fine to get you home.
https://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062661
Take up a whole lot less space than carrying a spare for every wire that might happen to break.

 

[DrEntropy]

DON'T TELL DALE!!!

 

[martx-5]

Wire gauges have a certain ampacity.

But ampacity is a very slippery concept;

12AWG copper can be rated from under 10 amps to over 40 amps "depending".

Exactly the reason I didn't include a "chart", and just gave a general, middle-of-the-road ampacity rating for a 12AWG wire. It's all enough to make your head spin, but there are some general guidelines we use at work that doesn't get us into trouble.

 

[DrEntropy]

...Exactly the reason I didn't include a "chart"

Thank th' powers fer that. :shocked:

 

[Tinster]

DON'T TELL DALE!!!

<span style="color: #990000">I heard that, Doc!!!
:lol:

As a matter of fact, I've got a 6' piece
of 14 ga in with the spare tire.

As to the original question posed:

My brand new, entire car, wire harness has
a 14 ga wire between the coil and the dizzy.

dale

</span>

 

[DrEntropy]

Ya mean ya didn't think to pack an equal length of 10GA in there?!?

WHAT are ya THINKIN, man?!?! :smirk:

 

[Tinster]

Ya mean ya didn't think to pack an equal length of 10GA in there?!?

WHAT are ya THINKIN, man?!?! :smirk:

<span style="color: #990000">Doc,

I've a shirt hanger behind my seat- should
I need anything heavier duty than 14 ga.

I've had dozens of breakdowns but never from a busted wire.
The fellow who installed my new wire harness must have
done a decent job of it!!

BTW- The Crypt Car started this morning and the engine ran
for almost 15 minutes nonstop in the garage. Progress being made.

d </span>

 

[DNK]

Why not for 15 minutes to the local biker bar and back?

 

[DrEntropy]

REALLY!! Coulda had a good sandwich and a cool beverage for the fuel consumed.