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Coil to distributor wire gauge question

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Oh but... ampacity (unfortunately) also factors in the jacket insulation on the wire. You can have both high and low ampacity wires of the same gage just by changing the wire jacket.

Regarding this being a trigger wire... not so. It DOES carry the coil current to ground through the points. Were the coil on 100% of the time (which it's not) that would be a bit over 4.7 Amps. Both 16 and 18 AWG can handle this with ease. A heavier gauge wire may make you feel better but it won't be any safer or improve efficiency.

Frankly, if I saw a 12 AWG wire on the coil of a British car I'd wonder what had shorted out that prompted the previous owner to think the fix was heavier wire.
 
dklawson said:
Were the coil on 100% of the time (which it's not)
Click to expand...
Unless of course you've left the key on while trying to figure out why it won't start :devilgrin:
 
*SWOON*


<THUD!>
 
I am afraid it might be too late for Dr, but for those of us that are still with us, how about if I use a 16 gauge connection and call it a day?

I'll keep the 12 gauge I worked up as my spare....
 
Sounds good to me. Go for it, it will look better as a spare than paper clips and lamp cord.
 
TR3driver said:
dklawson said:
Were the coil on 100% of the time (which it's not)
Click to expand...
Unless of course you've left the key on while trying to figure out why it won't start :devilgrin:
Click to expand...

Oh... but if you do that with Pertronix (original Ignitor) then the wire is the least of your problems.
 
dklawson said:
Oh... but if you do that with Pertronix (original Ignitor) then the wire is the least of your problems.
Click to expand...
Quite true ... which is one of the reasons I have a hard time seeing it as an upgrade !
 
I got tired of seeing that "out of place" looking wire and decided to "upgrade" it.

dizzywire1.jpg


<span style="font-weight: bold">Made my own, wrapped it tightly around a pencil, shot it with high heat engine clear, let it dry so it will keep its shape and....</span>

dizzywire2.jpg


Your color choice may vary, but I think it looks a whole lot better.

.
 
I use a green one, coiled in the opposite direction from yours... will that affect the efficacy of th' 'lectron excitement?


Discuss.


:devilgrin:
 
DrEntropy said:
I use a green one, coiled in the opposite direction from yours... will that affect the efficacy of th' 'lectron excitement?


Discuss.


:devilgrin:
Click to expand...

My learned opinion is that it depends upon whether you are in the northern or the southern hemisphere, much like the rotation in... well, you know.
 
Somehow that was an expected retort, Bro. :smirk:

I get dizzy when on the other side of th' 'quator. That proves it. :jester:
 
Depends on Northern or Southern Hemisphere only I would think. :smirk:

.
 
Ya hit it onna downbeat, stirkle! :thumbsup:
 
Seriously, though, I've never heard of coiling the wire then painting to keep its shape. Neat trick! :thumbsup:
 
Stirkle said:
DrEntropy said:
Ya hit it onna downbeat, stirkle! :thumbsup:
Click to expand...

Oops.

Sorry, my purpose was to share, not amuse. :wink:


.
Click to expand...


Don't ya dare be sorry! It is a bit of info WORTHY of sharing, with this being the proper place to do it. Amusement is a secondary BENEFIT!!
Thank you! :laugh:
 
Yup. It tends to be less prone to vibration (work hardening failure) and doesn't "swing" around as far/much, so less chance of being snagged or pulled.
 
Besides, it really looks cool!
 
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