<VV> Ignition Questions

[FrankCB at aol.com]

In a message dated 9/7/2006 7:36:59 PM Eastern Standard Time,  
slowboat at mindspring.com writes:

> 2)  Why was this done? Why not simply feed the 12 volt battery voltage  to
the
> coil at all times?

Because the coil will overheat and  melt the primary winding isnsulation if
run on 12V continuously. It's  designed to run on the lower voltage. The
momentary 12V for starting is to  ensure a very hot spark for those  cold
mornings.



Andy and Bob,
    Another factor to consider is that the nominally 12  volt electrical 
system varies in voltage.  Under the big current  drain of the starter, it drops 
to around 10 volts while under normal  running conditions with the alternator 
(or generator) charging, the voltage is  around 14 volts.  So the ignition coil 
resistor helps to reduce these  voltage variations at the coil.
    Frank Burkhard