Morris Minor Owners Club

wonder what it is with these new coils,I mean, theres not much in them that would cause manufacturing problems,just as named , coils of wire. Nothing complicated, although I have a spare, the one on my S11 has been there for at least 30 years.Probably the original so, 60 years Longer than some modern complete cars last.

kennatt wrote:wonder what it is with these new coils,I mean, theres not much in them that would cause manufacturing problems,just as named , coils of wire. Nothing complicated, although I have a spare, the one on my S11 has been there for at least 30 years.Probably the original so, 60 years Longer than some modern complete cars last.

I remember running various Minis, 'A' series engines for 20+ years and can only ever remember one coil giving problems.

Just an update. Ive done approx 200 miles since I fitted the second coil without incident.

Lesson learnt - DONT trust new components 100%.

Once again, thank you to all those who provided suggestions and help.

or the so called experts who supply them

kennatt wrote:wonder what it is with these new coils,I mean, theres not much in them that would cause manufacturing problems,just as named , coils of wire. Nothing complicated, although I have a spare, the one on my S11 has been there for at least 30 years.Probably the original so, 60 years Longer than some modern complete cars last.

It's most likely the amount of wire they use inside the coil,they don't use enough wire in the windings. It's the same approach with the cheap condensers, I disassembled my last condenser that failed and there was hardly any windings inside which (I think as I am not a electronics engineer) causes current leakage and once a short occurs inside it's toast

How difficult would it be to make your own DIY, more robust coil and/or condenser?

Why would you ?? Just use a good OLD coil - NEVER fails.... The condenser is easy - a potato does the job nicely as was revealed in a recent thread....

Curiosity and then bewilderment at why someone nowadays cannot manufacture one that doesn't fail. No need for a condenser as I have electronic ignition but I like the spud solution.

Unfortunately quality costs money and that is the problem. We all like a bargain myself included and as the saying goes you get what you pay for.
I have only had one coil fail (in the 1960s and that was the original Lucas one fitted to my 1958 Minor) in many years of motoring.

I suspect the gauge of wire used will be less than in the past - the alloy content of the wire may be minimised..and the windings may not be as well controlled, or supported, or as numerous as in the past. The quality of the connections may be poor and the coil may not be completely filled with oil (and of what quality...) and the whole assembled together less well than we are used to....
Could always revert to a Magneto.....

Magnetos are not all that reliable! When they are going well all is well and when they are not
Not so many magneto repairers around these days unfortunately.
The Coventry Climax engine precursor to the Hillman Imp had a magneto equivalent to the 43D4. Started and ran well when the electric starter was operative but a bu--er to start on the handle and having swung a few when I worked for REME I can speak from experience.

My Briggs & Stratton runs on what is effectively a magneto - no problems so far!