Morris Minor Owners Club

Mungo is a 1956 splitscreen that was positive earth. I changed everything over to negative earth as per techinal tips but it's been that long ago I can't remember whether I swapped the leads on the coil at the moment the leads on the coil read as follows, " + " goes from the " + " on the coil to the distributor and " - " comes from the wiring harness to the minus on the coil. I have been told that the coil will work either way round, is that right ?
are the connections ok ? The car starts up fine at the moment but I don't want to go out in it and find myself stranded with a burnt out coil. your comments would be most appreciated.
Mungo

Yes, the coil will work either way round but with reduced output if not correct. As you are now negative earth the '+' on the coil should now come from the wiring loom and the '-' (black/white wire) should go to the distributor side contact.

hi Willie, you were absolutely right. I changed the connections as you stated and the engine now turns and starts first kick, before it needed a couple of spins. what was putting me off was that some previous owner had changed the engine and connected the coil with green and black wires. Anyway I am thinking of carrying a spare coil in my tool box so what kind of coil / type would I need. Thanks for your help.regards Mungo

You need to ensure that you buy a straight 12Volt coil NOT a ballast type.
YOu should obviously have no problems if you buy from a Minor specialist but you will be lucky to find a coil with the earlier nutted contacts as opposed to the push-on Lucar type. Many on here would suggest that it is preferable to find a second hand original Minor coil as they seem to be more reliable.