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ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Suzuki 4x4 Forum => Topic started by: trialspro on March 31, 2005, 11:41:35 AM

Title: how to test ignition coils
Post by: trialspro on March 31, 2005, 11:41:35 AM

hey, hoping for some quick answers so i can get out and work on my zuki
i suspect my ignition coil could be the cause of a crappy idle...

to test it can i use a voltmeter set to a very high voltage (20,000 is the highest i think) or is there a different way..

also wondering what should be expected from one in a 1984 sj410... voltage wise

and does this model use points and condensers, im thinking that it does

thanks, Andrew

Title: Re: how to test ignition coils
Post by: supazuk on March 31, 2005, 03:37:02 PM

you need to test the resistance with an ohm meter  the specs are in the FSM and hyanes and chiltons .. i think auto zone can print them out

Title: Re: how to test ignition coils
Post by: mrfuelish on March 31, 2005, 04:14:53 PM

I would hook a spark plug to it befor I would hook my meter to it.

Title: Re: how to test ignition coils
Post by: Rhinoman on March 31, 2005, 09:56:21 PM

Poor idle is unlikely to be the coil, the voltage demand at idle is very low
You will not be able to measure voltage with a voltmeter as the period that the voltage is present is very short
The voltage is not fixed by the coil, it depends on a number of variables including temperature and plug gap. The voltage across the plug will build until it is high enough to either jump the gap or jump elsewhere.
A resistance check is only likely to tell you if the coil is completely dead. if it is breaking down then you aren't likely to be able to tell, primary should be about 4.5 Ohms, secondary probably about 10 KOhms, I can measure one if you want.
UK 410s definately use points, check the gap and condition. Other possible problems are the plugs themselves, plug leads, dizzy cap and condensor. As far as I can tell from the manual there are two types of 410 dizzy, vacuum advance and mechanical advance, I would have expected both but there you go. You could have a sloppy advance mechanism.
Alternatively you could have a mechanical problem, its always worth giving it a compression check.

Title: Re: how to test ignition coils
Post by: trialspro on April 01, 2005, 11:12:02 AM

 i dont wanna look at my compression:( ... i bought a tester for it, but im afraid to see the results
thanks for the info though
;D
Andrew

Title: Re: how to test ignition coils
Post by: LawDog on April 02, 2005, 02:15:11 AM

Test it like a 9V battery...with your tongue :o