Test and Adjust Model T coils using the ECCT

[@TheMuffin1967]

I've had my ECCT several years. Don't know how I got by without it.

[@billchuplis9460]

Could you explain what the coil dwell test is measuring? To me the dwell angle on a four cylinder engine is 52 degrees of the rotation of the distributor cam between the high spots that open the ignition points. Neither of which a Model T has. Is your measurement simulating this or something else?

[@mikekossor1980]

Coil dwell time is the time the coil takes to deliver spark to the spark plug measured from the time the commutator (timer) activates the coil to spark. All 4 Model T coils must be adjusted for equal and consistent dwell times to fire spark to achieve optimal enging ignition performance or there will be cylinder to cylinder timing variation that degrades engine performance. The ECCT actually measures and displays coil dwell Time to fire spark (measured in degrees of crank shaft rotation assuming the engine is running at a constant speed of 1000 RPM since displaying the time in milliseconds (eg 0.0022 seconds) would have little meaning. Displaying time as +2 degrees relative to TDC clearly says the coil delivered spark 2 crank shaft degrees too late/retarded).

[@billchuplis9460]

If I'm following the dwell angle based on crankshaft degrees is 720? Also, a couple of weeks ago the Flivver Channel did good program on the ECCT, the HCCT and a buzz box. Seems the only drawback they concluded is the ECCT doesn't report the coil amperage draw. As a result the guest was switching back and forth between the ECCT and a buzz box to dial it in. Any thoughts? Or maybe something that could be added to your software to show the amp draw?

[@mikekossor1980]

@billchuplis9460 not sure what you are referring to as dwell "angle" 720. Ther is no dwell "angle" referenced. It is dwell (as in delay) time to fire spark that is being measured. Regarding the referenced video, I posted detailed comments to that video, it was riddled with incorrect information. The ECCT absolutely does measure and report coil firing current. Please read my comments in that video for more details.

[@billchuplis9460]

Thank you. It never occurred to me that you replied to it and it was a great reply! The 720 degree dwell angle i mentioned refers to the time it takes (@ 1000 rpms) for the crankshaft to get back to TDC on the next compression stroke for the next spark. I kinda thought that was the goal but I guess it's more complicated then that. :) Thanks again!

[@mikekossor1980]

@billchuplis9460 not complicated really, just have to review until all the details fall onto place. The timer activates the coil as it approaches top dead center (TDC) on the compression stroke, the coil begins charging up as the piston continues moving towards TDC. The objective is for the coil to fire spark at (or slightly before) TDC for optimum power. The TIME it takes the coil to fire spark can be referred to as dwell time to fire (0.002 seconds or 2 milliseconds for example) which doesn't really mean much to most folks But TIME can also be thought of degrees of crankshaft rotation assuming a fixed speed of 1000 RPM, then the crank is turning at 360 degrees 1000 times a Minute or 360,000 degrees a Minute. Divide that by 60 and you get 6,000 degrees a second so in one thousand of a second (0.001 second) the crank travels in 6,000/1,000 = 6 degrees/second. That means if the coil dwell time to fire spark is 0.002 seconds (2ms) that means the crank dwell angle the piston would be 12 degrees Before TDC because 2ms later the piston will be at TDC when the coil fires, ignition happens and optimal power is delivered. Check out my KZbin webinar on Model T coil testing and tuning for more information. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iIrGeHdjbbSfadU

[@brentpizzey8903]

This looks awesome, need to adjust my coils. Where can I get one of these? Looks like it’s been out of stock for awhile?

[@mikekossor1980]

Popular item, working to restock now. A couple in a day or two and more in a week or two.