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#98872 01/15/2007 4:39 AM
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Greetings fellow Bolters... I am a newbie to the forum. What a great resource.

I have a 52 GMC 270 that was converted to a 12V neg ground system by the prior owner. This weekend I installed a Pertonix Ignitor and Flamethrower Coil to try and help my cold starting issues. When removing the old coil I noticed that not only was it wired backwards, but it was a 6V coil to boot (Borg-Warner E80 6volts). The wire from the ignition through the ballast was connected to the negative post, while the wire from the distributor was connected to the positive post. Since he truck did run, I guess the reversed wiring is not a big deal, but I didn't think that a 6V coil would work in a 12V system.

Anyone have any insight in this?

Good news is that by following the instructions, I got the Bolt fired up.

Thanks for the insight, and happy bolting.

#98873 01/15/2007 5:26 AM
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Itll work but dont expect it to last very long. Also works hooked up backwards but again...

Most of the 6 volt stuff will work on a 12 volt system, at least for a few seconds before it fries or does a meltdown! :rolleyes:

Congrats and welcome to the bolt!

Jeff


My 1953 Chevrolet
1947.1 Gallery
1972 C-10 1/2 Ton & 1972 C-30 1 Ton
#98874 01/15/2007 5:48 AM
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Jeff,

Thanks for the info.

Kingston's a great little town. Do you ever make it to any of the car meets at Port Gamble? They run Thursday evenings through the summer, and of course the big one Labor Day weekend.

#98875 01/15/2007 5:51 AM
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That truck was originally positive ground, so the PO just forgot to change the polarity of the coil. The six volt coil will work OK behind a ballast resistor, true twelve volt coils don't need the ballast resistor. Some coils say twelve volts and indicate external resistor required, but I don't consider that a true twelve volt coil.

#98876 01/15/2007 4:01 PM
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Don48,

The coil you mention and the way it was wired could have been the root of your hard starting problem. eek


Stuart

#98877 01/15/2007 4:42 PM
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I would use a coil that matches the directions with the Petronics kit. It could be damaged by an incorrect coil.


They say money can't buy happiness. It can buy old Chevy trucks though. Same thing.
1972 Chevy c10 Cheyenne Super
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#98878 01/16/2007 1:24 AM
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Hey Don, I try and make it down there when I can. Started going towards the end of last season but was making it pretty regularly. Im only 5 minutes down the road so its hard not to make excuses not to! Im usually there in the 53.

The big show last summer was great, lots of cool stuff to ooh and awe over. Im hoping Ill have my coe road worthy by the time it starts up again this spring. Itll be cool to drive it down the road.

Remember to post pics! We gotta see what your workin on!

Jeff


My 1953 Chevrolet
1947.1 Gallery
1972 C-10 1/2 Ton & 1972 C-30 1 Ton
#98879 01/16/2007 2:13 AM
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Quote
Originally posted by Don48:
Do you ever make it to any of the car meets at Port Gamble?
Hey Don I'm over on Bainbridge, work in Poulsbo, and try to make it to Port Gamble every week.

Have you been there in the past? What did you drive?

Like Jeff said, we need to see some pictures so we can spot you on the road!


1955 1st GMC Suburban | 1954 GMC 250 trailer puller project | 1954 GMC 250 Hydra-Matic | 1954 Chevy 3100 . 1947 Chevy COE | and more...
It's true. I really don't do anything but browse the Internet looking for trouble...
#98880 01/20/2007 2:54 AM
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I have made it over to the Port Gamble meets a couple of times. Unfortunately my truck wasn't running yet, so I drove the Saab.

I have submitted my pics to the site. Sure they'll be up soon. Until then take a look at my site:
http://home.comcast.net/~donaldrob/TRUCK.htm

#98881 01/20/2007 2:56 AM
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Quote
Originally posted by Wrenchbender Ret.:
I would use a coil that matches the directions with the Petronics kit. It could be damaged by an incorrect coil.
I installed a Pertronix Flamethrower for just that reason. Figured that the two would go together like clock work.

Thanks for the help....

#98882 01/20/2007 9:31 AM
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im only an hour away ill be there next summer with one of my trucks i hope see you guys there


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