| Author |
Message |
    
kirk
New member
Username: kirk
Post Number: 2
Registered: 09-2005
| | Posted on Monday, September 05, 2005 - 05:35 pm: | 
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Hello -
I recently acquired a Caron Bros stationary engine...from what I understand, Caron made marine engines, and a few were adapted to stationary use. The ignition system is a 12V high tension points/coil/spark plug setup similar to an automotive ignition...this setup actually uses an automotive coil. The problem is this - the points are "broken" with a cam, and the cam only separates the points for a split second...the rest of the time the points are closed, which means that current is flowing through the low tension part of the coil 99% of the time. Because of this, the coil heats up and the battery goes dead after 5 minutes. My understanding is that the points are supposed to remain open until just before the spark, when they close for a split second, then separate again to make the spark. Am I missing something in this ignition setup, or does anyone know how to set this system up so that it works properly?
Thanks...
Chris |
larry_from_maryland
Senior Member
Username: larry_from_maryland
Post Number: 260
Registered: 07-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 06, 2005 - 11:22 am: |
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Well a resistor would help,but you really need to change to a ford model t type buzz box. |
miro
Senior Member
Username: miro
Post Number: 191
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 06, 2005 - 12:01 pm: |
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The buzz coil works when the points close and the automotive ignition works when the points open.
You can rig up a relay whose contacts are open most of the time, but close and then open at the right moment. I suspect that at the relatively low rpm (500 - 750) you're running, that the time delay needed to operate the relay won't matter too much. The currect flowing through the points will be about 1 to 1.5 amps - again - no big deal.
But this suggestion is simply to answer your battery depletion challenge -it ain't historically correct.
miro |
pm_river_rat
Member
Username: pm_river_rat
Post Number: 6
Registered: 07-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 07, 2005 - 08:02 pm: |
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I'm not at all famililar with the Caron engine but the cam you describe is totally wrong for a points, coil, and plug ignition. Miro's relay suggestion will work but you need to rework the cam to close momentarily and remain open for the duration of the cycle. Sounds like a jury rigged affair. |
robertholcomb
Visitor
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 07, 2005 - 10:26 pm: |
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could this be an atwater kent set-up???????? |
jb_castagnos
Senior Member
Username: jb_castagnos
Post Number: 249
Registered: 07-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, September 08, 2005 - 01:23 pm: |
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Sounds like a magneto setup to me. |
richardday
Senior Member
Username: richardday
Post Number: 454
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, September 08, 2005 - 07:46 pm: |
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JB how are things going with your gang? Hope not too much damage and no loss of friends etc. We are all worried about all the folks in your area. The damage is horrendous and it will take a long time to overcome it. |
kirk
New member
Username: kirk
Post Number: 3
Registered: 09-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, September 08, 2005 - 08:48 pm: |
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robertholcomb -
I'm not familiar with an atwater-kent setup. Is there something in the technical section that explains how it works?
Thanks...
Chris |
jb_castagnos
Senior Member
Username: jb_castagnos
Post Number: 250
Registered: 07-2002
| | Posted on Friday, September 09, 2005 - 06:23 am: |
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Dick, we're doing ok, still have relatives living with us, but we've found places for them. I haven't heard from a cousin and his wife, but communication isn't that great. |
