The Ford Barn

lwannem · 11-25-2012, 11:04 AM

Does anyone have an easier solution (other then chipping it out) of removing the tar inside a coil box. I am afraid of damaging the coils with the pic and chip method.

tmodelman · 11-25-2012, 11:38 AM

Digging away carefully for removing the capacitor is the way.

Check out this video from a professional coil re-builder, that is the method he uses.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_Acs...eature=related

Farmallcub49 · 11-25-2012, 02:15 PM

It chips out easier if you put it in the freezer overnight. If you damage it, so be buy another and have at it. If you are nervous and have a known bad one practice on that one first.

CharlieB · 11-25-2012, 03:20 PM

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Here's what works for me. I've done about a dozen coils. The first one I did had the wood (capacitor) side loose on the case so I removed it completely. I then found that sending a scraper down between the wood & tar in a couple of spots usually frees this piece up and it comes off the case easily. You can imagine how much easier it is to do the cap removal without that wood side in the way. With the newest style capacitor it isn't necessary to remove the glass insulator either (their small enough to fit the existing space) so you're clear of all windings & possible damage. Go easy. Once you free the wood from the tar the side will pry off. They aren't glued on the finger joints but you can put a dab or 2 on the fingers to hold it back in place when done. Personally, I don't see the need to totally re-fill the box. You can take up the excess space with small wood blocks but I just put enough tar back to hold the new cap & wiring in place without a total re-fill. I use a tin can with a spout bent into it, a vice grip pliers for a handle on the can and a propane torch to melt the tar in small amounts. A BBQ works well too for larger amounts. Just do it out side 'cause it stinks.

11-25-2012, 11:04 AM	#1
lwannem Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 106	Coil box tar removal Does anyone have an easier solution (other then chipping it out) of removing the tar inside a coil box. I am afraid of damaging the coils with the pic and chip method.

11-25-2012, 02:15 PM	#3
Farmallcub49 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: St Joseph,MN Posts: 278	Re: Coil box tar removal It chips out easier if you put it in the freezer overnight. If you damage it, so be buy another and have at it. If you are nervous and have a known bad one practice on that one first. __________________ 'OSO HANDY RESTORATIONS Specializing in Model T Fords 320-293-1953

11-25-2012, 03:20 PM	#4
CharlieB Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Toms River N.J. Posts: 515	Re: Coil box tar removal Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Here's what works for me. I've done about a dozen coils. The first one I did had the wood (capacitor) side loose on the case so I removed it completely. I then found that sending a scraper down between the wood & tar in a couple of spots usually frees this piece up and it comes off the case easily. You can imagine how much easier it is to do the cap removal without that wood side in the way. With the newest style capacitor it isn't necessary to remove the glass insulator either (their small enough to fit the existing space) so you're clear of all windings & possible damage. Go easy. Once you free the wood from the tar the side will pry off. They aren't glued on the finger joints but you can put a dab or 2 on the fingers to hold it back in place when done. Personally, I don't see the need to totally re-fill the box. You can take up the excess space with small wood blocks but I just put enough tar back to hold the new cap & wiring in place without a total re-fill. I use a tin can with a spout bent into it, a vice grip pliers for a handle on the can and a propane torch to melt the tar in small amounts. A BBQ works well too for larger amounts. Just do it out side 'cause it stinks.