The Ford Barn

Paul from Maine · 11-17-2011, 04:56 PM

How much voltage should you have between the distributer and plug? According to my NuRex spark voltage tester, I have 20,000 volts between the coil and the distributer cap. However, when I put the tester between the cap and the No. 1 plug, I was lucky to get a steady 10,000 volts. I have an ancient original cap that looks in good shape an an old rotor that looks good. Is this voltage drop normal? Should I be adjusting the gap between the rotor and the terminals in the cap? Should I buy anew cap and rotor?

BUBBAS IGNITION · 11-17-2011, 06:58 PM

I dont know how accurate the tester is , but a good running engine needs approx 5-8000 volts at idle total secondary ignition. Rotor and plug gap typically eat up 2-3000 volts in the gaps etc.
A new cap and rotor is always a good idea assuming the parts are quality parts.....

Robert · 11-18-2011, 06:39 AM

The last time that I touched a spark plug connector,the 'delivery' that I received felt as if I had taken a dose of AT LEAST 500,000V...TWICE. Since then, I have been able to pick up small ferrous objects using the back of my hand. Also, I have been told that the compass in my friend's 60's Caddy swings in my direction whenever I travel through his neighborhood. HMM?!?!?

Mike V. Florida · 11-18-2011, 08:08 AM

Although it might be nice to know, as long as you get a spark at the plug it's enough.

Kevin in NJ · 11-18-2011, 08:39 AM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Put you hand on the wire while well grounded.

If you just say ouch then it is weak.

If you say oh sh t then it is ok

If you say g d d m mf son of a b then it is real good.

If you wake up in the hospital then tell me what you are using cause it is real good.

11-17-2011, 04:56 PM	#1
Paul from Maine Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Oxford Hills, Maine Posts: 325	How much voltage should you have between the distributer and plug? How much voltage should you have between the distributer and plug? According to my NuRex spark voltage tester, I have 20,000 volts between the coil and the distributer cap. However, when I put the tester between the cap and the No. 1 plug, I was lucky to get a steady 10,000 volts. I have an ancient original cap that looks in good shape an an old rotor that looks good. Is this voltage drop normal? Should I be adjusting the gap between the rotor and the terminals in the cap? Should I buy anew cap and rotor?

11-17-2011, 06:58 PM	#2
BUBBAS IGNITION Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: SPEEDWAY INDIANA Posts: 4,148	Re: How much voltage should you have between the distributer and plug? I dont know how accurate the tester is , but a good running engine needs approx 5-8000 volts at idle total secondary ignition. Rotor and plug gap typically eat up 2-3000 volts in the gaps etc. A new cap and rotor is always a good idea assuming the parts are quality parts..... __________________ If it Makes Spark, we do it !!!! www.bubbasignition.com [email protected]

11-18-2011, 06:39 AM	#3
Robert Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 99	Re: How much voltage should you have between the distributer and plug? The last time that I touched a spark plug connector,the 'delivery' that I received felt as if I had taken a dose of AT LEAST 500,000V...TWICE. Since then, I have been able to pick up small ferrous objects using the back of my hand. Also, I have been told that the compass in my friend's 60's Caddy swings in my direction whenever I travel through his neighborhood. HMM?!?!?

11-18-2011, 08:08 AM	#4
Mike V. Florida Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Florida between Sarasota and TampaSouth Florida Posts: 14,054	Re: How much voltage should you have between the distributer and plug? Although it might be nice to know, as long as you get a spark at the plug it's enough. __________________ What's right about America is that although we have a mess of problems, we have great capacity - intellect and resources - to do some thing about them. - Henry Ford II

11-18-2011, 08:39 AM	#5
Kevin in NJ Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: South East NJ Posts: 3,398	Re: How much voltage should you have between the distributer and plug? Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Put you hand on the wire while well grounded. If you just say ouch then it is weak. If you say oh sh t then it is ok If you say g d d m mf son of a b then it is real good. If you wake up in the hospital then tell me what you are using cause it is real good.