Hey guys, so I took the fuel coil off of the transmission the other day. The copper on it looks good, but of course it has the original padding on it so that's no longer any good. Is there a cheap way to get my coil working again (I'm pretty sure it's called fuel coil, it's that part that sits across from the magneto and has oval holes along the outside and when turned against the magnets makes the charge). I was told by my MTFCA president Greg it was pretty roached, but i'm trying to avois picking up one at Langs for $250 if I can. Is it possible to pick up a used nonrestored one for cheaper that will work? I'm getting excited: i'm ordering new valves, standard size piston rings, and gaskets from Langs tonight. Then the transmission is coming apart to check the drums and gears for cracks. After all of that, the whole enging is going back together. I hope to have the engine prepped to run by the end of the week/beginning of next week. I still need a carb though (the one I have is pretty shot, but i'll try to get it working), manifold, and generator.
Matthew Atchinson:
RV Anderson is one of the best at rewinding a FIELD COIL. He posts on this forum so you can reach him that way or call 716-267-3526. He is a super guy to work with.
I suggest that you buy one directly from Wally Szumoski, Chicago, Illinois, 772-586-4485. Wally and his wife, Fran, do the best on rebuilding a field coil of anyone that I have seen. I have his field coils in both of my Model T's. (I suspect a rebuilt field coil will be less than $250.)
You have it all apart and it would be foolish not to replace the field coil and recharge the magnets. You only want to go through the engine once. Be sure to get the crankshaft magnafluxed. You don't want to run with a cracked crankshaft. A broken crank can wreck your block an d create all sorts of havoc.
Matthew,
I would recommend Wally... I just had mine redone. $270.00 including UPS to California.
Wally sends you a new one when he receives your core. He's easy to work with and VERY prompt.
If you are rebuilding your engine now is the time to replace the Field coil. The coil will outlast virtually every other part you buy for your engine rebuild!
Thanks for the responses guys. Yes, I am rebuilding the engine now. The crank shaft is actually ok: I had it checked out by a couple other T guys. They said it was worn some, but still within operating limits. No cracks thank God: i'm a broke college kid and can't afford to replace the crank shaft yet. i'll definitely consider the guys you recommended. I have another question that will help me decide too: are the field coils you buy from Langs redone to operating condition, or are they just used junk?
Wally rebuilds most of the vendor supplied coils. Working directly with him will save you time and money. Going directly to him is the best choice, in my opinion.
To your question, yes, Lang's sells a fully restored product that you would be pleased with if you purchased it.
If you're cheap like me and have the time, or if you're impecunious enough for the expense to put you off, there's another way. The MTFCA book, The Electrical System, tells you how to do it yourself. If you're on a tight schedule and have the dough, send it to Wally.
I have followed the Electrical System book and rewound 3 magneto coils. I kept two of them and both cars run very well on magneto. It will take a day of your time to do it, or maybe two days, but it works well.
Norm
The best way to get a working magneto again is to put in a quality coil ring and not just patch an old one. I know the cost and elbow grease involved in replacing the ring, but then you know, without a doubt, the integrity of it. Look at all the money you saved not having to buy a new crank Matt!!
Do it the right way once! Do it the wrong way again and again!
Regards,
Garnet
I have two rebuilt field coils, one from Wally and one from RV. Both are excellent and work great. It is money very well spent...you won't be sorry.
Hey guys, I'm trying to call Wally with the number given above. The call won't go through when I dial 1-772-586-4485. Do I have to put area code in there since it's a distance call? Also, what is the difference between a single stack and double stack coil? would my T crank start with a single stack? It looks like they're cheaper on Langs for those ones.
Which mag you have depends on the year of the car. See the magneto pages in the encyclopedia for an explanation.
Yes, you need the area code calling Illinois from New York. Use the 1 if you're calling on a land line, but not if you're using a mobile.
Matthew, you need a single stack coil. Any T should be able to start on mag regardless if it has a single or double stack mag ring.
Stephen
Matthew
Wally's correct telephone number is 773-586-4485.
Here is Buzz pounds original magneto history chart.
Ron the Coilman
Wow, I just received my new coil assembly from Wally. What a piece of art! Can't wait to assemble the ring to the block and gap the magnets this week end. Uh Oh... Fathers day... well the following weekend will be OK too, I guess.
Nice work looks great! My new old '16 engine is coming together.