Hello:

Has anyone had any luck using the New Direct Digital Ignition System from Model T Ranch on a 1915 Model T. I am torn to either use a Distributor Ignition or just use the old coil system?

William:

How's your magneto ??

Best is to invest in a set of re-built Ford ignition coils, Anderson style timer & good plugs.

William, Follow Bob's advise from above. Properly rebuilt and adjusted coils with new condensors, and a really good timer like the Anderson will make your T run wonderfully....Michael

Unfortunately when my motor was rebuilt that took the magnetos out...................

Some refer to the "magnetos" as the Ford coil boxes.......
There is only one magneto in the T engine & it's part of the flywheel assembly & part is a stationary field coil. If you need re-built ignition coils I can properly re-build those for you using your cores or using my cores.

If the magnets & field coil were removed from the engine, your only option is a distributor ignition. I've seen the advertisement for the "new" ignition system, but not the actual unit. " I'm from Missouri "......you have to show me to believe.

Excuse me for posting your reply here, your e-mail address didn't work.

Bob Jablonski

I read with interest the above about the ignition variations. I am puzzled a bit. I see a reference to " Ford rebuilt coils." Does the Ford Motor Co rebuild coils ? What does this reference mean ? Many parts suppliers offer coils. Which ones are the best bet ? Thanks, Bill Alexander

I installed the Texas T electronic ignition in my t and it works great. When i bought the t it was not running and it was missing a lot of parts and all the ignition parts. i opted for the distributor and electionic ignition because it was complete and allowed me to get it running. It eliminated the whole original ignition system and allowed me to concentrate on getting the other systems going. It was a bolt on kit that can easily be removed and replaced with the original timer and coil boxes (i will try this some day) I must say that it runs great and was really easy to install. Good luck

I have one distributor car, and one coil car. I opted for the distributor when my mag quit mysteriously (overheat may have been the cause). I tried all the tests and fixes but the "mag" (alternator?) just doesn't put out enough juice. I will fix it "when I get around" to pulling that engine. But it was 2 weeks before an international tour and I had no choice.

The distributor works well and has never let me down in the last two seasons. I have not even had to adjust the points. It was simple to install and cost around $200.

The coil car also runs well. I followed the MTFCA video and let Ron walk me thru the coil rebuild. Very important to prepare the points like he says. I used the coils from the distributor conversion on the coil car. It compression starts like a new one.

When the guys are all doing compression starts, I always say "watch this", turn the key, and give them a blank stare when nothing happens!

William:

In answer to your question ..............

Ford Motor Co. did not & does not re-build ignition coils.
There are a few of us T'ers who do re-build coils...Ron Patterson, R.V. Anderson & myself.
Re-building compromises replacing the internal condenser, new points, calibrating coil output on a hand cranked magneto ignition coil tester.
I'm sure that there are others who re-build coils but I would question their methods.

Back to Airrace's question. I think that most will agree that the Model T runs best on a good strong magneto with properly rebuilt and tuned coils.
Maybe your mag isn't up to snuff. Or maybe you just like the idea of running something a little different. There is nothing wrong with using a distributer. You could try a modern Bosch clip-on distributer. They come in electronic, or points and condensor styles. They look like the accesory distributers which, were available during the T era. Plus, They'll run on six volts, the Direct Digital setup requires twelve volts. That Direct Digital setup probably works just fine. But, look at the picture of it in their ad. Brackets and wires and sensors and things all over the place. If it were on my car, I'd have to weld the left side of my hood shut, so, nobody would ever have to see it.

I'm new to forum,am new owner of a 24 Fordor without orig. magneto system. I have replaced dowels in cam, new fibre gear etc. I am in need of a little coaching to time the distributor(bosch) and mount it on motor. I have the parts but no instructions. any help would be appreciated.

The ball end of the Distributor goes on the timmer plate after you put the gear on the cam shaft. The hole or slot(depending on which you have goes under the bolt that hold the timing cover on. I leave out the Bellcrank mechanism. That way when spark is advanced the lever is up out of the way of my knee. I also run a pertronix module which I strongly recommend. I think you'll be happy whith the distributor. I run mine just enough off straight up to clear the fan. I keeps it out of the way. If you have any more questions drop me line.. Ollie in Kanab

Russ,

My instructions read something like this:

Rotate the engine (crank that is) and locate compression stroke on #1 (front) cyl. Stop when the piston is 3/8" BEFORE top dead center. Careful, it looks the same if you go PAST top dead center! I used a screwdriver on top of the piston to gage this.

Gap the points in the distributor to .017".

Install distributor and rotate timing until the points just open. Make sure the spark lever is in FULL RETARD (up). Then install rotor and look at the way the cap will line up. The nearest plug wire to the rotor contact at this point is #1. The firing order is 1-2-4-3. Note distributor rotor rotation is opposite engine rotation.

I followed this and mine started right up. Of course the instructions that came with your distributor may differ. Be careful that retard works or it can kick, I have the emergency room records to prove it. My cam gear got loose and the timing, obviously, was a little off!


Tom

tom a - thanks for the info on the timing, i had a pretty good idea it was'nt too difficult. i'll get my wife to help me send a pic to my profile. my pc skills are limited.