MTFCA Forum

Does anyone know how to hook up a ‘Wonder Ignition Rectifier’?

It would be on my 1919 Touring with the coil hookups that protrude from the firewall.

A simple drawing or a wiring schematic would be awesome!

I found only two references in period trade journals.

It is advertised for four cylinder engines and not specifically for Fords.

If it does "raise the tension," that would seem to conflict with the word rectifier. A rectifier converts AC current to DC current.

A Model T Ford has a low tension magneto and the coils in the coil box increase the tension so such an accessory would be redundant.

Personally, I wouldn't hook it up to a Ford ignition unless you have opened it up and see what's in side and determine what it actually does.

Just my two cents which is neither here nor there.

Google books
https://www.google.com/search?tbm=bks&q ... ctifier%22

General Google search
https://www.google.com/search?q=%22wond ... e&ie=UTF-8

I would wager to say that Burlington Co is using the word "Rectifier" loosely and it's actually some sort of spark intensifier. I agree with Mr. Johnson though, without knowing what's inside it might make good kindling!

Sorry to ignore your original question, I find it odd it seems to only one one terminal for each cylinder.

There is a section on Spark Intensifiers/ Enhancers in our Aftermarket Gallery: app.php/gallery/album/75/page/25?sk=n&sd=a

It might be of interest to browse these and see how they worked in general.

Cheers
Adrian

I would guess that it works like the intensifier spark plugs sold back in the Model T era. The, “intensifying” , is just a small pre-gap of around 0.010 inch before the actual spark plug gap , which makes for a little stronger spark in the cylinder under compression. So inside of the small wood box there is most likely just a solid lead with a small gap with some wood to keep each lead separated.
After looking at it a little more, the small wire on the side may go to some electrical windings inside and grounded to the metal mounting straps to a missing grounding wire, making it an extra coil. If you plan to try to use it, carefully open it up and take a look.