Motorcycle electrics can be a daunting topic for most riders, but understanding the basics can help solve many issues with your motorcycle. One of the most important components in the ignition system of a motorcycle is the ignition coil. In this article, we will be discussing the 12 volt ignition coil wiring diagram for a Vincent motorcycle.
What is an Ignition Coil?
An ignition coil is a device that transforms battery voltage into the high voltage required by the spark plugs. It is responsible for creating the spark that ignites the fuel mixture in the combustion chamber of the engine. The ignition coil consists of two coils of wire wrapped around an iron core. When a voltage is applied to the primary coil, it creates a magnetic field that induces a high voltage in the secondary coil.
What is the Function of the Ignition Coil?
The main function of the ignition coil is to generate a high voltage electrical pulse that is sent to the spark plugs. This high voltage pulse is required to ignite the fuel mixture in the combustion chamber of the engine. The ignition coil is essentially an electrical transformer that steps up the voltage from the battery to a level high enough to create a spark across the gap of the spark plug.
What is a Vincent Motorcycle?
A Vincent motorcycle is a British motorcycle manufactured by Vincent HRD company from 1928 to 1955. Vincent motorcycles are known for their high performance and innovative designs. They were the fastest motorcycles of their time and broke many speed records.
Wiring Diagram for 12 Volt Ignition Coil of a Vincent Motorcycle
The wiring diagram for a 12 volt ignition coil of a Vincent motorcycle consists of three wires – the primary wire, the secondary wire, and the spark plug wire. The primary wire is connected to the battery and the ignition switch. The secondary wire is connected to the spark plug wire and the spark plugs. The spark plug wire is connected to the distributor.
Primary Wire
The primary wire is the thick wire that connects the ignition coil to the battery and the ignition switch. This wire carries the 12-volt battery voltage to the ignition coil. The primary wire should be connected to the positive terminal of the battery, and the other end should be connected to the ignition switch.
Secondary Wire
The secondary wire is the thin wire that connects the ignition coil to the distributor and the spark plugs. This wire carries the high voltage generated by the ignition coil to the distributor and the spark plugs. The secondary wire should be connected to the distributor’s high voltage terminal and the spark plugs.
Spark Plug Wire
The spark plug wire is the wire that connects the distributor to the spark plugs. This wire carries the high voltage from the ignition coil to the spark plugs, which creates the spark that ignites the fuel mixture in the combustion chamber. The spark plug wire should be connected to the distributor’s low voltage terminal and the spark plugs.
FAQ
What Causes Ignition Coils to Fail?
Ignition coils can fail due to a variety of reasons, such as overheating, age, and wear and tear. Overheating can cause the insulation of the coil windings to break down, leading to a short circuit. Age and wear and tear can cause the coil windings to break, leading to an open circuit. Other factors that can cause ignition coil failure include exposure to moisture, vibration, and contaminants.
How to Test an Ignition Coil?
To test an ignition coil, you can use an ohmmeter or a multimeter. First, disconnect the primary and secondary wires from the ignition coil. Then, measure the resistance of the primary coil using an ohmmeter. The resistance should be between 0.5 and 2 ohms, depending on the make and model of the ignition coil. Next, measure the resistance of the secondary coil using a multimeter. The resistance should be between 5,000 and 15,000 ohms, depending on the make and model of the ignition coil.
How to Replace an Ignition Coil?
To replace an ignition coil, first, disconnect the battery to prevent electrical shock. Then, locate the ignition coil and disconnect the primary and secondary wires from it. Remove the mounting bolts or screws that hold the ignition coil in place and remove the old coil. Install the new ignition coil in its place and reconnect the primary and secondary wires. Finally, reconnect the battery and test the ignition system to ensure it is working properly.
Conclusion
The 12 volt ignition coil wiring diagram for a Vincent motorcycle is an essential component of the motorcycle ignition system. By understanding the basics of the wiring diagram, a rider can troubleshoot and fix many electrical issues with their motorcycle. Regular maintenance and testing of the ignition system can help prevent any issues from arising in the first place.
