Calling All Gear Heads
August 12, 2007 3:40 PM Subscribe
Harley FXST running an Accel Super Fire ignition w/ Accel super coil. I've been using the same kind of coil for years and they always die at almost exactly 2 years.
Is this normal? Any recommendations for a different coil?
Yes, it's a great performer, but I'm not doing burn-outs or drag racing this thing. Can I just use a stock model coil or will it burn out with the "super" ignition too?
I'm getting ready to buy a new coil so any thoughts comments or ideas are greatly appreciated.
Yes, it's a great performer, but I'm not doing burn-outs or drag racing this thing. Can I just use a stock model coil or will it burn out with the "super" ignition too?
I'm getting ready to buy a new coil so any thoughts comments or ideas are greatly appreciated.
Best answer: I'd really look, very, very carefully, at your coil mounting position and brackets for the reason why coils are failing. Heat and vibration are the two big bugaboos in coil life, and it sounds like you are shaking/cooking yours.
Generally, you can decouple both mechanical vibration and heat with some silicon O-rings at appropriate mounting points (make sure your system electrical grounding is not adversely affected). But, in extreme case, such as classic Harleys, which have an unbalanced rocking couple in their V-Twin engine design, you have to take additional measure to reduce vibration, including stiffening your coil mounting bracket, or relocating your coil mount.
posted by paulsc at 7:34 PM on August 12, 2007
Generally, you can decouple both mechanical vibration and heat with some silicon O-rings at appropriate mounting points (make sure your system electrical grounding is not adversely affected). But, in extreme case, such as classic Harleys, which have an unbalanced rocking couple in their V-Twin engine design, you have to take additional measure to reduce vibration, including stiffening your coil mounting bracket, or relocating your coil mount.
posted by paulsc at 7:34 PM on August 12, 2007
Response by poster: paulsc, right on. Thanks for the thoughtful input.
You're totally right. I was wondering why the mount bolts were so damn long. It's obvious now that it requires some nice rubber bushings there. Also it's only about an inch away from the rear cylinder head, so yes on the heat factor too. No problem fabricating a little heat shield. Thanks a lot man!
posted by snsranch at 4:22 PM on August 13, 2007
You're totally right. I was wondering why the mount bolts were so damn long. It's obvious now that it requires some nice rubber bushings there. Also it's only about an inch away from the rear cylinder head, so yes on the heat factor too. No problem fabricating a little heat shield. Thanks a lot man!
posted by snsranch at 4:22 PM on August 13, 2007
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for one.
posted by artdrectr at 7:30 PM on August 12, 2007