coils

[John Mc]

If you decide to cut it apart be aware that the oil inside the coil is very toxic! You do NOT want to get that on your skin or on your equipment.

Is that PCB oil like what used to be in power transformers?

[rickf]

Yup.

[raymond]

Not all dielectric oils contain PCBs. But enough do that you should use due caution. At the same time, remember, PCBs are not like VX or Sarin. A minimum exposure is not a death sentence. They take time to do damage. Their effects are cumulative, so limit exposure.

Another thing to remember is that PCB oils were in a lot of things. Not just military coils. Almost all older automotive coils made before around 1980 potentially contain PCB oils. As do transformers, relays, and other electrical components used in home electrical systems, TVs, radios, etc.

[Mark]

In the old days, we'd change the taps on the electric transformers, just stick our hands in the oil to move the tap changer, then they discovered it gave you cancer, etc.Which killed the linemen quick.Now the oil is tested(also test the oil in active use transformers.If PCBs was above so many parts per million they would replace the oil/transformer.)
Now it is probably different as I been out of the trade a long time.

[fergrn37]

Rule of thumb - black/dark oil = PCB, clear/light oil = ok

[Mark]

Ya, that's what they said too!

[lpcoating]

As there have been some posts about possible coil failures recently I'm curious if anyone has compared the internals of a NOS and the chrome coil. I know Lou talked about doing this. Any update?

Guy

[rickf]

I think he is waiting on me to get him a few I have, just have not had the time to get down there.

[Lou]

I think he is waiting on me to get him a few I have, just have not had the time to get down there.

Yes, still very interested in seeing and measuring the differences. Would it be possible to get the coils to http://www.g838.org/memberlist.php?mode ... file&u=652 since he said he could cut them open with a lathe further back in this thread. Much better and neater then using a Sawzall!

[Refit1701]

OH, I did say that...

[rickf]

I am going to look at them, I think the way they are designed the can is crimped over at the top edge and if you just carefully grind off that edge the bottom of the coil can should drop off.

[Refit1701]

This will have to wait until next week as our yearly jeep rally starts Friday and ends Sunday.

[John Mc]

1500 miles on my Debella coil in my M37 with Pertronix MV-161A ignition installed in the waterproof military distributor, including just about every combination of short trips (including multiple 20 minute hops in one excursion), long trips (more than an hour), hot weather (above 90˚F), stop & go traffic, and cruising at 50 MPH. No problems so far.

It's been a couple of months since I spoke to Peter Debella about the results he is hearing back form the field, but last I heard he was not hearing reports of problems when used with an electronic ignition.

Keeping my fingers crossed. Really interested to hear what comes of this investigation, and whether there is the demand to justify a run of redesigned coils which more closely match the original.

[Refit1701]

That's good to hear. I have Pertronix in my M37 too. I have heard that it may be a good idea to put a resistor in the line to limit voltages to 24, if your system produces 28ish.

[Jerome]

Just installed a NOS coil and I confirm it is just night and day with the chrome ones - Cold start is not an issue anymore! It's definitely worth the cost.