Steve :
Connecting the coil backwards will result in a somewhat weaker spark,
although I can't recall why offhand (it has to do with the polarity of
the spark, reverse polarity doesn't work as well). It will not damage
the coil, or any other part of the ignition system.
It's actually possible that your old coil was correctly connected, and
that the "Dist" and "Batt" terminals were marked for a positive ground
car (like a stock TR3).
Randall
Steve Reilly wrote:
>
> Dear Listers:
>
> Approximately 2 weeks ago, I purchased another GT6+. First 3 times she
> started up first try, however next 2 times or so, it took 2-3 cranks.
> After that, It would not start at all, but would "stutter" a few times
> while cranking.
> After some quick diagnostics, I determined that the spark was too weak.
> I checked that all the connections were strong.
> After Replacing the coil with an extra one I had, I noticed that the
> terminals on the old one were reversed. Terminal marked "Dist" was
> connected to Ign 12V+, and "Batt" was connected to the Distributer. Coil
> was also hot but the engine had not been running, just cranked for 1 minute
> or so in 2-3 Second trys with same rest periods in between.
>
> Anyway, with the new coil hooked up properly, She fired up 1st try as usual.
>
> So my question(s) are: Exactly what difference will there be hooking up
> the coil backwards? More importantly, will any other part of the ignition
> system be damaged or damaged quicker through reverse-hookup? Lastly,
> Would these starting symptoms be related to the reverse hookup of the coil,
> or is it more likely the coil just died anyway?
>
> I looked through the Listquest Archives first and found a bit of info on
> this subject, but not too much on the symptoms. Coil is Non-ballast.
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