Ignition: Coil up, coil down?

[NCDave51]

Received a new ignition cable set from Studebaker International. Didn’t want to make my own and finding a universal set was a complete waste of time, First class quality, this kit.

The short coil-to-cap cable length likely answers my question, but I wanted to check with you all in any event.

Is it ok to run with the coil “upside down”, terminals facing down? There is no physical way otherwise to use the coil cable supplied.

I know years ago older coils could leak their oil and therefore “upright” seems most common,

Please let me know your thoughts.

David

[rockne10]

Down works just fine.

[Mike Van Veghten]

If it's oil filled...you'd better hope that the seal is a good tight one if you mount it upside down.
Many have, some have gotten away with it...some haven't.

If it's epoxy filled, any angle works.

Mike

[StudeRich]

There were NO Ignition Coils facing UP on Stude, Cars or Trucks.

Also, the Intake Manifold Mounted ones face the Left, on their side, all Oil Filled, and no problems for the Six Year Models they were used or the '61 Years following.

I have never seen one leak, but have "heard of" overheated ones from improper wiring to all time, full 12 Volts leaking.

[NCDave51]

Amazing fast responses, everyone. Thanks very much!!

[rbisacca]

There were NO Ignition Coils facing UP on Stude, Cars or Trucks.

WRONG!!!! On the OHV 6 the coil was mounted UP. Check illustration in shop manual.

[christophe]

WRONG!!!! On the OHV 6 the coil was mounted UP. Check illustration in shop manual.

Yup! On the left side of the engine. About putting igntion coils upside down, I heard this was done to avoid condensation pooling on the high voltage terminal, but never knew for sure. Never had any troubles with the classic setup, BTW.
Nice day to all.

[bezhawk]

Also, every Avanti had the coil facing "up" under the stainless shielding.

[jclary]

Funny subject...back when I was in the Air Force, it was sorta like how we tested the newly minted second lieutenants assigned to our outfit by cautioning them how to position electrical components to keep the electrons from spilling out.

[NCDave51]

WRONG!!!! On the OHV 6 the coil was mounted UP. Check illustration in shop manual.

Ok then back to post #1 - Why then would S-I sell the 1939-60 Champion 6 cable kit with a 10” coil to cap cable?? If the coil was up, I’d need at least an 18” wire to make the bend into the coil.

(Jim - if you’re listening, please weigh in).

Keep the debate coming. Until then, it’ll be “upside down”.

[Flashback]

That's really a nice looking engine. Just one little detail. Please replace the generator adjusting bolt with one a little shorter The matter of the coil upside down or not would depend how original you want it. I don't remember (in recent years coils leaking). I would be more worried by that type oil filter.

[NCDave51]

That's really a nice looking engine. Just one little detail. Please replace the generator adjusting bolt with one a little shorter The matter of the coil upside down or not would depend how original you want it. I don't remember (in recent years coils leaking). I would be more worried by that type oil filter.

Sharp eye! The PO was using that for his battery ground point. Don’t ask...

[rbisacca]

Originally posted by rbisacca View Post
WRONG!!!! On the OHV 6 the coil was mounted UP. Check illustration in shop manual.

Ok then back to post #1 - Why then would S-I sell the 1939-60 Champion 6 cable kit with a 10” coil to cap cable?? If the coil was up, I’d need at least an 18” wire to make the bend into the coil.

(Jim - if you’re listening, please weigh in).

Keep the debate coming. Until then, it’ll be “upside down”.

Do you actually know what you're talking about? The OHV 6 was used starting on the 1961 vehicles. Coil up. Your engine is a flathead. Coil down. S-I sells different cable kits for the flathead and OHV engines.

[rbisacca]

Please replace the generator adjusting bolt with one a little shorter

Sharp eye! The PO was using that for his battery ground point. Don’t ask...

According to parts book that bolt should be 1-1/4". I know why PO was using that for his battery ground point. Because that's the proper place!

[NCDave51]

Not sure I appreciate your tone of reply “rbisacca” but thanks anyways for your comments.

It was you that introduced the OHV in the discussion. Not I.