[Healeys] coil wire

[Bob Spidell]

The magnetic field in the high-tension lead is inducing voltage, hence a current 
and spark, across the screwdriver.  All electric currents do this, in fact, 
motors, coils and solenoids depend on it.  Too much and you'll get a miss or 
possibly cross-firing.

If you don't have a miss I wouldn't worry about it.  The only way to prevent it 
would be to use some sort of shielding that is grounded to the engine (like coax 
cable has).  I think that's also why some ignition systems use 8mm wires 
(Healeys' are 7mm, I believe), and 'modern' wires are wire-wound or otherwise 
shielded (also to reduce radio noise).

If you grab the lead with your bare hands you'll be able to detect the field as 
well ;)  (PLEASE DON'T DO THIS)

bs



wpollock at inbox wrote:
> All summer I have had a persistant miss and I finally cured that by putting a
> new wire on #6.   At the same time,when I hold a screw driver to touch the
> high tension coil- distributor wire and the end of the screw driver touching
> the engine I get a spark.  This was true with the old wire as well as brand
> new wire.  Should I get this spark and if not what is the cure?  It is a very
> tiny spark with both the old and new wire and can only be see in the dark.
> 
> Bill Pollock
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Bob Spidell           San Jose, CA            bspidell at comcast.net

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