Ignition Coil Question

[FrankRedondo]

Hi all, I am new to the forum and have seen many great, detailed answers to many questions but I could not find an answer to address my question.

I have an 1985 CJ7 Laredo that I did a body off frame restoration back in 1999. It is in near show room shape because when I finished it I started a family and have not had many 4WD trips. But on to the question: Is there anything special about the ignition coil on the AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l with a Duraspark ignition?

The original coil is working but looks bad, was chrome but now not so good. I had an Accel 8140, 12 volt, Universal high ,output coil that was brand new from some previous project. I put it in and engine would not start. Put the original back and it fires right up. I had another Accel coil that was used and tried it and engine would not start. Put the old one back and I am running off it again.

Any idea why these other standard 12 volt coils will not work with the Jeep ignition system?

Thanks for your help.

 

[CJ]

Hmm.. Accel shows the 8140 for point type dist. and would need a ballast resistor. They show the 8145 for electronic dist.

-->> ACCEL Ignition - FAQ

-->> 8145 and 8145C coils sheet -->> Wiki - ACCEL SuperStock Breakerless Electronic Coils

According to Morris, MSD calls for a different coil for points or electronic. -->> Jeep Parts Accessories - MSD Performance Parts

This page says you need to run a ballast resistor if you don't have one or a resistor wire. -->> WPS:AMC:Motorcraft distributor upgrade

Another post saying a points coil will not work with a Duraspark. -->> The FORDification.com Forums • View topic - Duraspark II conversion

I know when I had a Duraspark system, I had a MSD box with an MSD coil and it worked fine - of course the parts were made for comparability.

 

[FrankRedondo]

Thanks for the references CJ. I will check them out. It seems that there may be some differences in a points type coil and and a solid state ignition. I will post what I learn on this.