How to test coils?

[L18M]

How can you test ignition coils to see which is the better one to use?

regarding tii leading coil.

thanks in advance prof :p

[bumpstart]

http://www.amazon.com/KD-Tools-2756-Calibrated-Ignitions/dp/B0002STSBC
be sure you order the HEI version ( no anode in the spark plug well )

else the poor mans test is to use a dirty spark plug with an earth clamp to the battery around its belly

[Prof]

If you have the right kind of test gear and are bloody careful (the voltages involved could put an upside down smile on you in a second...) then the info on this site can be very useful for testing coil/plug combo - can even do it on a running engine.
 
http://www.motor.com/magazine/pdfs/052005_04.pdf
 
If you lift the small plastic cap on the coil pack, you can get access to the 2 coil screws for the primary winding - a scope probe and scope with at least a 500v input rating can show you what\'s going on in the primary side (and becauase it\'s a coupled coil, you can get some info for the secondary circuit and spark plug too).
 
I\'ve successfully used a DS Nano scope (ebay jobby) with x10 probe - get some really useful info - but don\'t touch anything - it really bites. :2eek

[L18M]

cheers guys, i think i\'ll try the poor mans way.
i dont have any test gear

[B.Martin]

I hope its my not my lovely RE-A ones your testing :Giggle

[L18M]

I hope its my not my lovely RE-A ones your testing :Giggle

lol, no, the actual coil packs nto leads :Giggle