checking pickup coil ?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 6,130
Likes: 2
From: seattle WA
checking pickup coil ?
In my quest I've decide to check my pickup coil-but I need help. Part 2 in FSM I can understand-500-1500 ohm range. Part 1 is where I'm confused.While using an OHM meter it says it should read infinite at all times-what does that mean-and what would the OHM meter show-does it mean the meter would peg on the high side?
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,867
Likes: 3
From: Pasadena Maryland
An infinite reading on the ohm meter is what you see when you hold both leads out in the air, not touching each other. When you touch the 2 leads together you will see 0 (ZERO) ohms resistance, or sometimes you might see 2 or 3 ohms depending on the quality of the meter and leads. Older meters that use a needle (Analog Gauge) have a way of adjusting the 0 (ZERO) ohm reading.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,867
Likes: 3
From: Pasadena Maryland
Yes the OL you see is an infinite resistance reading. That is th emost the meter can return at that setting. If you hold 1 lead in each hand between thumb and finger you should see your body resistance, several meg ohms?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 6,130
Likes: 2
From: seattle WA
OK, thanks . If you were checking a circuit, a wire from one connection to another and there was a break in the wire somewhere-would that show up as 0L then? you guys may make a half a$$ed electrician out me yet. 
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,867
Likes: 3
From: Pasadena Maryland
Yes, a broken wire would read OL, that would be just like holding the leads apart. Some bad connections that are corroded or have broken strands will read a high resistance, 1000 or more ohms. Sometimes while the meter is hooked up you can wigle the wires and watch the resistance change, that would be an indication of a poor connection.
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Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 6,130
Likes: 2
From: seattle WA
Just read the picup coil.Test 1 shows putting one wire from the meter to ground and the other in_I'll call it terminal A, the reading should be infinite-it was. Test 2 shows putting both leads from the meter into
both terminals A & B, the test says it should read between 500-1500 ohm range-mine read .791 does that indicate the pickup coil is weak or bad? secondly, if I need to replace the pickup coil, how the heck do you get that C washer off ? or do you have to pull the distributor, drive out the pin from the shaft. thanks guys
both terminals A & B, the test says it should read between 500-1500 ohm range-mine read .791 does that indicate the pickup coil is weak or bad? secondly, if I need to replace the pickup coil, how the heck do you get that C washer off ? or do you have to pull the distributor, drive out the pin from the shaft. thanks guys
Last edited by rick lambert; Mar 27, 2006 at 02:16 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,867
Likes: 3
From: Pasadena Maryland
I cannot help with replacing the coil. Check the SCALE on the meter. If you see a K (k) in the display that means you are in the K (KILO)(1000) ohm range, so .791 K = 791 ohms. Read the owners manual for the meter if you have it. Some meters are auto-scaling and some are set manually.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 6,130
Likes: 2
From: seattle WA
For many reasons i HAD A HARD TIME SLEEPING LAST NIGHT-THIS ONE OF THEM. I was thinking-did I put the right wire from the coil in the right position-so, first I checked the pickup coil-thanks guys-it appears to be fine. Next I pulled off the coil cover-SH*t, when I installed it
the battery wire got crimped and looked like it was arcing-back to Autozone,felt like and feel like a friggin idiot-but all was not lost, that fixed the digi scramble
I still lose my instant mpg and my range, and I still think the miss is there, I posted asking about ECM symtoms and hippy posted almost my symtoms-don't know and haven't finished under the car or checked for balance yet-but at least the digi is workig almost great again.Keep u posted.Update, hooked up my timing light checked each plug-getting good fire on each.Checked my timing-after reading instructions on radiator-just a note-it said nothing about putting it in D, anyhow it was holding right at 8-where I had set it.
the battery wire got crimped and looked like it was arcing-back to Autozone,felt like and feel like a friggin idiot-but all was not lost, that fixed the digi scramble
I still lose my instant mpg and my range, and I still think the miss is there, I posted asking about ECM symtoms and hippy posted almost my symtoms-don't know and haven't finished under the car or checked for balance yet-but at least the digi is workig almost great again.Keep u posted.Update, hooked up my timing light checked each plug-getting good fire on each.Checked my timing-after reading instructions on radiator-just a note-it said nothing about putting it in D, anyhow it was holding right at 8-where I had set it.
Last edited by rick lambert; Mar 27, 2006 at 09:39 PM.
