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Unusual coil.
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Ray White



Joined: 02 Dec 2014
Posts: 7269
Location: Derby

PostPosted: Tue Jan 13, 2026 11:32 am    Post subject: Unusual coil. Reply with quote

This 6 volt 3 amp 'Auto Lite' coil (Ebay) is unlike anything I have seen before. Perhaps someone can explain why there are two HT outlets? Could it be for twin distributors?

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ukdave2002



Joined: 23 Nov 2007
Posts: 4284
Location: South Cheshire

PostPosted: Tue Jan 13, 2026 1:29 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Probably from a 2 cylinder engine utilising Wasted Spark ignition, eliminates the need for a distributor, possibly from a bike where space is limited.
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Ray White



Joined: 02 Dec 2014
Posts: 7269
Location: Derby

PostPosted: Tue Jan 13, 2026 2:47 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

ukdave2002 wrote:
Probably from a 2 cylinder engine utilising Wasted Spark ignition, eliminates the need for a distributor, possibly from a bike where space is limited.


Thanks for that explanation, Dave.

Harley Davidson for example.
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Rusty



Joined: 10 Feb 2009
Posts: 290
Location: Bunbury, Western Australia

PostPosted: Wed Jan 14, 2026 12:24 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I have never actually looked, but someone told me years ago that 2CV Citroens fired the plug on both compression and Exhaust, if that is true then they would be the most common type that might use that style of coil!
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norustplease



Joined: 11 Apr 2011
Posts: 827
Location: Lancashire

PostPosted: Wed Jan 14, 2026 10:09 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I think that a 2CV is a Boxer, ie it fires both cylinders simultaneously. The coil is double ended, there is no distributor as such, just a set of points at the front of the engine attached to the camshaft. It only fires on compression.
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1964 Volvo PV544
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Ray White



Joined: 02 Dec 2014
Posts: 7269
Location: Derby

PostPosted: Wed Jan 14, 2026 11:56 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

norustplease wrote:
I think that a 2CV is a Boxer, ie it fires both cylinders simultaneously. The coil is double ended, there is no distributor as such, just a set of points at the front of the engine attached to the camshaft. It only fires on compression.


Both spark plugs fire simultaneously but not both cylinders. The spark firing on the exhaust stroke is wasted.
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alastairq



Joined: 14 Oct 2016
Posts: 2143
Location: East Yorkshire

PostPosted: Wed Jan 14, 2026 12:52 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

IIRC, the coil is double ended on a duck shoveller
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Fiat 126 BIS
Cannon special [1996 registered. Built in 1950's]
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Ray White



Joined: 02 Dec 2014
Posts: 7269
Location: Derby

PostPosted: Wed Jan 14, 2026 3:08 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

alastairq wrote:
IIRC, the coil is double ended on a duck shoveller


Having led a sheltered life...I know what a shoveller duck looks like...but what is a "duck shoveller", please?
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alastairq



Joined: 14 Oct 2016
Posts: 2143
Location: East Yorkshire

PostPosted: Wed Jan 14, 2026 5:49 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Quote:
Having led a sheltered life...I know what a shoveller duck looks like...but what is a "duck shoveller", please?

Hah! Deux Chevaux......Dux chevux...
_________________
Dellow Mk2, 1951 built, reg 1952.
Fiat 126 BIS
Cannon special [1996 registered. Built in 1950's]
----------------------------------------------
Ford Pop chassis, Ashley 1172 bodyshell, in pieces.
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Ray White



Joined: 02 Dec 2014
Posts: 7269
Location: Derby

PostPosted: Wed Jan 14, 2026 9:32 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

alastairq wrote:

Hah! Deux Chevaux......Dux chevux...


Yes, the coil is double ended. The clever thing, of course, is that there is no distributor; no need.

Such a foolproof design. Like everything about those cars it is designed with reliability at it's heart.

If only they were still being made, the world would at least have some sanity left.
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