Topic: Andrews coils question

[ekpent]

Hello. Recently bought an old 750 Honda race motor,carbs and other parts and pieces that has been lurching under a work bench for years. Supposedly runs,we will see someday. These Andrews coils were in a box of extras. Has anybody ever used them.They are marked with the numbers 6465 and 1-81 on one coil and 6465 and 11-80 (maufacture date??) on another. The problem are the wires,just one came with it and even though he is looking I think its doubtful he will find them.Any chance of sourcing up a set?? Also any idea as the the ohms value. Thanks for the help------Eric

[IndyFour]

I don't know anything about the coils themselves, but it appears that they take an automotive type plug end on the coil side (kind of what would go on a distributor cap in an old car).  If that's the case, you can go get a set of 7mm plug wires as a 4 cyl set from Tractor Supply.  They are just generic copper core wire sets that are multipurpose and I believe they already have ends on them or at least come with them.  Then, you just have to find the appropriate plug caps for your application.  The wire sets only run about $10.  Just an idea. 

As far as measuring the coil's resistance, you can probably measure it with an ohm meter.  Someone else will have to chime in to tell you how to do it properly, though.  Good luck!

[fmctm1sw]

Those wires look like plain jane wires that would fit an auto distributor.  Autozone?

*edit* yeah, what he said...

[IndyFour]

Those wires look like plain jane wires that would fit an auto distributor.  Autozone?

*edit* yeah, what he said...

As they say:  Great minds....   

[ekpent]

Took it in to Advanced Auto recently and the kid just kind of gave me a blank,scared stare. Will take it I quess to a regular old time parts store and have somebody who at least shaves take a peek at it. Have a tractor supply here also will check it out. Thanks

[JohnG]

I am just about to install a set of identical coils  (6465)

I bought a set of 8 mm Accel spark plug wires  (I think #4038 but I can check)
which have the plug end all done and you cut to length and install the other end
by crimping.  The wires are stranded metal core so no resistance - first rate!

I will then put the little metal screw on caps on the plugs and the Accel wires
fit perfect.

This should be a vast upgrade on the Honda ignition!

                  John

ps  The 6465s are about 3 Ohm resistance which should work well.

[ekpent]

Good info John. Did you just pick up the wires at one of the big box stores. How much should I expect to pay for the set up you are doing? I will check out the #4038 and let us know how it all works out for you.I for one would like to know-----Eric

[JohnG]

I  bought a set for a V8 car on Ebay for $19 plus shipping.  So I got enough
for two bikes...  (Christmas gift??)   Accel set  #4038

There is another set on there right now by the same seller (auction 310157116325)  and her shipping is super fast.

Just remember you need 4 of the little thingies that screw onto the end of your plugs. I found some in my junk box on some Bosch plugs...  You can recycle them forever.

[ekpent]

Thanks for the help John,I went ahead and bought the wires that you pointed me to. At $13.95 plus 8 for shipping seemed fair enough ,have an exta set and saves running all over.Good luck with your project

[doobiebro]

JohnG has the same answer as I.  I bought the Andrews coils in the early 80s for my 1977 750k (836 kit, mild cam, ported and polished head, etc.) and they were simple to install.  They are 3 ohm coils used mainly on Harleys, but work well on our motorcycles also.  At the same time, I bought the 8 mm Accel spark plug wires from the same motorcycle parts store, but they are readily available at most auto parts stores.  You will get a good powerful spark from this combination.  I have a Maxi-Dwell points unit that utilizes Chevy V8 points, so it can handle the spark.  Without the Maxi-Dwell, you may want to consider Hondaman's resistor/relay module to help your points handle the extra load.

[754]

That is def the right colour andrews coil for points ignition, they always used car wires.  They look like stock H-D coils.

On some V8 sets, if you can buy xtra ends, you can get about 3 or more 4cyl bike sets out of it, due to the long wire lengths.

[ekpent]

Hey JonhG you were very correct-She is fast on the shipping-they are here already.Thanks. Got a shout out for Maxi Dwell point set up from a dealer,hopefully will hear back,the 836 will probably like it

[JohnG]

Are the Maxi Dwell setups still available??  (Accel or Chevy points; Allen wrench adjustment)  I had a set a zillion years ago but let someone use them for racing.  They even had a built in timing light. 

I have used another brand of high outpout coils  (3 ohm)since 1978  and had no problem with stock Honda points  (I go a couple years on a set).

However, more dwell = more spark.

What do you guys run for plug gaps with the Andrews coils??  I was able to greatly increase my gap.  The whole thing was good for more than 5 mpg.

The ones I bought long ago were "Mike Burke"  of someplace in SoCal.  Still have them - they came with 7 mm Accel wires. 

                 John

[WHALEMAN]

I have used these exact coils since '85 with perfect reliability. Used Accel wires with some 90 degree rubber fittings I got at a local race shop. Dan

[ekpent]

Hey JohnG. Found a person who has some NOS Maxi-Dwells,now if I can just convince them to make a deal with me?? Found this ingition in the new-old big bore engine and parts I bought recently but it is unmarked trying to find who made it  ------- Eric

[honda_jason]

i have a set of these on my bike that im almost done doing a rebuild on. need new plug wires and thanks to you guys i know what i need to get. thanks a tons for just doing what you do! hahah
-jason