coil wired backwards

[kokonokeys]

So I picked up a 1971 bug and am starting to do the simple "tune up" things that should normally be done when you get a vehicle. As I go through the check list I notice that the coil is wired + to the 009 distributor and - to two other wires which I believe to be choke and ign.

Question: Is this right? Mind you, the bug starts and runs this way. Everything I read says that this is backwards yet it is working. Can that be right? Thanks for any clarification.

BTW...The bug is a 1971 super with a dual port 1641. I don't have too much detail on it yet but I am excited to start going through it. Thank you

[LooseNuts]

the wire from the distributor (condenser) goes to the negative side of the coil.... Period!!

[kokonokeys]

the wire from the distributor (condenser) goes to the negative side of the coil.... Period!!

Agreed. I guess I am wondering that if this one is wired backwards, should it even be running? Or...What should happen if it is wired wrong like mine is? I would think it wouldn't even start, but mine does.

Since it runs the way it is, should I wire it properly and hope I don't damage anything? Will I damage anything if I wire it the way it is supposed to be?

Are there any other considerations that would have this wired backwards?

[cfvwtuner]

I think, technically, it doesnt matter which side of the coil you connect.
One side is in, one side is out.

If you switch the wires on the coil, make sure you switch all of them

[stealth67vw]

A buddy of mine had his coil wired backwards for years on his 1776 until someone pointed it out to him.

[Schell R32]

...oh yeah forgot all about that...did that years ago myself.


thought ti made the coil heat up excessivee but cant remember

[buggyman]

I think, technically, it doesnt matter which side of the coil you connect.
One side is in, one side is out.

If you switch the wires on the coil, make sure you switch all of them

A buddy of mine had his coil wired backwards for years on his 1776 until someone pointed it out to him.

...oh yeah forgot all about that...did that years ago myself.


thought it made the coil heat up excessively but cant remember

http://mgaguru.com/mgtech/ignition/ig104.htm
from
http://www.google.com/#sclient=psy-a...w=1280&bih=806 .
It'll work ,just shortens the life of it & other components related to it .

[kokonokeys]

http://mgaguru.com/mgtech/ignition/ig104.htm
from
http://www.google.com/#sclient=psy-a...w=1280&bih=806 .
It'll work ,just shortens the life of it & other components related to it .

That site helps explain exactly what I was trying to figure out. Wish I had come across it first. Thanks for all the help everyone. I pulled the wires and wired it up properly. It didn't seem to change anything but I'm glad to have it right and hope to save some of the items related to it down the road.

[buggyman]

That site helps explain exactly what I was trying to figure out. Wish I had come across it first. Thanks for all the help everyone. I pulled the wires and wired it up properly. It didn't seem to change anything but I'm glad to have it right and hope to save some of the items related to it down the road.

Also need to rotate the coil in it's clamp from the connections being @ 12-6 O'clock to 9-3 O'clock,doing that immerses both connections in the oil inside to better absorb/disperse heat .

[kokonokeys]

Also need to rotate the coil in it's clamp from the connections being @ 12-6 O'clock to 9-3 O'clock,doing that immerses both connections in the oil inside to better absorb/disperse heat .

AH...Did that by accident, but I appreciate the heads up. Sometimes it's the little tips that help the most.