
Originally Posted by
Dr Terry
Go back to basics first.
You need 4 cables to the battery as a minimum.
1. Thick cable from +ve battery terminal directly to the starter.
2. Thinner cable (6mm) from -ve battery terminal to the alternator output
3. Thick cable from -ve battery terminal directly to a bolt somewhere on the engine on head. From memory, the original V8 earth cable used a bolt at the alternator bracket.
4. Thinner cable (6mm) from -ve battery terminal directly to a good body bolt. I think the original went to a radiator mount bolt or the radiator support panel itself.
The 2 thick (heavy) cables only carry starter motor current, the other 2 carry the current for the other stuff (lights, relays, instruments, heater fan etc.).
As agro71 has said, the coil voltages will vary depending on whether it has points (& whether they're open or closed). If it has electronic ignition &/or a ballast resistor the voltages again will be different.
Dr Terry
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