Volvo RWD 120-130 Forum

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leaking ignition coil push button start 120-130

posted by greendread on Mon May 12 07:12 CST 2014
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last visit: Tue Sep 2 08:56 CST 2014

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Hello All,

Although there is a similar post; I did not want to hijack someone elses thread so I posted another...

My car has the original coil. The first repair/mod done to my 68 120 was in the PO's driveway the day I bought it. he had broken the key in the ignition and installed a push button start. It still has the original armored coil, and it's been leaking for a while know. I know I have to replace it, but I was struggling as to which coil I should use as others have posted the blue coil offers no improvement in performance.

There are a lot of things I still don't understand on these little cars. After 15 years of trouble free life; the coil is one of the ongoing mysteries . It's been working fine with the push button start and I rather like not having keys to lose.

Any insight as to how I can easily replace my leaking coil with my set up? I maybe time to also upgrade to brakeless ignition, but cash is short at the moment.

Cheers
grendread

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leaking ignition coil push button start 120-130

posted by matt b on Sat May 17 19:28 CST 2014
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last visit: Tue Oct 14 16:33 CST 2014

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The only times I've seen coils leak is when the ignition is left on, and the points are closed. That'll cause them to overheat, sometimes to the point of exploding.

Which leads me to wonder about the wiring you did with the push-button.

It's probably just a fluke and your coil has given up the ghost, but, As currently wired, what do you do to turn the car off? And is there a chance that the coil is getting electric even when the car is off?

As for coil options.. I really don't think it matters. Were it me, I'd carefully remove the whole thing as a unit, and replace the ignition switch with a cheap aftermarket guy (you can keep or ditch the pushbutton.. personally, I'd keep it), and.. well... a Bosch blue, fine. Or anything from a 240 or whatever... Really doesn't matter, in my opinion.

Those Bosch blue guys sure do look cool though!

--
-Matt I ♥ my ♂

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leaking ignition coil push button start 120-130

posted by Poor Guy on Sun May 18 10:26 CST 2014
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last visit: Fri Oct 24 07:57 CST 2014

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I'd ask the same question. The way your message is worded it sounds like your ignition is always on, which is never a good idea. Typically when I pick up yet another old Volvo I find the dash butchered because someone has replaced what was probably a perfectly good coil and switch with an aftermarket setup. The dash damage comes from not knowing how to get the factory switch out. I always wire in a pushbutton, especially if the factory switch is in place. This eliminates the broken key scenario. The pushbutton is wired across the starter solenoid so when the key is on and the button is pushed the starter activates. Simple as that. Yes, the starter will operate with the key off but no engine start since no spark. I've been doing it this way for over forty years and it works properly every time.

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leaking ignition coil push button start 120-130

posted by greendread on Sun May 18 12:45 CST 2014
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last visit: Tue Sep 2 08:56 CST 2014

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Hello All,

There is an on/off switch Without it no start. I did not do the wiring the PO did the work as I watched. I guess I'll just cut into the coil.

Thanks

greendread

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leaking ignition coil push button start 120-130

posted by patrick of montreal on Mon May 19 07:50 CST 2014
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last visit: Sat Oct 18 08:25 CST 2014

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if your key is broken there is no need to cut into the coil...you need a new ignition switch which you will then wire to your new coil.
--
Patrick, '68 220 , '53 GMC 4104, '97 VW Transporter.

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leaking ignition coil push button start 120-130

posted by riverbend on Sat May 17 16:07 CST 2014
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last visit: Wed Oct 22 15:29 CST 2014

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Are you against cutting the armored cable to install a new coil? If not, cut away the armor and use the existing wire to power the new coil. On my car the coil is mounted on top of the pedal box and I made an oval plate to cover the hole for the old coil.

Greg

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leaking ignition coil push button start 120-130

posted by patrick of montreal on Sat May 17 11:17 CST 2014
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last visit: Sat Oct 18 08:25 CST 2014

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u could power the coil on the accessory posty of your ign switch....ahh forget ! buy a universal ignition switch....wire up as indicated....get rid of the push button....but if you love that key less set up you need 2 switches one for accesories and one push button for start....just look at the wiring diagram for the 120....doesn't get much easier than that set up
--
Patrick, '68 220 , '53 GMC 4104, '97 VW Transporter.

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