ignition coil test possible?

[vin-kohler]

I'm puzzled. Over and over again the coil is mentioned as being the culprit for engine misbehaviour.
Actually the coil is a low tech contraption.

What can go wrong?
Is it the insulation between the wiring layers?
How can you check a coil once you have removed it?
To put it under stress, would it help to heat it in a stove to let's say 80 centigrade before connecting some kind of test equipment to simulate breaker and sparkgap?

Has anyone tried any other diagnostic setup? Be it with success or without?

Vin

 

[OrganDoctor]

The usual culprit is a breakdown of the insulation under continuous or heat conditions. Low tech doesn't always preclude failure.

 

[harveyp6]

Two quick tests.

 

[vin-kohler]

Ok. Presently the car has been entrusted in the care of a man who seems to know what he is doing. Fix leaks at the differential and gearbox, adjust valve clearance, install electronic ignition (but NO coil), adjust carbies, replace shockabsorbers and the like. But after you had briefed me in previous threads about items to be observed I was in a good position to judge his capabilities - I hope.

Once I've got the car back and this deplorable behaviour, i.e. flameout after a good warmup recurs the coil is due. I will certainly report.

Vin