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 Confused Coil

 Created by: SDakotamini
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 Posted: Oct 9, 2019 04:57PM
Total posts: 1
Last post: Oct 9, 2019
Member since:Sep 4, 2017
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Doug, 
Thanks for the info. After running the voltage test it confirmed my thoughts of the incorrect coil is installed. Ordered a new one tonight as the snow should be arriving tomorrow. Thanks again....

 Posted: Oct 8, 2019 07:43PM
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Last post: Aug 17, 2023
Member since:Jun 5, 2000
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US
I have not worked on a Mini as late as yours but offer the following, general tests to help you determine what your car needs.

I assume your 59D distributor uses points.  If the dizzy has electronic ignition the following does not apply.

Fit your coil (new or old) to the car and connect the low tension wires to the appropriate terminals.
Put a penny between the contact points. (This makes it look like the points are closed even if they are open).
Turn the ignition key to the run position.
Use your multimeter to measure the voltage between coil (+) and ground.
Turn the key to the off position and remove the penny from between the points.

If you measured 12V, the car's wiring is setup for a "standard" coil and there is no ballast resistor.  You want a coil whose primary windings measure between 3 to 4 Ohms.

If you measure 6V to 9V, the car's wiring is set up for a ballast ignition system and you want a coil that measures between 1 and 2 Ohms across its primary windings.

Again, the tests above do not apply if your distributor is electronic.  Factory electronic ignitions use a unique electronic ignition coil.

Doug L.
 Posted: Oct 8, 2019 05:55PM
Total posts: 1
Last post: Oct 9, 2019
Member since:Sep 4, 2017
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Not sure what coil my mini should have installed in it. I have 90 Rover 1275 12A2BG03 with a HIF38 and a 59D4 distributor. Not sure if those are the standard for 90 mini or might have been put together by the original owner in London??? I noticed I have a 12v coil that also has a ballast connected. Should I be running a 6v 1.5 ohm coil? Please help.