Oh 'eck - maybe I have the wrong coil... (worry.. worry)

The continuing saga of my shovel not starting/starting/coil etc... I was supplied with an Accel 140406 coil which says all harley twins 1965-79. I explained to Barnaby Wilde that my 78 bike has what seems to be the very first early electronic ignition, and the guy said that he had double checked this was the correct coil.

On looking at my disgarded old coil I noticed the words 'electronic advance', and I suspect (in fact i'm pretty sure) my new coil may not have this. I have checked on the internet and it seems that the coilI may need is the Accel 140407.

I've done 50 or so miles and the bike seems to start and run fine, but can someone tell me if this coil is ok, and will it do any damage if it is wrong?

Sorry to be a pest guys...

Cheers, John

Just had a brainwave and checked. The rotor has manual advance on it so maybe the old coil was the wrong one... (?) Confused cos it looks like it had been there for a while

John

[kevscrivener]

Assuming your advance works (clue is that it doesn't pink under hard acceleration) I think you may have solved your own dilemma, John!

[kiwidave]

you have solved it i am pretty sure - and yr parts people are right

that first H-D ''electronic ignition'' was not totally electronic at all.

Which is why it was so crap

What would you reccomend for an ideal ign system on me bike then?

[kiwidave]

everybody has a favourite.

I personally have found the Crane Hi-4 with matching coil totally trouble free for kickstarting for over 40,000 miles.

All ok. Happy now. Advance advancing, correct coil sparking, bike starting. Sorry for ever doubting you Barnaby Wilde.

You know, I'm really getting rather fond of this old FXS, it's so nice to have a bike to tinker with again. Have to go away now and think of some more daft questions to ask you guys...

...thanks for all of your help.