Applying power to the Model T coil without a path to ground for the spark will result in damage to the secondary windings in the coil. Once damaged you will get intermittent spark and eventually no spark.
Your video was very informative. Sometimes, things can ignore the 100 years that they've been working with no problem. And with electronic equipment,100 years is not the norm. The model t coils have a capacitor built into the wooden box. These capacitors are very important with regard to the output capability of the transformer and the longevity of the buzz. Style points. I noticed a coil that was working very well As you've indicated, is throwing, a lot of spark from the Buzzing points. This condition is an indicator that the capacitor or condenser, as it is called sometimes is not within any type of operational specification. The capacitor will subdue excessive spark from the points and enhance the output of the coil. If you can do some surgery, find out the specifics on the capacitors correct parameters. You can solve a lot of problems with these little jewels. Thanks again for the video. Good luck. PS........ New capacitors that are Capable of functioning perfectly in these buzz boxes are very inexpensive and easy to find on the market Today and they will last a long time without any problem at all.
Does it matter if you use pos. or neg. for a ground? I have a Fairbanks #1 Eclipse. My fathers uncle used it to pump water for his house so he could have indoor plumbing before eletricity came through.
I buy them at Midwest Old Threshers from the guy who makes them , he is a vendor there. I looked to see if I could find them online but didn't see them...
