WD45 Ignition/Charging Questions

[doc37172]

I have a WD45 converted to 12V negative ground w/ generator. Recently replaced a bad voltage regulator. Voltage at battery while running is around 14.8. Charging amps on the ammeter is around 30 amps which is close to the gauge max. Is this charging rate OK? Also, is there anything other than leaving the ignition on that would cause a coil to over heat enough to melt the tips of both coil posts? It was a plain TSC 12V coil hooked up(I guess incorrectly) with an external resistor because the old 12V coil stated that it needed an external resistor. It quit abruptly and only would start again after I re-installed the old coil and installed new points and plugs. It continues to run rough and stumble under load and I"m still trying to determine if it is fuel related or ignition related.
 

[old]

The charging system sounds like it is as it should be. As for the coil smoking that is not right but then on the other hand you got the coil at TSC the store that has more from the land of almost right then from the U.S.. #1 buy a true 12 volt coil one that says NO EXTERNAL resister needed for NAPA or such store. When the coil wet it most likely took the points and condenser with it but then you have the problem of now days a new condenser is bad about 50% of the time. As for how it runs you have the have a blue/white spark that jumps a 1/4 inch gap or more at ALL 4 plug wires
 

[Bob Bancroft]

14.8 volts would be OK for a modern vehicle. But 30 amps is right at the max. for that system. I hope it doesn't stay there very long! With the problems you're having, I would dial that charging rate back a little.
 

[steve(ill)]

If you leave 12 volts to the coil (key on ??) when the motor is not running, with the point closed, you get a constant battery drain and things get hot. 14.8 volts is good, 30 amps is only needed with the battery dead. If it stays at 30 amps for more than 5 minutes after you startup, then you have a voltage regulator problem . ( it should drop to 20, then 15 amps, etc down to 10 amps in 10 minutes). ---Old coils can cause a miss fire. Get a good coil then test.