Bozz
Coast to Coast
Probably wont damage coils, but could damage the ARC unit possibly.
The real bummer is that the ARC unit is a bit of an oddball and documentation is currently missing.
The stock ignition system was likely wired so that the key and kill switches (when both in the correct position) provide constant power to the coils, and the coils are grounded through the points plate and condenser. While this system works (it was the standard system for about 50 years after all), it has to be maintained.
Since the points are closing a live circuit, there is some arcing or sparking right before the points make contact. Over time this arcing actually depletes and removes metal from the points, leaving them pitted and corroded. The job of the condenser (a capacitor) is to reduce the arcing/sparking. Your ARC box is designed to reduce the arcing even more.
Less arcing means more reliable ignition.
Modern bikes use a purely electronic ignition with magnetic sensors instead of points.
Worst case scenario, you yank the entire ignition and replace with a Dyna unit for about $200 and never worry about your ignition again.
I did this to one of my bikes 12 year ago, (daily rider) and literally have never touched the ignition since. It's not cheap, but in some ways it is worth it.
Cheers!
The real bummer is that the ARC unit is a bit of an oddball and documentation is currently missing.
The stock ignition system was likely wired so that the key and kill switches (when both in the correct position) provide constant power to the coils, and the coils are grounded through the points plate and condenser. While this system works (it was the standard system for about 50 years after all), it has to be maintained.
Since the points are closing a live circuit, there is some arcing or sparking right before the points make contact. Over time this arcing actually depletes and removes metal from the points, leaving them pitted and corroded. The job of the condenser (a capacitor) is to reduce the arcing/sparking. Your ARC box is designed to reduce the arcing even more.
Less arcing means more reliable ignition.
Modern bikes use a purely electronic ignition with magnetic sensors instead of points.
Worst case scenario, you yank the entire ignition and replace with a Dyna unit for about $200 and never worry about your ignition again.
I did this to one of my bikes 12 year ago, (daily rider) and literally have never touched the ignition since. It's not cheap, but in some ways it is worth it.
Cheers!
