12v Coil OHM question

[BigLakeBob]

I am planning a trip this summer on a '69 FL with a 12v 4.8 ohm coil, stock points and condenser. If I were to have a coil failure and could only find a newer style 2.8 ohm coil would it work, would it cause any other damage? Thanks for any insight, I am electrically challenged.

[joe fxs fxr]

I would work, but the coil will overheat and not last long. I would get you home though. Points would need dressing/replacement too.

[BigLakeBob]

Thank you. Can you or someone explain to me in laymans terms (if possible) why the things you say will happen? What do the lower ohms actually do or change in my system, why lower ohms for electronic ignition? Thanks.

[joe fxs fxr]

Ohms measure resistance to electric current or flow. Less ohms means more current can flow and that causes more heat in the coil. The points and condenser can't handle the extra current and there is arcing when they open, which damages the contacts.

I don't know what they do with electronic ignitions to work with 3-ohm coils.