is there a simple way to test a ignition coil? Options

[rmital]

got a box full of them. want to use a good one. not interested in buying a new one "if" I have 5 good ones on my shelf.

thanks..... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/flag.gif)

[stugray]

I have a setup that is more than you are probably talking about.

I have a spark plug with an adjustable spark gap, a set of points, battery charger that I was using to experiment with Ignition pulse detection.

The adjustable gap plug was a few bucks at harbor freight
This pic shows it with a standard spark plug:

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i366.photobucket.com-10819-1415639539.1.jpg)

And a video of a fouled plug.
http://vid366.photobucket.com/albums/oo101...zpslne8tn0r.mp4

This is the gap tester:
(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/www.mr2.com-10819-1415639730.1.jpg)

So to test coils, I would put each in the test rig, and open the plug gap until you get no spark.
The plug gap is marked in 1000 volt measurements so you could tell if one coil was putting out a weaker spark than a"known good" coil.

The resistance check is better than nothing but you could have hundreds of windings shorted out and not be able to tell with the DC resistance check since the R is so low already (3-5 Ohms).