1973 ford 302 spark off coil

[jim372]

i was working on my carb on my 73 ford 302
i cranked motor over to check fuel level
with plugs out and plug wire hanging down
while it was cranking i saw sparks from coil
+ side to center tower
is my coil bad

 

[RogersJetboat454]

Re: 1973 ford 302 spark off coil

Not necessarily.

Since the secondary side of your ignition was ungrounded, the spark generated by the coil needs to go somewhere, and found the path of least resistance. I would connect everything back up, and run the engine to re-check for arching. If you want more of a visual, run the engine at night, and spray the top of the coil down with water from a regular spray bottle. If you see any arcing or glowing, the coil should be replaced.

 

[jim372]

Re: 1973 ford 302 spark off coil

thanks
i will get things back on and check

1973 sea ray srv 190
888 drive
ford 302
holly 4 bbl.
mallory distributor

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: 1973 ford 302 spark off coil

I hope the dizzy is a marine-rated unit. What do you mean by center tower? I do agree that you had an ungrounded circuit. You could have just unplugged the lead from the dizzy to the coil without removing the plugs.