Blowing aftermarket ignition coils!?!

[sutor623]

So I am just curious here. I have a 90's V4 Evinrude and never had an issue with my ignition coils. I changed them out to generic, and later CDI because it looked like some of them had the epoxy separating from the housings, even though they still worked fine.

First trip out with the generic brand, and blew one ignition coil on cylinder 3. Limped back in, changed it with stock Evinrude and boom, back in action.

Bought all new CDI, and changed them ALL out. Three-Four trips later blew cylinder 4 ignition coil. Changed it out and back in action.

Next trip, started boat in driveway before heading out, blew out #3 ignition coil AGAIN (This time it was CDI coil). Changed it to factory Evinrude and back in action.

Is there another issue here or should I just run E-Rude? I have never blown an E rude coil on this boat.

 

[Crosbyman]

I think you answered your question...."​I have never blown an E rude coil on this boat".

just curious...

if you never had issues with the original coils why swap them for CDI's

 

[sutor623]

I think you answered your question...."​I have never blown an E rude coil on this boat".

just curious...

if you never had issues with the original coils why swap them for CDI's

Good question! The epoxy was starting to pull from the back of the coils, and I was having some rust work its way into the casing. The coils were 20 years old. Found a deal on some coils on ebay. Decided Id change em before one left me stranded. Bad idea. After the immediate coil failure, I decided to scratch those and go a different route. CDI had coils and wires for less than just the E-rude coils were, so I sprung for them. Another bad idea. The wires are excellent though! At this time I have the 4 used E-rude coils and one brand new one. I think I will take all the CDI coils off and put on the Erudes.

I am very surprised that the CDI coils are sub-par. I didnt want to assume that was the case, but what would make you keep blowing coils if it werent for bad quality coils themselves? Powerpack is new. I know bad coils can cause trigger and powerpack failure.

 

[Crosbyman]

personnaly, I would contact CDI and inform them about the issue and request either a refund or a new set of coils that... don't burn up.

It is in their interest to keep you satisfied along with other customers. Otherwise if they have a bad batch of coils in stock more mad more complaints will start to trickle in.

 

[sutor623]

personnaly, I would contact CDI and inform them about the issue and request either a refund or a new set of coils that... don't burn up.

It is in their interest to keep you satisfied along with other customers. Otherwise if they have a bad batch of coils in stock more mad more complaints will start to trickle in.

Absolutely!!

The older CDI coils looked exactly like the evinrude coils did, except they had CDI branded on them. The new CDI coils look nearly identical to the generic set that I bought off ebay. Kinda makes ya wonder.............

I also know that CDI has had issues with cheaper amphenol knock-offs. From what I have heard, they have really slipped off the Quality control bus...........