Coil arcing

[tbear1964]

I looked thru the Adults Only section, and didn't see this specifically.

Last night and since I've owned the boat (6 weeks) no problems starting. Today, crank, a little spark (started and died), then just cranking, no starting.

I noticed the coil arcing from one of the terminals to the distributor cap feed wire. Pulled the wires off and cleaned them. I pulled the coil wire off the distributor cap and cranked the engine. Some spark, but not alot, and still arcing.

I didn't have my test equipment or all my tools aboard, so I closed her up until I did some research. Spark plugs and wires are new (last Fall). I'm leaning toward a coil going bad. She almost turns over, but not quite. I smell gas, so the carb is getting some. I didn't have my sockets so I couldn't check the plugs for spark.

Any ideas would be great. I will be back up to the lake on Friday, so I have a few days to get some opinions.

Thanks, Ted

 

[Don S]

Re: Coil arcing

The arching is usually caused by a crack in the tower on the coil. Crackes in the coil tower are usually caused when a plug or plug wire won't fire.

 

[tbear1964]

Re: Coil arcing

Thanks Don.

On Friday I'll pull and check all the plugs and wires (one at a time, obviously), check all connections and voltage (12V) at the positive coil lead, jump if neccessary.

On replacement coils.....stock OEM or while I'm at it, upgrade to a performance-type coil, such as an Accel? I've read they greatly improve power. I'd be looking at something like this.

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/ca...x+Voltage+45000+Ignition+Coil&brandName=Accel

Mercruiser 260 with the Thunderbolt Ignition.

 

[Don S]

Re: Coil arcing

IMHO, stick with the OEM for the job.

 

[tbear1964]

Re: Coil arcing

Update. With a new coil, it fired right up. I bought a Bosch marine grade at Napa....$55, ouch. Even West Marine was cheaper at $44, but I already had it.

replaced the thermostat too, as the gage showed it was running cool. Not much change on the gage, so I will be tracking the sender wires when time permits. I will check all connections and if continuity is good, I will replace the sender.


Thanks Don S.