Ignition coil fluid

[rjelliott]

I went to relace the spark plugs the other day and when i went to pull the coil wire out it was hard to pull out. Get the pliers and it was gunked up with a greenish color fluid. I assume the coil is bad and needs replacing. would this cause the boat to run bad? I was having problems with a hesitation last year.

 

[L8-Again]

Re: Ignition coil fluid

I've heard of headlight fluid, but never coil fluid. . .hmmm. . .may have to use that sometime!

Kidding aside, haven't cut one open, but WIKI says:

Ignition coils are oil-filled iron-core transformers that rely on the inductive kick effect to produce high voltages in the range of 15-50kV, depending on the internal design and how they are driven.

If it was mine and I had doubts about it, I would replace it. Can't say if that is problem affecting engine performance for you, though. Many more experienced on here will chime in on this one.

 

[ajarvis]

Re: Ignition coil fluid

People sometimes use dielectric grease on the coil wire and plug wires. The green stuff, i'm guessing, was probably corrosion. The oil in a coil is more like a 10w motor oil. I would clean out the top of the coil an if there is no damage continue to use it. It sounds like a tune up was in order. If after the new plugs, wires, cap, rotor, (and points and condenser if used) you still have the hesitation start thinking fuel issue. Coils however are somewhat cheap, if you suspect it, change it.

 

[rickryder]

Re: Ignition coil fluid

Replace your coil....if there is oil in the top hole where the wire goes it's leaking.... the green is probably corrosion from the copper wire end..

 

[Don S]

Re: Ignition coil fluid

Replace your coil....if there is oil in the top hole where the wire goes it's leaking.... the green is probably corrosion from the copper wire end..

I agree, replace it. I have only run into 2 leaking coils in all my years as a marine mechanic. It's not a common problem, but it can happen.

 

[achris]

Re: Ignition coil fluid

I had a leaking coil 5 years ago. I caused the engine to not want to run at all well above about 1000rpm. The engine would miss-fire, backfire, and hesitate if you tried to run any faster then that. took me ages to find it too.

Chris....

 

[rjelliott]

Re: Ignition coil fluid

Thanks. I have a new one on the way.

 

[6meter]

Re: Ignition coil fluid

I agree, replace it. I have only run into 2 leaking coils in all my years as a marine mechanic. It's not a common problem, but it can happen.

I replaced mine a couple of years ago because of it popping, running lousy and it was leaking in the tower. Last year I had to replace it again. Bad luck on my part, I guess.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Ignition coil fluid

If you don't want to use an oil-filled coil, you can buy epoxy-filled coils as well. They don't cost any more than the regular ones.

 

[hottoddie]

Re: Ignition coil fluid

Last spring both I had to replace the coils on both of MC 260 hp MIE inboards. Both started leaking within a week of each other at 20 years old.