spark arc on coil

[teiladr]

1990 Mercuiser 4.3L
I have a spark arc from center wire to the + post. The coil is new (but not a mercruiser), new distributor cap, tried new coil to distributor wire - the arcing continues.
Another symptom - when I shift from nuetral to reverse the engine stalls. It also stalls from time to time when shifing from forward back into neutral

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: spark arc on coil

Several possibilities for the arcing, cracked coil tower, bad coil wire, bad cap, rotor, plug wires, spark plugs bad or gaped to wide. High kv voltage requirements like those mentioned can/will cause arcing problems.

Your dieing problem is likely a bad or improperly adjusted lower shift cable, or the shift detent switch is failing/sticking.

 

[scoutabout]

Re: spark arc on coil

I had the same on my 1996 Mercruiser 3.0. Take the coil off and check the high voltage insulator under a magnifying glass. Chances are you'll find a crack. New or not, sounds like it's bad. They're not that expensive anyway so you can swap in a new one and test.

 

[Don S]

Re: spark arc on coil

Seriously re-read Reel Poors thread. Your answer is in it.

 

[Bondo]

Re: spark arc on coil

Seriously re-read Reel Poors thread. Your answer is in it.

Ayuh,.......... RP is Right,.......

Electricity is Lazy,......

Arcing at the Coil Tower usually indicates a Problem downstream from there......