<VV> Checking a coil

[Larry Forman]

Hi Sam,
DON'T DO IT!  It is not really possible to check them out and ASSURE they will always work for you.  The problem is that they operate in a very rugged temperature environment and often start to degrade before failing, OR (MUCH WORSE!) will simply die without warning.  I was stranded over 50 miles from no where in my Greenbrier.  I trouble shot it to the coil in just a couple of minutes, but was not carrying a spare at that time.  I DO now.  Ignition coils are VERY quick and simple to swap out, but they can contribute to very strange drivability symptoms that can appear like fuel delivery problems.  My strong recommendation is to replace any of the stock ignition coils with a modern high output coil.  I have never had a Flamethrower ignition coil fail, so far.  Mounting these on the frame rail versus the engine will improve their life, with less heat soaking.

If you REALLY wanted to save a few pennys, test them on a car for a day or so and carry several as spares and be prepared to use them at any time.  For me, I would rather replace components I feel might be unreliable and have better peace of mind.

Fortunately, ignition coils are relatively cheap at less than $40 and small and light, so carrying a spare makes sense plus they can be swapped out in a minute or so.  Besides, your replaced ignition coil might never fail, but you might be able to help someone who was still running a stock coil and is now stranded.
-- Larry


----- Original Message -----
From: "Sam & Marissa Andolino" <mandolin@rochester.rr.com>
Date: Wed, 15 Sep 2004 14:22:23 -0400
To: "Virtualvairs" <virtualvairs@corvair.org>
Subject: <VV> Checking a coil

> Some one gave me a couple of old Delco ignition coils.  I would like to test
> them to see if they are still good enough to use,  can someone tell me how I
> can test them.
> Thanks in advance
> Sam & Marissa Andolino
> mandolin@rochester.rr.com
> 1963 Red Monza Convertible
> 1966 Blue Corsa Turbo Coupe