Ignition Coil

Fred · #1 (**permalink**) 09-25-2002, 02:06 PM

I have been having problems with the Cobra. It ended up that the ignition coil was fried. I have never lost a coil and was wondering what would cause this. I would prefer to not replace it again.

Fred

Ron Randall · #2 (**permalink**) 09-25-2002, 02:36 PM

Fred I had a coil go bad about two years ago, but I cant complain, it had been in the cobra for 17 years with no trouble before that. Heat and vibration are two killers of a coil. My coil is mounted on top of the block and I think heat finaly did it in.
Ron

Ron61 · #3 (**permalink**) 09-25-2002, 02:54 PM

Fred,

I don't know what kind of ignition you are using but heat is the arch enemy of electronics. I have my Jacobs coil mounted over to the right under the body panel where it gets air. Some others that I have watched as they built the cars mounted their coils up front and to the side. And coils like anything else can go bad on their own.

Ron61
Ron Widener

Tommy · #4 (**permalink**) 09-25-2002, 07:07 PM

The coil on my car puked and died shortly before I bought the car from the previous owner. My research confirmed what you've already read here. Keep the coil away from heat. I also learned that unless you have a specially designed coil, it also needs to be mounted vertically with the wires at the top. If you must mount it where it is exposed to heat and vibration, or where it is not mounted vertically, there are special coils built to withstand that abuse.

Chad Johnson · #5 (**permalink**) 09-25-2002, 08:24 PM

You didn't say what kind of coil. MSD Blaster coils are oil filled and must be mounted vertically. Otherwise a portion of the windings are not covered and heat failure is probable.

I hope this helps

RICK LAKE · #6 (**permalink**) 09-29-2002, 01:35 PM

Hi Fred If you have an oil filled coil and it is mounted on it's side instead of straight up the coil windings will get a hot spot after time. It will burn out. Vibration and heat are the other killers of coils. A bad coil wire can also do the same if the tower conection and coil wire donot have a clean and good contact. Put a touch of high temp silicone grease on the inside of the boot to help keep out moisture. Look for burnt marks on the tower and coil wire, if found they are what killed your coil, poor contacts. Rick Lake

Whaler · #7 (**permalink**) 09-29-2002, 03:09 PM

So should I, and I believe many others, be moving our coils to the front of the head in an "up and down" position. That seems to be the alternative mounting I have seen as well?

Tim

A Snake · #8 (**permalink**) 09-29-2002, 07:31 PM

I didn't use an oil filled coil and mounted it on the intake manifold, lying down as in original FE location. I had no troubles.

Al

Tommy · #9 (**permalink**) 09-29-2002, 08:24 PM

Whaler -
If your coil is something like MSD's High Vibration epoxy filled coil, you should be ok. But if yours is a traditional oil filled coil, your horizontal mount is inviting early failure. And when my coil failed, it burst open and made a terrible mess when the oil went everywhere.

Whaler · #10 (**permalink**) 09-29-2002, 09:29 PM

I went and had a look at the MSD site...looks like I may have to move mine upright as it as the MSD blaster2 in chrome finish

"MSD Blaster Coils
If you are looking to upgrade your stock coil, or want to compliment the performance of your MSD Blaster Ignition, MSD 5, 6 or 7, the Blaster Coil line is the right choice. All of the Blaster Coils are designed for improved spark output!
Special 100:1 windings are used to provide maximum build-up of voltage! These windings are held secure and kept cool in an oil filled metal canister. The tower assembly is molded of durable alkyd material due to its high dielectric characteristics while wide spaced brass primary terminals prevent the possibility of spark.
There are several versions of the Blaster Coil available. All of them have the same internal specifications, but have different housings or components. Each Blaster Coil can be used with a stock ignition, Blaster Ignition, MSD 5, 6 or 7 Ignition Control. Most late model vehicles with electronic ignitions do not require a ballast resistor, check your ignition and manufacturers specifications to determine if a ballast is required in your application.'

These windings are held secure and kept cool in an oil filled metal canister.

Where as this guy is filled or encased in epoxy
Blaster High Vibration Coil, PN 8222
For circle track, off road and other severe duty racing applications, this is the coil! The windings of the High Vibration Coil are completely encased in a premium epoxy making it impossible for vibration to affect the windings. This assembly is housed in a unique alkyd molded shell which provides high dielectric characteristics plus a very durable shell. Brass primary terminals ensure full voltage delivery and are spaced far apart to eliminate the chance of spark arc-over. The High Vibration Coil can be mounted in any position and can be used with a standard canister coil mount.
Blaster High Vibration Coil - PN 8222"

"

Fred · #11 (**permalink**) 09-30-2002, 07:03 AM

The coil was a MSD Blaster coil. It was mounted vertically on the supercharger bracket. I finished the cobra about 5 years ago but there is not that much time on the engine.

I tossed the MSD Coil in the trash and will not buy another MSD coil.

Thanks for all the information.

Fred

Jack21 · #12 (**permalink**) 09-30-2002, 04:48 PM

Have had good luck with Crane, and Accel coils. All epoxy, no oil, no failures, mount in any position.

Whaler · #13 (**permalink**) 10-04-2002, 08:14 AM

Just flipped my coil down to the front face of the drivers side head....sure doesn't look as nice as it did on top...

Here's to long coil life!!

Thx

Tim