how to test ignition coil

[tiger]

is there a simple way to test the ignition coil? Could I detach the plug from the distributor that leads to the coil and put a plug in the end and crank it to see if there is a spark that way?

[SlowBack]

I guess that'll work, but you won't know how strong that spark is just by looking at it, but that should test whether or not it's functioning. Easier yet, with the car running, carefully remove the end of the wire going to the coil (preferably at night so you can see the spark better) and look for the arcing of the spark. Be careful, it'll give you quite a jolt if you don't do it properly and I assume no responsibility for anything that happens.

As far as testing the coil for impedance, resistance, capacitance, even a bad coil can give a good reading so it's tough to say.

The best thing to do is get a known good coil and swap it in to check for a difference.

Hope that helps,Matt

[tiger]

yeah, i'm planning on trying a different one tomorrow. Thanks for the information, I hope this will help others later on.

[tiger]

fixed it... it was a loose connection on a splice ... thanks to the wiring genius that i bought the car from.

[SlowBack]

That's always my biggest fear when buying a car, a mentally challenged previous owner. Hopefully the guy didn't do too much more than that, but I'm glad to hear you fixed it.

If you forsee any more wiring dilemmas, I'd invest in a decent multimeter. Those things can be lifesavers for electrical problems.

[eddiec]

is hville hendersonville? good to see more tn peeps around.

why is the coil wires spliced? w/o looking i thought they had plugs on them to aid in removal. if you need help/whatever give me a sout.

[tiger]

yea i'm in hville and gallatin too. i have a multimeter i just need to practice and learn how to use it. Well he cut the wires to something and extended them so there where they joined... it came apart under trhe heap of tar like electrical tape..

[petesleaf]

Good job Tiger, keep up the good work!.