Ignition Coils

[Strtracer]

How not to check an ignition coil:

Ive been having an ignition problem on my DD(Supercharged 3800 Oldsmobile) for a couple of weeks, and finally got off my ass(its cold out) to change out the plugs and wires today(They needed it). But the shudder(felt like driving on 5 cyls) didnt go away. So I decided to check the coils. I know how ta do this, I was a GM tech for 5 years, so I grab the insulated plug wire pliers, and pull off a wire, no spark,OK. So I decide to check the next coil, and when I pulled that fucker off, the coil arched to the engine block, thru the mounts, to my other hand that was resting on the radiator support, thru my arm, down my right leg, to the damp ground. Talk about a wake up. Havent had that happen in years. WOW. I checked, and my pubes are all straight. Well at least I know the other coils are ok. I switched the dead one out with one I had in the garage(Ive got spares for almost everything) and now she's running like a champ again. I might have to go SHO hunting if the streets stay dry. Remember, Electricity always takes the shortest path to ground.

[Crazzy_Al]

Hey Mike, maybe this thread should read "how NOT to check an ignition wire."

[Strtracer]

Originally Posted by Crazzy_Al

Hey Mike, maybe this thread should read "how NOT to check an ignition wire."

Duh, re-read it, it says "how NOT to check an ignition coil."

[Crazzy_Al]

Originally Posted by Strtracer

Duh, re-read it, it says "how NOT to check an ignition coil."

No way...you had to have changed it...

[99SVTAddict]

Fucking classic....

[Strtracer]

Originally Posted by Crazzy_Al

No way...you had to have changed it...

Sorry, didnt happen, you need glasses

[Crazzy_Al]

Originally Posted by Strtracer

Sorry, didnt happen, you need glasses

I'm getting old.

[Casper302]

I have done that, I was pissed and grabed a plug wire while the car was running and Man did I let it go in a hurry.

[Strtracer]

Originally Posted by Casper302

I have done that, I was pissed and grabed a plug wire while the car was running and Man did I let it go in a hurry.

Yea, but I was insulated, using rubber coated pliers. The spark went the other way, to my right hand that was no where near the coil(resting on core support). Im left handed, that was the one that had the pliers in it. If I had longer hair, I'd be lookin like big Ben Wallace