Bad Coil?

[henryb]

If it's not one thing, it's another! Today, the engine seemed to be running a bit rough, but hardly noticeable? Top sped, was down to about 38 or so. So I decided to use my new spark tester to see what I find. Sure enough, one spark plug was not getting any spark! It was the bottom plug on the port side.

I'm guessing the problem is coil gone bad? Since there is one coil per plug?

I understand to prove that, I would need to swap positions of two coils and see if the problem follows the coil or not?

So now, I was looking at the coil box, it is not clear on exactly how to get the coils out?


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[henryb]

I took a picture of the back side of the coil... Quite the stretch to get back in there... But it shows 2 posts with wired connections. Clearly I will need to remove those... But how is the coil held in there?


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[henryb]

Coil kit part number: 832757A-4


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[henryb]

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[henryb]

Upon a 2nd look through the M2 Service manual, it appears that you have to completely remove the coil cover (6 bolts) and the 2 terminal connection post wires.

Wow, not alot of room in there!


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[Dr Honda]

Sorry I haven't been around today... but looks like you have it under control, and know what needs done.

 

[henryb]

Ya, it looks to be a very hard to reach type of job. Going to need to get a universal joint for my wrench to make it a bit easier to reach! I'm thinking that if I remove all spark plugs and remove spark plug wires to get better swinging room in there... It might make it easier?

But I have found that it is also an intermittent type of problem. As I tested it later today and it has spark back!!! Crazy?


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[henryb]

First day of my holidays and this problem is back? I tested the spark and the same plug is not sparking... Lower plug on port side! Certainly looks like a flakey coil. I have a set of 3 coils coming, but until then it's a hit and miss... so to speak!!!


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[henryb]

The part finally arrived at my house on Wednesday and my son took it up to the cottage today.
I think it was very fortunate that I bought a 3 pack of used coils that came with wires and brackets just as they are mounted on our engines! This allowed me to examine in my hands how I could possibly get the coil out without removing all 6 of those hard to reach mounting bolts! As it turns out, all I needed to remove was one mounting bolt, that exposed the bottom of the rubbery casing that the coils sit in... So by practicing on the used 3-pack, I was able to pry the bottom edge of the rubber casing and get the lowest coil out without much trouble!
It was a godsend, as it saved me hours of work... And the fact that my son who is much more flexible then me could reach down in and around back their to get that one bolt out... also was a big help.
So as with any intermittent problem only time will tell, but I had it out 3 times tonight and it seems to be working well.


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[Dr Honda]

Glad it worked out. Let us know if it works.

 

[henryb]

Well, the loss of power problem has returned... After a number days of running problem free! :-(
Went out this morning cruising at about 4800rpms, it just dropped to 4000rpms, and it would not go any higher with more throttle applied.
So I stopped and was going to test for spark (as I carry a spark tester onboard now). But after I restarted the engine the problem corrected itself, so I couldn't perform that test.
Symptoms seem to be exactly the same as they were before, so I think we did not nail it with that replacement coil? What should I be looking for now?


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[henryb]

I'm somewhat suspicious of the voltage regulator (again), as I just noticed that my volt meter was reading 15-16v while up on plane... I slowed down to idle and it immediately returned to its normal 13-14v reading. Back up on plane it stayed around 14v as it normally does!


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[Dr Honda]

Yes... 15v is TOO high. And, that can cause issues with the electronics.

Did you install a new reg? Was it an OEM, or one of the "Import" versions?

 

[henryb]

No I have not installed a new regulator as yet... It is definitely a must do, next on my list. Based on your last question about OEM vs an import... I'm guessing this is one piece of electronics I should go with an OEM unit?


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[henryb]

Just put an OEM voltage regulator on order (5 wire version part number 854515T)... Should arrive before the next time I'm up at the cottage... Will install it then. Also noted that my new battery that I installed a few weeks back had the negative lead work itself a tad loose... Maybe less than a quarter turn... So I snugged that up as well... Not sure if that could contribute to this or not?


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[Matthew Flewelling]

Any update on this?

 

[henryb]

Sadly, I am still waiting for the voltage regulator... It is being held at the U.S./Canada Customs office?


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[henryb]

Well it finally arrived, after nearly 5 weeks of waiting ... It was timed well with the installation of my 2 new switch boxes... Got the boat back today and it is running exceptionally well.


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