How too test if PU coil is weak ?

[al1026]

2004 = VP 4,3 GXI intermittent start issue ,
Thinking it was coil pack , changed engine started ,
Over few weeks had start no start , messing around with coil pack , swapping out again ,
( spares ) starts ,
Other day no start again
Came back too boat with spark tester ,
Had spark going too distributor , \
Removed distributor, loaded with crud ,
Sanded all pins under cap , rotor clean , Guard over pu coil rusted
Thinking CHANGE PU COIL , I see others had PU coil questions and experienced responders say distributor must come out too change PU coil
Once crud sanded , put everything back Boat fired up ,
Only issue cranks a longer then before , but starts
How too test PU coil ? Buy new cap and rotor , might start faster , ?
Never pulling entire distributor shaft , concerned I mess this up and have too call for help
THANKS

 

[Scott Danforth]

buy a new cap, dont just sand the connections.

follow the instuctions in the manual on setting base timing

 

[gm280]

When removing ANY distributer, ALWAYS mark where the rotor is pointed before pulling it out. Then when you reinstall the distributor, make absolute sure the roto is pointing in that exact same place. Other then that, really nothing to removing a distributor. Just DON'T spin the engine over while the distributor is out, for any reason, or you are in for a lot more work... JMHO

 

[cptbill]

If your checking for an intermittent PU coil try removing the cap and rotor then then check the green wire and white wire at the coil to make sure there solidly attached then check for corrosion where it plugs into the module

 

[bruceb58]

First off...since when does a 4.3l have coil packs? You mean the coil itself?

Replace the distributor cap and rotor. Do not try to clean.
What do the plugs look like?

A coil can get damaged when the spark has no where to go. That means distributor, rotor, wires and plugs can cause a coil to be damaged.