blkzoe
Seaman
- Joined
- Jan 16, 2013
- Messages
- 74
I've got an interesting problem. I've got an '86 Sea Ray Amberjack with twin FWC 170hp 470's. I swapped out the points ignition on each engine and replaced with the Pertronix II 1146a electronic ignition. Yes, I bypassed the resistance wire from the choke. Both engines run like a dream. I can make them idle at 500rpm forever. Torque during holeshot is second to none. I've even kept the cruising temps at about 170 degrees when the Bay temp is as high as 86 degrees; idling temp is at thermostat temp (160). So, what's the problem?
The port engine eats coils for breakfast. It's so bad I carry spares. Starboard? Same coil for God knows how long; no problems. So we have two engines wired exactly the same, yet the port engine destroys the ignition coil on a regular basis. I've examined the circuitry and found no shorts or obvious wiring flaws. Each coil has a 3 ohm internal resister as recommended by Petronix for 4 cylinder engines. BTW, the wiring is really low tech. See link for wiring diagram. (http://forums.iboats.com/filedata/fe...3&d=1400785086)
Here's my only hint at the cause. Right before I pulled the boat for winter I had both engines started and warm. They purred, no issues. I shift the port engine into gear and the engine stutters then dies. No restart. My first response now is to swap out the coil. Swapped coil; instant restart, engine purred.
POSSIBLE CAUSE OF COIL FAILURE(?): When shifting, could the shift interrupt (old style) cause a surge? I've read where surges can cause coil failure. Anybody else have this issue? I'm grinding my molars over this one. Any input would be appreciated.
The port engine eats coils for breakfast. It's so bad I carry spares. Starboard? Same coil for God knows how long; no problems. So we have two engines wired exactly the same, yet the port engine destroys the ignition coil on a regular basis. I've examined the circuitry and found no shorts or obvious wiring flaws. Each coil has a 3 ohm internal resister as recommended by Petronix for 4 cylinder engines. BTW, the wiring is really low tech. See link for wiring diagram. (http://forums.iboats.com/filedata/fe...3&d=1400785086)
Here's my only hint at the cause. Right before I pulled the boat for winter I had both engines started and warm. They purred, no issues. I shift the port engine into gear and the engine stutters then dies. No restart. My first response now is to swap out the coil. Swapped coil; instant restart, engine purred.
POSSIBLE CAUSE OF COIL FAILURE(?): When shifting, could the shift interrupt (old style) cause a surge? I've read where surges can cause coil failure. Anybody else have this issue? I'm grinding my molars over this one. Any input would be appreciated.
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