Ignition coil

[jrlemke]

Is there any way to predict an ignition coil failure? The coil in my Hawk was in it since I got it (2009). Last week I went to two car shows, one 190 miles round trip the other 40 miles round trip. Sunday I was going to another show, the car wouldn't even fire. Checked the coil first for some reason. Pulled the coil wire and had oil running out of the tower. Went to Auto-Zone, they had one in stock with built-in resistor. Installed it and it fired right up. I didn't start the car after the last show last week, so what caused the coil to go bad and is there any way to predict? I've been working on cars for nearly 60 years and never had a coil go out in all that time! Thanks- Jim

[StudeRich]

Age and or Heat, vibration will do it at ANY time, without a Clue.

With today's Part Quality you may only get 10-20 years or LESS out of it.

[Jeffry Cassel]

Today's parts quality makes any outing in a Studebaker an adventure! Gen went out of 62 Hawk. 4 rebuilt generators later we may have found one that will work more than 60 seconds. And one defective regulator.

[DEEPNHOCK]

Free quick CASO test.
When the engine quits... Quickly grab the coil with your bare hand.
If you can hold it on the coil... It's probably OK.
If it is so hot you can't keep your hand on it.... It's probably bad.

[jrlemke]

Thanks Jeff, car didn't quit it just wouldn't start! What bothers me, I had no warning and the last two times I ran it I was out of town. I'm looking for an early warning! -Jim

[GrumpyOne]

If you're going more than a few mile out of town, my suggested spare parts list:

1. Fan belt, power steering belt, A/C belt as is applicable
2. Points and condenser
3. Spare plug wire or two
4. Water pump
5. Alternator/Starter/Voltage regulator/coil/distributor
6. Fuses
7. Gallon of 50/50 coolant
8. Engine Oil
9. Power Steering fluid
10. Cell phone

[Lou Van Anne]

Just tow a second one behind you.....

If you're going more than a few mile out of town, my suggested spare parts list:

1. Fan belt, power steering belt, A/C belt as is applicable
2. Points and condenser
3. Spare plug wire or two
4. Water pump
5. Alternator/Starter/Voltage regulator/coil/distributor
6. Fuses
7. Gallon of 50/50 coolant
8. Engine Oil
9. Power Steering fluid
10. Cell phone

[StudeRich]

If you're going more than a few mile out of town, my suggested spare parts list:

1. Fan belt, power steering belt, A/C belt as is applicable
2. Points and condenser
3. Spare plug wire or two
4. Water pump
5. Alternator/Starter/Voltage regulator/coil/distributor
6. Fuses
7. Gallon of 50/50 coolant
8. Engine Oil
9. Power Steering fluid
10. Cell phone

You forgot a Cap, Rotor and Fuel Pump!

[GrumpyOne]

You forgot a Cap, Rotor and Fuel Pump!

I'll concede the fuel pump but the points etc are included in a spare distributor so you're half right...

[Mrs K Corbin]

you guys also forgot the tools!

[53k]

I'll concede the fuel pump but the points etc are included in a spare distributor so you're half right...

Actually, a spare distributor can be helpful. On our Route 66 trip in 2003, as I was getting ready to turn on to the interstate, everything went crazy ignition wise. The roll pin on the lower shaft had sheered. I did happen to have a spare distributor with me. Back on the road sooner than the rest of the group expected.

[RadioRoy]

you guys also forgot the tools!

When my buddy and I drove his 55 Champion wagon to Spokane for the international years ago it was understood that he was the driver and I was the mechanic. Since his maintenance schedule could be considered "casual" I rebuilt the front brakes and we put on new tires before the trip. He has a habit of losing his keys, so he never locks the car (or the motel for that matter). I was hesitant to bring my tools and leave them in an unlocked car. Don't worry, he said, I will bring tools. So off we went.

On the way back home the car stopped in the wilderness south of the huge dam. It turned out that the tiny wire inside the distributor had frayed, then fried, and stopped the car. Not too much of a problem, thought I. All I need is some tiny screwdrivers, a needle nose pliers, some wire, and that kind of stuff. Then he took out the tools. They were all big wrenches and the like. If we had to change the front suspension or the differential, we would have been OK, but a tiny wire inside the dizzy? Nope!

A passing motorist stopped and had some tools - a screwdriver and needle nose pliers. With a piece of wire from an old stereo that had been removed from the passer by's car, along with some dental floss, I got the car running again. I wonder if that wire in still inside my buddy's distributor?

It's always an adventure.