Arcing Between The Terminals At The Top Of The Coil

[humanz 3]

Ok, my 1.9 8v has been giving me loads of trouble for the last few weeks. Tonite i was dropping the car off by the mechanics workshop when the car started exhibiting the same symptoms it had a few weeks ago (missing, sounding like it was choking low down on the rev range). When I got by the mechanic's workshop, an idea occured to me to check the engine bay, as I've found no leaks, no signs of problems any of the times I've checked the engine bay. In the darkness, I could see sparks arcing along the paths shown below.

The coil in the pic isn't the one currently on the car, but u should get the idea. The arcs seemed to be from the top terminals to the tower on the coil. Is this normal? My instinct tells me no, but I have to ask. Also, the arcs looked very faint, not sure if that makes a difference. Could this arcing be a sign that my coil's on its way out?

[Flix 0]

A mates 205 was doing exactly the same a few weeks ago.

Turned out to be the ignition amp causing it.

[Anthony 1,003]

Bad HT leads, dizzy cap/arm and/or sparkplugs.

 

Basically, it's easier for the spark to jump across the coil than it is for it to travel along the HT leads, cap, and then across the spark plug gap.

[Goliath 94]

I've had the same problem before, I just cleaner everything (leads, ign amp and connectors) and then it was fine.

[A2TheA 0]

i had similar symptoms and found the king lead touching a coolant hose...

 

woops.

 

Aaron

[humanz 3]

Thanks for the suggestions guys.

Don't think it's the plugs as I had those changed recently. I have a sneaky feeling it's the king lead, now that I think about it.

I'll check those things out and let u know what the results were. Cheers.

Edited August 10, 2009 by humanz