Coil on plug question

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gforce - 20 May 2004 12:41 GMT

I've noticed a number of posts about the 'infamous coil problem' with the
Maxima. I just picked up a '95 with 197k miles that was misfiring on one
cylinder. I found that the spark was arcing through the insulator tube to
ground. Nissan, and most auto parts stores only carry the complete coil
assembly, but all I need is the 'tube'. I wrapped it in electrical tape
and the car runs perfect, even the CEL went out. I think I found what I
am looking for at NAPA:Beck Arnley Spark Plug Tube Seal BA0396418. The
local store ordered it for me yesterday, so I'll post with my results when
it comes in. I'm hoping for a box of 6!
I'm wondering how many coils have been replaced that didn't need to be?

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codifus - 20 May 2004 15:00 GMT

> I've noticed a number of posts about the 'infamous coil problem' with the
> Maxima. I just picked up a '95 with 197k miles that was misfiring on one
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
> it comes in. I'm hoping for a box of 6!
> I'm wondering how many coils have been replaced that didn't need to be?

I would still replace the entire coil. Do you think your setup would
last 100s of thousands of miles? The NDIS system, when the coils are not
defective, is completely mainteneance free. The only thing you would
ever have to replace is the spark plugs.

CD

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gforce - 20 May 2004 17:04 GMT

In this case, the coil is 100% operational, just the spark is not making it
to the plug. I had the exact same thing happen on a quad4 in a Pontiac.
CEL, hesitation, etc. less than $10 to replace the 4 spring connections
and insulators instead of the coil pack assembly.
For the maxima, it's $15 for the insulators for what should be a pack of
6. I can't see spending $65-$100 on a new coil assembly unless I have to.
I'd much rather preventatively change all 6 insulators. Nissan may call
the ignition system maintenance free, but there is essentially still spark
plug wires in there that will wear out. Since Nissan doesn't list them as
a separate part, they consider it an electrical failure of the coil.

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filesiteguy - 20 May 2004 20:17 GMT

>the ignition system maintenance free, but there is essentially still spark
>plug wires in there that will wear out. Since Nissan doesn't list them as
>a separate part, they consider it an electrical failure of the coil.

Yeah, I can see that mine are beginning to show signs of age. I'm
thinking of replacing the wires in the next year or two.

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gforce - 21 May 2004 12:16 GMT

The parts came in yesterday, but were not what I was looking for... They
appear to be the seals under the valve cover for the spark plug 'tubes' -
damn!
Oh well... the electrical tape will have to do a little longer. I know
it'll be easier just to go buy a coil assembly, but it's the principal of
the thing now. Since I got the car for free (previous owneer was told the
motor had low compression), I'm seeing just how cheaply I can fix
everything on the car. So far, I have a total of just over $1 (bulbs)
invested.

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