Back in the day we used to replace spark plug wires, distributor caps, etc. However now we just have coils to replace. I started thinking that coils don't really go bad unless they burn up. So that led me to think about the wires going bad. I started my car and drove into the garage. Just after 5 minutes I could feel one coil was hotter than the others. I took it out and noticed is was a different color from the others. So I found my problem.




Brown color from high heat.

With nothing to lose, I started repairing it.







Dont be afraid. Pull it apart.





Corrosion








I let mine soak in vinegar but any contact cleaner will do.





I also dripped some vinegar in the connectoe of the coil and let everything soak for about an hour.





I bought this years ago from an electronics store. I applied it to all connections.





Everything went well so I decided to do all four.

After quick trip to walmart, it ran better than it has it years. No hesitation or sputtering and no money spent! If it's broke, fix it!

 

Excellent!
I much prefer repair over replace. Specially if repair means just cleaning.

Looks like you took everything apart, cleaned it, soaked it in vinegar, presumably rinsed and let dry, greased with GC conductive antioxidant grease, and reassembled. Correct?

I am a little worried that the vinegar, being acid, might cause or start corrosion. Also concerned if the particular grease used will do well at high temperatures for an extended time. It is what you had on hand but is it the best possible choice? Maybe yes.

Please let us know if it lasts. Or, alternatively if it does not.

And thank you.

 

You got it. Vinegar is acidic which will get rid of corrosion and protective coating if left to soak lon enough. I used the grease to protect against further corrosion. I forgot to include one picture...




Corrosion inside ignition coil.

 

that's a great DYI!