Anyone have any problems with ign coils from the auto parts store? I like to use an Advance Auto that is near me. There is also a NAPA and an AutoZone. I need to get this fixed this weekend, so I can not order the part from an online Ford dealership.

I had a coil and a spark plug replaced at the dealer some time ago. It now feels like I have another "light-load" miss. The coil at the Ford dealer was $100 if i remember right. I checked at Advance Auto, and it was half that amount.

This will be the first aftermarket part I have put in the truck. I really like oem parts, but maybe I'm being a little ****. Money is tight.

For many years, I ran the parts department at a forklift repair business. So, I know first hand, that some places will sell you incorrect parts for your application. incorrect, but still fit well enough. and will get you going. I've spoken with an engineer at General Electric telling me I was nuts for suppling a certain electronic componet for thier electronic control system. That's what my company ..... LPM ..... was suppling. It was not the exactly correct part, but it was close, and the machine would run. But the incorrect part would start to foul up other things in the system, etc.

Even with bearings ...... I had a conversation with an engineer at Catapillar about a bearing that my company was supplying for thier forklifts. I forgot what the problem was ....... maybe we were selling a ball bearing assy and it should be a roller bearing assy ...... something like that. It was a sealed bearinig and race assy, so you could not really tell the difference just from looking at it, and it physically fit the application. The engineer really could not believe that LPM was selling this bearing for it , problem with forces, etc.

Anyway, people buy thier ignition coils at aftermarket places?

Is there any tricks in replacing these coils, and the spark plug?

Thanks alot. Jim
2002 F250 5.4 Gas

 

Aftermarket coils are fine. No tricks just take the bolt out and the connector and pull the coil out. Plug is way inside. They last 80k plus miles use clear dialectric greese on the boot. Make sure you use a small amount of never sieze on the plugs and torque them to spec. Ford double plat plugs.


Dick

 

Dick,
This is one time I have to disagree with you.
Aftermarket colis have been failing alot quicker than Fords replacements.
I know of 2 guys that have had them go in 10,000 miles.But of course its always a crap shoot with things like this.If money is the issue take the chance.
When I bought mine the last time they were $60 and the boots were $6
Before buying ,I'd be sure it was the coil though.
Rich

 

Thanks, guys, for the info. Have to buy that never-seize.

These "boots," I see them mentioned in quite a few posts. Do they fail early. Is it a good idea to change them when you change coil/plug?

Rich, I will be sure it is a coil ......I'm going to splurge for a good, Ford specific code reader. The engine feels and acts just like the "light load miss" Ford diagnosed last year.

Thanks again
Jim
2002 F250 5.4

 

Now you did it Rich. May your Super duty spit all its plugs out..LOL

No problem, you disagree less than my wife so we're cool.

Dick Didn't here about any issue's with aftermarket coils.

 

No, I have had good success with aftermarket. I was stupid enough to gunk my 180,000 mile engine and had to replace seven of eight coils. All are aftermarket, of three different brands. The truck is now owned by a friend and has almost 270,000 miles and no problems with the coils. Buy with confidence.