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1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Early Eighties Bullnose Ford Truck

Leaky coil?

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Old Dec 28, 2013 | 07:59 PM
  #1  
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Leaky coil?

Merry Christmas everybody and a happy almost new year!

Took the big unit out for a run today and as I was putting it away I noticed the coil is leaking. It's mounted horizontally and the underside was wet with oil. I even saw it drip. Otherwise the truck seemed to run just fine. Curious to know what kinds of problems a "dry" or bad coil might cause down the road.

I replaced the coil about 8 years ago chasing a starting problem (which turned out to be the duraspark module) and the current coil doesn't have an external condenser like most of the stock setups seem to have. I've been told the condenser is there to reduce ratio interference but I don't have any problems with either the radio or the CB. Please let me know if the condenser is important and if I should add one when I replace the coil.

Also, since I'm now in the market for a new coil for my stock, carbureted, Duraspark, 1987 460 I'm wondering what y'all might recommend.

Many thanks.
 
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Old Dec 28, 2013 | 09:00 PM
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Oil filled coils shouldn't be mounted horizontally.
You need an epoxy filled coil for that.

The oil acts as a coolant as well as an insulator and I expect the coil is on it's way out soon.

I used a Standard Automotive Products coil.
I have pic's and a part number here somewhere.
Let me see if I can find one of those posts.
 
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Old Dec 28, 2013 | 09:19 PM
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I would definitely replace it. I like stock type coils for a stock ignition myself.
 
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Old Dec 28, 2013 | 09:26 PM
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Standard's FD476 is a direct replacement part according to the catalog.

My testing shows Primary; 1.78 Ohms. Secondary; 8,980 Ohms.
Well within spec of the Duraspark coil.


 
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Old Dec 28, 2013 | 10:41 PM
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And, it is blue. Hmmm.....
 
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Old Dec 28, 2013 | 11:00 PM
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Thanks for the replies guys and thank you for the photo and part number ArdWrknTrk.

I also see a condenser mounted on the coil bracket in that photo. What does it do and should I have one too? I don't have one now...
 
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Old Dec 28, 2013 | 11:17 PM
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It is, as you were told, to take out electrical interference for the radio and/or CB. If you don't have any noise in them then don't worry about it.
 
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Old Dec 28, 2013 | 11:53 PM
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Originally Posted by Gary Lewis
It is, as you were told, to take out electrical interference for the radio and/or CB. If you don't have any noise in them then don't worry about it.
Thanks Gary.

When I installed the now leaky coil 8 years ago I want to say the parts guy sold me a fancy coil with an internal condenser that eliminated the need for the external one. It's been so long ago I can't be sure, but I vaguely remember removing the condenser when I changed the coil way back then.

So now, If I change it back to a stock epoxy filled coil I'm wondering if it might be a good idea to throw on a condenser too. Does it just have a clip that wires it into the horseshoe connector and if so, which side?

Thanks again!
 
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Old Dec 29, 2013 | 06:05 AM
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There should be a single gray socket on the red wire of the horseshoe connector.
This is what connects to the condenser.

I don't think the 'can' style is available any more.
Ford does offer "f6uz-18832-aa Radio Capacitor Assembly" which appears to have the correct plug and mounting lug.

I don't think you need it unless you listen to AM radio.
 
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Old Dec 29, 2013 | 07:45 AM
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I would try it w/o the cap as it is easy to add.
 
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Old Dec 29, 2013 | 07:50 AM
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It will run fine without the condenser.

You can see the Scotchlok I used to connect mine, long after I replaced the horseshoe.
The wiring is neater now.
 
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