coil on #8

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Nov 1, 2003 | 10:51 PM

mikeB1

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From: NY

coil on #8

My #8 coil went today. My Actron scanner found the problem. I guess it was a good investment for $119.00 It worked well. A new coil at auto zone for $41.00 and I was on my way. No trip to the dealer and no loss of my truck. 2000 F150 FWD 66000 MI. A little early for this problem I would say. I never had to change any kind of coil on any other vehicle I have owned. I am 51 and have been driving since i was 16.....

Nov 2, 2003 | 01:02 AM

Racerguy

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From: BC, Canada

First coil at 66,000?
Hmm you're doing better than a lot of people here

Nov 2, 2003 | 01:20 AM

LxMan1

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From: Louisville,Ky.

Oh that's not good to hear Dave, I was hoping to get a lifetime of enjoyment out of my coils.
But, if Ford can't even smooth out the idle, then why should I expect my coils to last 200,000 miles.
In this case, the more the merrier, is not true. If you have to replace them all, you are looking at over $360. I bought a Mallory high performance coil for my Stang for $45.
Maybe the aftermarket will come out with a more reliable performance coil someday.
JImmy

Nov 2, 2003 | 10:00 AM

Racerguy

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You never can tell how long they will last. Some people have bad luck with them, others never replace a coil in hundreds of thousands of miles.

Nov 2, 2003 | 11:19 AM

mikeB1

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From: NY

Quote:

Originally posted by Racerguy
You never can tell how long they will last. Some people have bad luck with them, others never replace a coil in hundreds of thousands of miles.

This is the point.. I have worked in the factories of Xerox for 24 years. We get feedback from the field all the time. When we see a pattern of failure on a certain part we correct the problem a fast as we can . There is no reason for a coil failure in this day and age to be common and excepted as OH WELL! You can tell how long they will last when you are the one selling them. Ford builds a very nice truck, but loyal customers are not guaranteed.
This attitude is the same one that hurt american manufacturing in the 80s.

Nov 2, 2003 | 04:34 PM

MrBSS

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From: Chicago Area

You can be sure that Ford knows about this problem. Hopefully, if possible, they have corrected it on the new Motorcraft coils. That is why I paid extra to get coils from Ford. But then, the aftermarket coils could possibly be better, too.

The rear cylinders (#4 & #8) seem to be most affected. There may be more heat back there or an accumulation of water around those deep plug holes under certain conditions. If so, given the space restraints, there may not be much they can do.

When you think about it, with all the heat and vibration on top of the heads, it's a poor place to put a coil. I guess they wanted to eliminate the "unreliable" ignition wires, but wires are a lot cheaper than coils!

Do everything you can to never overheat, and, if you wash your engine, be sure to get it fully dry before starting it. Make sure your heater hoses don't leak. I might also buy a spare, but I hate to tie up $100 when I owe too much to the credit card company already!