New coils but still unstable timing light?
#1
Anatomy of a corner...
Thread Starter
New coils but still unstable timing light?
Just replaced all 4 coils with BRAND NEW coils and this is what happens when I hook up a timing light to the output of a coil:
All 4 new coils do this and some coils are worse than this. Is this normal?
This is on a stock 2004. Drove it around with the new coils and everything seems fine (no loss of power, no CEL).
Thanks,
FS
All 4 new coils do this and some coils are worse than this. Is this normal?
This is on a stock 2004. Drove it around with the new coils and everything seems fine (no loss of power, no CEL).
Thanks,
FS
#3
Anatomy of a corner...
Thread Starter
I thought the timing light may be bad, so I tested it on an 85 RX7 (distributor style) and it was completely fine. I will test it tonight on a more modern ignition off a Toyota Tundra tonight. I have a feeling that the timing light tool is not the issue though.
The spark plug wires have never been changed, still stock, but what is the likelihood that all 4 spark plug wires are bad? If a wire was totally bad, wouldn't I have CELs all the time?
FS
The spark plug wires have never been changed, still stock, but what is the likelihood that all 4 spark plug wires are bad? If a wire was totally bad, wouldn't I have CELs all the time?
FS
#4
Anatomy of a corner...
Thread Starter
I thought the timing light may be bad, so I tested it on an 85 RX7 (distributor style) and it was completely fine. I will test it tonight on a more modern ignition off a Toyota Tundra tonight. I have a feeling that the timing light tool is not the issue though.
The spark plug wires have never been changed, still stock, but what is the likelihood that all 4 spark plug wires are bad? If a wire was totally bad, wouldn't I have CELs all the time?
FS
The spark plug wires have never been changed, still stock, but what is the likelihood that all 4 spark plug wires are bad? If a wire was totally bad, wouldn't I have CELs all the time?
FS
#6
Anatomy of a corner...
Thread Starter
Everything is factory, ground is good as far as I know. The timing light was properly attached directly to the battery terminals.
Another thing I've just thought of... Could this be due to a faulty crankshaft position sensor? It looks like the timing jumps around when I shine the light on it...
FS
Another thing I've just thought of... Could this be due to a faulty crankshaft position sensor? It looks like the timing jumps around when I shine the light on it...
FS
#8
Moder8
iTrader: (1)
You have an 04 right,
It might be missing occasionally, mine did. At the higher speeds, the flicker could be a random misfire.
My sig has a First $100 thread. If mine did that, I would look at doing the electrical stuff, specifically the engine ground stuff, and try your test again. I do not think the grounding kit is really needed if you pick up star washers and a good conductive grease.
Let me know if it helps.
It might be missing occasionally, mine did. At the higher speeds, the flicker could be a random misfire.
My sig has a First $100 thread. If mine did that, I would look at doing the electrical stuff, specifically the engine ground stuff, and try your test again. I do not think the grounding kit is really needed if you pick up star washers and a good conductive grease.
Let me know if it helps.
#9
Anatomy of a corner...
Thread Starter
You have an 04 right,
It might be missing occasionally, mine did. At the higher speeds, the flicker could be a random misfire.
My sig has a First $100 thread. If mine did that, I would look at doing the electrical stuff, specifically the engine ground stuff, and try your test again. I do not think the grounding kit is really needed if you pick up star washers and a good conductive grease.
Let me know if it helps.
It might be missing occasionally, mine did. At the higher speeds, the flicker could be a random misfire.
My sig has a First $100 thread. If mine did that, I would look at doing the electrical stuff, specifically the engine ground stuff, and try your test again. I do not think the grounding kit is really needed if you pick up star washers and a good conductive grease.
Let me know if it helps.
What do you think?
FS
#12
Registered
iTrader: (25)
looks more like poo steam, not smoke ... https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-do-yourself-forum-73/diy-testing-all-rx-8-coils-gm-ls2-yukon-coils-sparkplug-wires-222641/
#13
Moder8
iTrader: (1)
@ OP
There are 6 or so grounds around the engine compartment. The one that seemed the most suspect (loose) to me was the one by the oil filter. It is a pain to get to, but is where I seem to think the coils ground to. There are also grounds on both fenders, as well as under the air box. This will sound a little dumb, but after that mod, the car seemed a lot happier, seemed to run cooler, I heard the fans a lot more and the MPG ticked up a bit and stayed there. I think you can likely get a lot of benefit without the big wires of a ground kit, but just by putting in the washers and cleaning the connectors. I do know the fender grounds were painted under the connector. That is a lousy idea. I did some resistance checks before and after and my numbers agreed with the links I referenced. I do not have the right kind of equipment to test those links with the engine running though.
There are 6 or so grounds around the engine compartment. The one that seemed the most suspect (loose) to me was the one by the oil filter. It is a pain to get to, but is where I seem to think the coils ground to. There are also grounds on both fenders, as well as under the air box. This will sound a little dumb, but after that mod, the car seemed a lot happier, seemed to run cooler, I heard the fans a lot more and the MPG ticked up a bit and stayed there. I think you can likely get a lot of benefit without the big wires of a ground kit, but just by putting in the washers and cleaning the connectors. I do know the fender grounds were painted under the connector. That is a lousy idea. I did some resistance checks before and after and my numbers agreed with the links I referenced. I do not have the right kind of equipment to test those links with the engine running though.
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