Mercruiser 5.0LX Thunderbolt ignition coil

[DrD]

I have a 1991 Blue Water cuddy. This boat is new to me this year. I have used it only a few hours, and the previous owner kept good care of the vessel.

The ignition coil wire came out of the tower of the existing ignition coil one day, stopping the engine of course. The metal contact on the ignition coil wire was split, lost its mechanical strength, and the vibration eventually dislodged the wire.

I noticed that the inside face of the insulated tower on the coil has burn marks where the coil center contact was arcing to the coil wire due to it not being seated properly. I have now replaced *all* ignition wires but I have not had a chance to try to start the engine yet. The rest of the coil appears to be in good shape, with no burned areas on the outer perimeter of that tower.

I have a few questions:

1. Will the coil likely still be useable?

2. A Sierra replacement coil ($56.25) at West Marine is a special order item. Would a generic automotive type coil be a suitable replacement? {or where would be a good place to order the proper replacement coil?}

Thank you for your assistance,

-Dale-

 

[Bondo]

Re: Mercruiser 5.0LX Thunderbolt ignition coil

1),....Maybe,............. Maybe Not.........

2),....Napa also carries Sierra Parts....... They might be Cheaper,.....
And you can Probably get it from them Over-night,.... Rather than in a Week or 2........

 

[DrD]

Re: Mercruiser 5.0LX Thunderbolt ignition coil

Thanks for your suggestion, I'll check with NAPA. I can't help but wonder if the coil really needs to be replaced since only the inside face of the tower is burned.

I have a 'better safe than sorry' kink to my personality, so I will probably just replace it. I was hoping someone who has worked with these things quite a lot might be able to shed some more detail on it. To me, it seems like the inside of the tower being burned probably won't hurt anything, since the coil's center conductor is now in direct contact with the intended wire, instead of being a couple inches away from it. I also don't know but I think the insulated tower is not burned through very deep.

Oh well, I guess the price of admission is taking it's toll ...

-Dale-

 

[180shabah]

Re: Mercruiser 5.0LX Thunderbolt ignition coil

Like Bondo said, check with NAPA.

Can an automotive coil be used? Sure. Just make sure you get one for electronic ignition and not the older points style. It will only save you a couple of dollars but it will be in stock.