Arcing Ignition Coil

[bserioso]

Hey everybody, here's my first question as a new member on the site.

My '65 Dodge Dart 270, w/ the 3.7 225, has been running pretty rough, will wheeze out when I try to accelerate, and wants to stall at stop signs. Seemed a lot like the points were going bad, so I replaced points, condenser, and spark plugs, which hadn't been done since I bought the car 4 months ago.

Started her up, seemed to be idling a little rough, but not bad. Drove around the block and had same symptoms and a stall. Looking under the hood, I noticed that the two outer posts of the ignition coil were arcing into the center post, and the wire to the distributor was also arcing a bit to the body.

Do my symptoms sound like a bad coil? I should also mention that the carb is in serious need of rebuilding.

Cheers!

 

[pettybludart]

Welcome to the best site for your Mopar needs.First I would replace the coil,then check all wires to make sure they,re seated.Also check to make sure all is grounded properly.Hope this helps,good luck.

 

[omahamoparguy]

bad coil and/or plug wires. ( that arcing wire to the body is a serious problem )

 

[nothingbutdarts]

Along with the other great advice, I would check the condition of the spark plugs.

 

[RustyRatRod]

Somethin has changed to make it easier for the spark to find ground through a different path than designed. Electricity is lazy. It uses the path of least resistance to ground. If that path is impeeded by a bad coil wire, or a new path is created by a cracked coil, you better believe the spark will find the easier way to ground right quick. Also too, make sure the new coil wire's boot fits good and tight around the coil. I've even used a light coat of silicone sealant in the past to make sure.

 

[67Dart273]

Somethin has changed to make it easier for the spark to find ground through a different path.

CHECK THE PLUG WIRES AND PLUGS.

Pull the boots off off the distributor, and "rig" a clip lead and probe. You can use your 12V test lamp---won't hurt it.

Short one plug wire at a time to ground. The one that causes the arcs to stop is the bad one, or may be a cracked/ internally damaged plug.

What happens is, that an OPEN in the path from the coil to the plug causes the coil voltage to GO EXTREMELY HIGH.

Now you have the equivalent of a lightning bolt---it is trying to find someplace to return to ground.

If you have been operating this very long, you have probably "carbon tracked" the coil tower and may have to replace the coil, too.

 

[bserioso]

Thanks for all the tips, guys. I'm a relative novice to working on cars, so this site is a real godsend.

I'm going to replace the coil and wires on my next free day and see what I get.