It’s the coils stupid

All,

Previously I reported my 1980 GTBi was all of a sudden starting really hard. It would cough and spit until it got warm, then finally run ok.

First suspect was the WUR. I had that rebuilt along with the fuel distributor at CIS flow tech. I am glad I had that done for peace of mind, but it did not really solve the problem. A tech I was working with to solve the issue suggested the coils could be tired. I didn’t really put the two together, but I went with his suggestion. Needless to say the new coils fixed the issue. I still need to have the auxillary air valve rebuilt and replace the fuel accumulator to make the cold start perfect, but the coils solved the primary problem. Fairly cheap and easy fix.

Hope this is helpful to anyone experiencing the same issue.

 

+1. My car had been running rough. Then I lost the rear bank. Replaced the coils. Amazing. Best it has ever run since I owned it.

 

The coils just get tired and wonky (i.e. unpredictable). If you are still running originals and having sudden problems of rough running and back firing, then it might run fine for a while. Just change the coils. They are Dr Jeckyl and Mr Hide when they are past their prime with a large impact on engine performance.

 

Is there an easy source for these, and are they the same throughout the models?

 

my understanding is they are the same for all 308 and Mondial injected cars. Not sure if that covers the carb cars, but should double check.

I paid $353 for the both of them including tax and shipping. In Ferrari speak I call it the ultimate bargain.

 

Rolfe,
Can you list where you purchased them from? Thanks.

 

Sure, I got them from AW Italian. I find they are very prompt. Always delivered within one or two days.
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Would the work on a 1988/328

 

looks like the 1988 328 has a different coil.
https://awitalian.com/product/ferrari-ignition-coil-124273c.html/

Double check before ordering, but similar price.

 

Thanks!

 

My 1980's coils are still the originals.

What sort of a test did you and your guy do so to direct the suspicion towards the coils?

DM

 

My mondial QV would not start randomly even that I did change almost everything except the coils. After changing 1 of the coils (the one I suspected) no more starting problems.So, it can be one of the coils that prevents starting.

 

We replaced the old coils with the new ones and the problem was resolved. No test except exchanging them and then running the engine again. I don’t recommend only replacing one. Just replace both. $350 for the pair.
If you are still running originals, the chances are they are tired and should be replaced. Coils are a wear item.