It’s the coils stupid | FerrariChat

It’s the coils stupid

Discussion in '308/328' started by Frisky, Oct 18, 2024.

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  1. Frisky

    Frisky Karting

    Apr 26, 2014
    230
    MA
    Full Name:
    Rolfe Lofmark
    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.
     
    mixedgas likes this.
  2. chasjen

    chasjen Karting
    Silver Subscribed

    Oct 21, 2013
    81
    Dublin, Ohio
    Full Name:
    Charlie
    +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.
     
    Frisky likes this.
  3. Frisky

    Frisky Karting

    Apr 26, 2014
    230
    MA
    Full Name:
    Rolfe Lofmark
    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.
     
  4. ggjjr

    ggjjr Formula Junior

    Nov 11, 2003
    928
    Detroit
    Full Name:
    George
    Is there an easy source for these, and are they the same throughout the models?
     
  5. Frisky

    Frisky Karting

    Apr 26, 2014
    230
    MA
    Full Name:
    Rolfe Lofmark
    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.
     
    Saabguy and ggjjr like this.
  6. ggjjr

    ggjjr Formula Junior

    Nov 11, 2003
    928
    Detroit
    Full Name:
    George
    Rolfe,
    Can you list where you purchased them from? Thanks.
     
  7. Frisky

    Frisky Karting

    Apr 26, 2014
    230
    MA
    Full Name:
    Rolfe Lofmark
    Sure, I got them from AW Italian. I find they are very prompt. Always delivered within one or two days.
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
    ggjjr likes this.
  8. Sigmacars

    Sigmacars Formula 3
    Silver Subscribed

    Jul 19, 2006
    1,218
    Would the work on a 1988/328
     
  9. Frisky

    Frisky Karting

    Apr 26, 2014
    230
    MA
    Full Name:
    Rolfe Lofmark
  10. ggjjr

    ggjjr Formula Junior

    Nov 11, 2003
    928
    Detroit
    Full Name:
    George
    Thanks!
     
  11. dave80gtsi

    dave80gtsi Formula 3
    Silver Subscribed

    Nov 3, 2003
    1,918
    Ohio
    Full Name:
    Dave Meredith
    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
     
  12. theunissenguido

    theunissenguido F1 Rookie
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Jan 21, 2004
    2,665
    Argent/Brasil
    Full Name:
    Guido
    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.
     
  13. Frisky

    Frisky Karting

    Apr 26, 2014
    230
    MA
    Full Name:
    Rolfe Lofmark
    #13 Frisky, Oct 30, 2024
    Last edited: Oct 30, 2024
    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.
     

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