Split coils
 

Hello all,
I have a 96 WRX that keeps splitting coils in one cylinder (I think #3) only.
I have read about coils cracking near the bottom where they contact the spark plug but have not seen anyone post about coils splitting closer to the top end.
They (three of them now in a few days) all split about an inch from the top.
The split is best described as an expansion (by means of a crack running all the way around) in the length of the coil, about three millimeters.
You can then see a grey substance resembling plastic steel which pushes out the cracked area and then solidifies.
Modifications include:
VF22 turbo.
Cold air box with large K&N filter - custom piping.
Gems ecu.
STI intercooler.
Catalytic converter removed.
Any help/ideas much appreciated.
Thanks,
Cy

Same problem here. Does the coil pack look like this:
http://tinypic.com/e6q69t.jpg
I have been told this is happening due to the coil constantly charging and overheating. I have changed the ignition amplifier(located behind map sensor and boost solonoid). I also sent my Gems to Gems to be checked. They changed the resistors/capasitors that relate to the coil packs as a precaution(as they found nothing wrong with the ecu). I am still trying to rectify this fault as I have not used my car for over a month! Hope this gives you a few things to check(even if they dont cure it)

Nathan

Nathan,
Yes, my coil looks just like that one.
I have also changed the igniter with no benefit.
I am also being advised to send my Gems back to be checked.
Is your car splitting the same coil all the time?
When you look into the engine bay, left back coil by any chance?
I am currently using a prodrive coil out of a WRC car to see if that makes any difference, only put it in yesterday so I'll let you know how it goes.
Have you heard of any one else that has had this problem?
Have you had your car looked at by a good mapper since the problem started?
Sorry for all the questions but really want this resolved.
Thanks,
Cy

Hello Cy,
It is the left front that keeps going on mine. I had a coil go just before I fitted some 740cc injectors. Changed coil, had car mapped, 3 weeks later, misfire. Coil split. Changed coil again twice. I dont think it is a mapping issue. I am gonna try and refit the standard ecu, lambda sensor, afm etc and drop the fuel pressure to see if this makes a differance. If this works, Gems can have the ecu back and I will invest in a Power FC.

Nathan

Any ideas?

Nathan

Nathan,
When you got the car mapped, did you mention the split coil so that the person who mapped your car actually looked for a possible cause?
I will be very interested to hear what happens when you try the standard ecu.
Not sure if fuel pressure plays a role, I had a coil split with the standard fuel pump, since then I have installed a 255lph high pressure pump - split a coil.
Please keep me updated.
Cy

Didnt mention the split coil as only the one had gone. Car went very,very well during mapping and for about 3 weeks after before the problem happened again.

Nathan

Nathan,
If possible I think that you should mention the problem to the person who mapped your car.
Also try and get them to have a look and try and identify a possible cause.
I am trying to get in touch with my mapper to do the same, just a little more difficult as he is overseas.
Let me know any progress or ideas,
Cy

Have spoken to the person who mapped my car and he has recommended that I try the standard ecu.

Nathan

Nathan,
Have you been able to try the standard ecu?
If so, has it made a difference?
Putting in that uprated coil solved the symptom on my car but not the problem.
Still have a misfire and it seems to be getting worse - I really do not want to go and damage something else.
Any help?
Cy

I'm changing my coilpacks tomorrow
 

Just out of curiosity are your cars misfiring under boost ?

Or do your cars misfire under normal driving aswell ?

Kev

My car misfires mainly in low rpm, seems to clear up a bit under boost.
Cy

When I run a good coil pack (before it melts) I get a misfire/holding back/lumpy feel which started to get better as it came on boost but now is present all the time and the car struggles to hit more than 1bar boost (usually 1.4bar)

Nathan