1stG ignition coil arcing

[DonB]

I was setting up an ignition coil test to attach to my TCI bench tester and during the test where I put the TCI thru several tests I started getting arcing from the lower solder joint for the primary coil wiring to the support bracket which holds the coil to the bike bracket.

 

This arcing was very strong and it was jumping at least a 1/2 inch gap. This would surely affect the performance of the bike and I wonder if the gas mileage would also suffer. I was still getting the spark jumping across the spark plug as it's supposed to.

 

I then coated the solder joints with plastic dip and I didn't see any arcing but I'll be doing some further tests. In any case I will be applying plastic dip to the 4 coils on my bike.

 

db

[GeorgeS]

Sounds like you fixed it.

 

However I would be leary of reuseing that coil. It may have some other Internal damage that is not Obvious.

 

I would consider buying a Spare set off of E-bay.

 

I always carry a spare with me on trips.

[Gearhead]

Never heard of high voltage on the primary winding before. Could there be an internal short between the windings?

 

Jeremy