Ignition Problem: Glow around coil and coil wire

Italian LX · 06-03-2005, 11:38 PM

What would cause a glowing dischage around the coil... or is this normal?

Basically, the plastic body of the coil has a slight discgarge on each side where it gets close to the induction ring. Sometimes you can also see discharges around the coil wire where it is near anything metal such as the A/C compressor.

Btw, it is an MSD Blaster coil run off of the stock ignition (no MSD module).

Thunderstorm · 06-03-2005, 11:53 PM

Found this on the web...could be something your seeing...

Corona Effect

The Corona Effect is what causes neon signs to work. By inducing high voltage in the tube, the gas is ionized and thereby lights up. In the case of plug wires glowing, the Corona effect can happen when atmospheric conditions are right. High humidity and low barometric pressure combined with the high voltage of the ignition system will create an electrostatic field around the plug wires and will in effect, ionize the ~air~ around the plug wires. Thereby causing the glow. Since this is a breakdown of the surrounding air (not the wires) it will not affect ignition performance. That is of course assuming your plug wires have not been ahem, chewed on by mice ;-)

Also, since wide plug gaps require a higher voltage to fire them, this will increase the chances of the Corona Effect. Usually more visible around the plug wires rather than the plugs. Note: not to be confused with the Corona "after effect" of excessive consumption of Coronas with limes.

Italian LX · 06-04-2005, 12:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thunderstorm

Found this on the web...could be something your seeing...

Thanks, Chad. That makes a lot of sense since it was very humid out tonight. I'll have to check it later when the air is more dry.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thunderstorm

Note: not to be confused with the Corona "after effect" of excessive consumption of Coronas with limes.

QWKSNKE · 06-04-2005, 04:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thunderstorm

Note: not to be confused with the Corona "after effect" of excessive consumption of Coronas with limes.

mmmmm...Corona

Ponygirl · 06-04-2005, 08:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Italian LX

What would cause a glowing dischage around the coil... or is this normal?

Basically, the plastic body of the coil has a slight discgarge on each side where it gets close to the induction ring. Sometimes you can also see discharges around the coil wire where it is near anything metal such as the A/C compressor.

Btw, it is an MSD Blaster coil run off of the stock ignition (no MSD module).

I know what your problem is.....I saw Lee touch it last night.

Italian LX · 06-04-2005, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ponygirl

I know what your problem is.....I saw Lee touch it last night.

Well, he also touched the Focus too, so you better watch out.

Ponygirl · 06-04-2005, 07:12 PM

He's gotta stop touching things.

06-04-2005, 09:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ponygirl

He's gotta stop touching things.

better not let him feed the dog

Italian LX · 06-06-2005, 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ponygirl

He's gotta stop touching things.

I know. . . he touched the coupe tonight and now look at it. . .

QWKSNKE · 06-07-2005, 04:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Italian LX

I know. . . he touched the coupe tonight and now look at it. . .

All from me touching the #6 spark plug

06-03-2005, 11:38 PM	#1
Italian LX Daddy x4 ...we're done Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Oxford, AL Posts: 11,551	Ignition Problem: Glow around coil and coil wire What would cause a glowing dischage around the coil... or is this normal? Basically, the plastic body of the coil has a slight discgarge on each side where it gets close to the induction ring. Sometimes you can also see discharges around the coil wire where it is near anything metal such as the A/C compressor. Btw, it is an MSD Blaster coil run off of the stock ignition (no MSD module). __________________ -Brian '86 Mustang GT Convertible '88 Mustang LX coupe '11 Odyssey TE '21 Insight Touring

06-03-2005, 11:53 PM	#2
Thunderstorm Senior Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 564	Re: Ignition Problem: Glow around coil and coil wire Found this on the web...could be something your seeing... Corona Effect The Corona Effect is what causes neon signs to work. By inducing high voltage in the tube, the gas is ionized and thereby lights up. In the case of plug wires glowing, the Corona effect can happen when atmospheric conditions are right. High humidity and low barometric pressure combined with the high voltage of the ignition system will create an electrostatic field around the plug wires and will in effect, ionize the ~air~ around the plug wires. Thereby causing the glow. Since this is a breakdown of the surrounding air (not the wires) it will not affect ignition performance. That is of course assuming your plug wires have not been ahem, chewed on by mice ;-) Also, since wide plug gaps require a higher voltage to fire them, this will increase the chances of the Corona Effect. Usually more visible around the plug wires rather than the plugs. Note: not to be confused with the Corona "after effect" of excessive consumption of Coronas with limes. __________________ 2005 Mustang GT 5 Speed Torch Red C&L Intake, Magnaflows, SCT Tune 281 cu. in., 3V 285 rwhp/297 rwtq

06-04-2005, 07:12 PM	#7
Ponygirl Pink Ladies Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Somewhere between fantasy and reality Posts: 4,376	Re: Ignition Problem: Glow around coil and coil wire He's gotta stop touching things. __________________ Kenny Brown is BACK baby!!!!