Coil spark plug failure

[joemark8]

My 98 MarkVIII (not an LSC) has about 51K on the odo and I have had two recent separate failures related to coils failing on plugs. When this happens the engine misses terribly and the 'check engine'light comes on. The first time one coil failed and the second time the dealer replaced three (3) coils and plugs all under warranty. My question is this - Can I do damage to my engine by running the car when my engine is missing and sputtering in this situation? I had to run my Mark for about 10 miles with the check engine light on in this condition to get it to the Ford dealershi for repair. Maybe this is just a warning that the computer knows that somethine is not functioning correctly! Any knowledgeable input is welcome. Thanks - Joe

 

[calviroman]

RE: Coil spark plug failure

Hi Joe,

85% of the time the problem is the coil BOOT. The boot is cracked and causes a misfire. Many people including mechanics at dealers dont know you can change just the boot. The boot is less than 6$, whereas the coil pack is over 50$ each. My advice is buy a new set of boots and be done with it.