Re: [OMC-Boats] 1969 buick v6 omc coil ?

Karl,

How have you tested the coil or determined that you need a new one? They rarely fail, so I'm curious as to why you think you need a replacement? What resistance have you measured on the Primary side? What voltage are you seeing on the Secondary side? Have you checked the ballast resistor and it's connections? This might help : http://autorepair.about.com/od/troubleshooting/ss/coiltest-manual.htm

Your 155 OMC Buick-Jeep 3.7L V6 Ignition Coil is a "universal" style canister-style, that uses an external ballast resistor. In other words it is not unique to the Buick V6 and it is not an electrical part that is "marine" rated for instrinsically safe operation. While it is called-out as a 12-Volt coil in application, the ballast resistor only allows 12V to flow during start-up cranking. Once the engine is running the ballast resistor reduces the voltage to the coil by approximately half. So in actual running operation the coil does it's job on only 6 to 8 volts, adding further confusion. Some 12-volt coils are sold with their own internal ballast resistor, so unless you want to bypass your existing EXTERNAL ballast resistor, don't get one of those. Keywords for your search: 12-volt, external ballast resistor, oil-filled, canister-style automotive ignition coil.

If you want a "drop-in" stock replacement, just get a generic 12-Volt (using external ballast resistor) cannister style coil, with a similar diameter to the one you have. It the new one is slightly smaller diameter you can shim it to the clamping bracket holds it securely. Sometimes replacement coils might be a little taller, so make sure you measure the existing space for height and diameter. You can find these coils just about anywhere, ranging from $20.00 to $50.00 dollars depending on whose name is on them , how they are externally dressed, and who's marketing them up. You can pay a little more if you want a higher ourput spark voltage, but I wouldn't go there unless you are considering replacement of the stock points with an electronic ignition system. In other words, you are only complicating your search by barking up the Buick or Jeep 225 V6 (3.7L) tree.

While you're at it, don't forget that the best coil in the world won't be worth much unless you replace the the HT (High Tension) secondary wires running to the distributor and from the distributor to the spark plugs, including the distributor cap. You can get the wire in bulk and cut to fit or buy a V6 or V8 set and route the wires as neatly as you can. The Buick distributor is in a rather odd place compare d to most GM V engines, so the distances the HT wires have to travel are a little different. The DISTRIBUTOR cap is something that is unique to the 225 Buick V6 (3.7L) and that should be available at your local NAPA store. In other words. do NOT substitute any other GM V6 distributor or cap for the 150-155 hp OMC - Buick- Jeep 1964 - 1972 225 (3.7L) odd-fire V6.

You can read more than you ever wanted to know about the world's first mass-produced V6 at:
http://hhscott.com/evinrude/buick_v6.htm

Lee Shuster
Utah

________________________________________
From: omc-boats-bounces@... [omc-boats-bounces@...e.com] On Behalf Of wheresjerry@... [wheresjerry@...]
Sent: Sunday, June 14, 2009 5:38 AM
To: omc-boats@...
Subject: [OMC-Boats] 1969 buick v6 omc coil ?

Any one assist me in locating a ignition coil for my OMC Buick v-6 155 hp sterndrive....I have been searching all the usual places NAPA, Advanced Auto, etc....it seems all pages do not carry a Buick v6 engine, and I do not want to purchase a wrong coil....most are listed as v-8's and inline 6's...no v6.
thanks!!!

karl/wheresjerry banach
105 browns pasture rd
strafford, nh 03884

is on them
Received on Sunday, 14 June 2009