Volvo ignition coil... don't crack it like I did

[jreed]

I was looking for something to do on the 850 so I decided to clean the terminals to the original coil (Volvo PN 1275174)... I know this is not really required or perhaps even advisable. I was just tinkering on a sunny morning. When I loosened the positive nut, the whole bolt and terminal twisted too, and I saw I had cracked the case.

Cracked case around positive coil terminal

Fortunately I had a spare used coil (Bosch branded, Volvo PN 3507934) from a 1996 turbo sedan at the junkyard, so I installed that

Used coil, installed

The used coil required longer bolts because it has thicker mounting flanges. New bolts are 16mm long M6, compared to original 12mm long

Thicker flange, requires longer bolt

Longer bolts for thicker flange

Just offering up a summary of experiences this morning... probably the best thing to do is don't try to loosen the terminals to the coil unless there is a good reason.

[scot850]

Can the old coil be repaired with plastic weld adhesive? If it still works, then it just needs the crack sealed and reinforced

Can't take the Scotsman out................

Neil.

[erikv11]

I've sure got a spare coil or two if you need one.

[scot850]

Nope, don't need any. I think I have at least one spare, and no -98 car to fit it to.

Neil.

[abscate]

You could probably test the continuity on the coil to see if the electrical connection broke. If good , fill with JB Weld and clamp it shut. Good spare. I’ll do that for you if you want for karmic points