In January I replaced plug wires with Kingsbornes and decided to replace the coils. Found aftermarket coils on Ebay, 2 coils for $45. Talked to some folks that had good luck so I put them in.

7 months later I start to get a stumble and see a burned wire touching the exhaust gas tube. I take off the top again and replace the wires again and use plug spacers.

Stumble still there, slowly getting worse, CEL throws a #1 misfire. 2 weeks later #1 and #6 on the same coil.

Went to Rock Auto and got 2 new Bosch coils for $45 each and spent 2 hours today taking the top off and replacing coils.

Now she runs like a Rolex again and I think this is the 4th time I've taken off the intake to change wires or coils in a year.

Lesson learned. Don't let wires touch hot metal. Spend the $90 on a pair of Bosch coils the first time.

(i still have no idea how a pair of coils used to sell for $300 or more though)

anyway- just wanted to share. Ebay seller sent a free replacement coil but no way am I doing that again.

 

Also the wire that melted could have certainly damaged the coil pack itself (if it was on the same bank) if it was shorting against that SAI Tube or Exhaust Manifold.

 

I'm betting the short damaged it. I've had the cheapo coils for about 2 years/20k miles and they haven't given me a lick of trouble.

 

Good to know. I had no idea a wire short could affect a coil.