Symptoms of a Bad Coil on an Outboard Motor
If your coil does go bad, there are several symptoms you might notice.
Engine Experiences a Hard Starting Condition
When the coil becomes weakened and damaged, it is unable to produce the energy that it once did.
What you are left with is a weaker spark at the plug gap, which makes it more difficult to start the engine. If you regularly foul the spark plugs, this is one indication that your boat is suffering from a weak spark.
If the engine takes a little bit longer to fire up when turning the key and getting the engine to turn over. This is another sign of possibly a bad coil, or missing spark on one cylinder.
Cracked or Broken Coil
Like everything that is on a boat engine, the coil inside your outboard is sealed component. To run properly, the coil must remain intact and crack-free.
If you examine the coil and find it is cracked or looks melted. This is a sign that the coil has gotten, hot, shorted, or overheated at some point in time. Anytime this is noticed, you must replace the coil.