287 B-R ignition coil

[Tom L.]

I recently picked one of these up. It needs to be re-painted. What is still there looks like it's gloss black. Is that correct?

[Terry M.]

Re: 287 B-R ignition coil

I recently picked one of these up. It needs to be re-painted. What is still there looks like it's gloss black. Is that correct?

Yes, that is how I would describe it. I also believe that is how the TIM&JG describes it.

[Tom L.]

Re: 287 B-R ignition coil

Guess I missed that, unless it's not in the 4th edition. Time to update.

I did try the coil on the car and it worked just fine. Are these coils prone to failure after all these years or are they "typically" ok?

Thanks!

[Terry M.]

Re: 287 B-R ignition coil

Guess I missed that, unless it's not in the 4th edition. Time to update.

I did try the coil on the car and it worked just fine. Are these coils prone to failure after all these years or are they "typically" ok?

Thanks!

I was sure it was in the TIM&JG, but for you Tom I will look. If it is not there it is something to put on our list for the next up-grade.

In my experience the most common mode of coil failure is when it is hot. The best/easiest way to check that is put it on the car and go for a nice drive in some warm weather. Bring some tools and a known good coil for support. You might consider leaving the distributor ignition shield off for your first couple of trips, if it was necessary to remove it to change the coil.

[Floyd B.]

Re: 287 B-R ignition coil

I have an old 287 in my car and it definitely runs better with it than with the replacement coil that was there. I'm guessing there was a resistance mismatch with the non-BR coil.

[Tom L.]

Re: 287 B-R ignition coil

I can't comment on how well or poorly the car ran compared to the coil that was in it but it fired right up as always. I'll have to take a run with the the 287 to see how it goes. I guess a tool bag and the other coil will be required. Thanks!

[Michael B.]

Re: 287 B-R ignition coil

Tom,

A couple years ago I purchased a 72 LT-1. After a long trailer ride home I drove the car to the local inspection station for a VIN verification in order to title the car. Half way home I stopped at a red light, the car stalled and would not restart. I had the car towed home. The next day it started with no problem and ran fine; for about 30 minutes. Bottom line; when the coil gets hot the engine quits.

Mike

[Terry M.]

Re: 287 B-R ignition coil

Guess I missed that, unless it's not in the 4th edition. Time to update.

I did try the coil on the car and it worked just fine. Are these coils prone to failure after all these years or are they "typically" ok?

Thanks!

Tom,
It is time to upgrade your TIM&JG. The 5th edition is the current one and the coil finish was added to be the first sentence in the first paragraph under Ignition Coil.:
"Coils are painted gloss black with the black Bakelite top being natural and are embossed with the last three numbers of their Chevrolet part number."

[Joe L.]

Re: 287 B-R ignition coil

Tom,
It is time to upgrade your TIM&JG. The 5th edition is the current one and the coil finish was added to be the first sentence in the first paragraph under Ignition Coil.:
"Coils are painted gloss black with the black Bakelite top being natural and are embossed with the last three numbers of their Chevrolet part number."

Terry------


I think the term "Bakelite" is used here in a more-or-less "generic" sense. I don't think the material used for the tops of the coils (and distributor caps and starter solenoid caps, for that matter) is actually Bakelite. It's of course some sort of plastic.

[David C.]

Re: 287 B-R ignition coil

FWIW, my 73 had an original coil and I was experiencing idle/low speed stumble. I suspected the plug wires (also original) and possibly the coil. I read about an old trick to remove the ignition shielding and observe the engine running in a dark garage, while looking for sparks. Sure enough, there was current leakage around both posts on the coil and from multiple spots on the plug wires. I replaced the wires and also the coil with a USA made repro from Paragon, and problem solved. I've had no issues at all while running in the hottest of hot South Florida summer weather.