Firing order / coil problem

[tskdave]

Dave here again with the 85 GN. I just went out and checked the plug wires on the coil.....they were wrong!!!!! I changed them to what they said on the coil...153and 426. When I did this it wouldnt start......then a loud bang like a shot gun went off!!!! How do I know if this is a 86/87 coil???? Checked on the other web page, opened coil up and moduale was wired right.... Now I dont know what to do, just trying to get the car to run. How in the hell was it running before??? started every time..... not any more.. The cylinders (standing in front of car) are 2,4,6 left (front to back) and 1,3,5,,right (front to back)....I hope.....feel like a idiot...... Thanks Dave

 

[1QUICK85]

http://www.engraver1.com/help/coil.gif
Did you run them like this? 87 coil I believe look different on the top. Spaces in between the towers and the 85 has a flat top to the coil. I think. -Nick

 

[FlaBoy]

I posted almost the same question right after buying my 85, and it turned out Ihad an 87 coil. Heres a link to that thread, theres some good pics and info listed there http://www.turbobuick.com/forums/showthread.php?t=150647

Easiest way to tell the difference between the two coils is that on the 86/87 coil, the top of the posts/terminals is jsut about even with the top of the coil, while on the hotair coils, the black plastic part of the coil is an inch or so taller than the terminals/posts (sounds confusing, but if you check out the links in the thread above, theres pictures of both types there, the difference is obvious). Also, the hotair coils are flat/smooth on the top as mentioned above, while the 86/87 is kinda separated into 3rds by grooves on the top. Hope this helps!

 

[tskdave]

Yes , this helps alot. Sounds like I'm in the same boat as you....just bought the car a month ago. Trying to fix everything previous owner did. It looks like I have 87 coil. There is also a adaptor between modual and harness. I dont know about the computer85??? or 87??? I have no mat sensor(that I can see) Maybe thats part of the problem why I cant get it to run right.... Do you think I smoked to coil/modual???? Any way to tell about the computer??? I have a t-link.. maybe I should try setting to 87 GN. Any thoughts???? Thanks again for all the info....I thought I new alot about these cars....I am SLOWLY learning that I dont!!!!!

 

[1QUICK85]

You can check which computer you got by the serial number found on it. The computer is in the passenger kick panel under the dash. 1227148 <-- Part number for a 87 ECM.
http://www.gnttype.org/techarea/ecmsensors/8487ecm.html
What happens if you change your plug wires back around? Will it start? - Nick

 

[tskdave]

I must have a 85 computer the part # on it is 1226459. Thanks, Dave

 

[Harry Mash]

Engine fires --- 1-6-5-4-3-2. Plugs are paired at coils; 1&4- passenger side coil; 5&2 middle coil; 3&6 drivers side coil. Doesn't matter if the wire is in the front or the back coil terminal as long as the correct two wires are in the correct coil.
Harry

 

[turbo6x2]

Yes , this helps alot. Sounds like I'm in the same boat as you....just bought the car a month ago. Trying to fix everything previous owner did. It looks like I have 87 coil. There is also a adaptor between modual and harness. I dont know about the computer85??? or 87??? I have no mat sensor(that I can see) Maybe thats part of the problem why I cant get it to run right.... Do you think I smoked to coil/modual???? Any way to tell about the computer??? I have a t-link.. maybe I should try setting to 87 GN. Any thoughts???? Thanks again for all the info....I thought I new alot about these cars....I am SLOWLY learning that I dont!!!!!

If there is an adaptor chances are the convertered to a 87 coil and that it's just fine. Can't you ask the previous owner?

 

[tskdave]

Previous owner screwed me on the car...... lives 800 miles away. Wont return answer my phone calls. I'll be taking a trip out to see him......he just doesn't know it yet!!!!!! I am a firm believer in what comes around goes around...... Dave