Should you DYI - coil and plug change or have a mechanic do it??

[Wild one]

Someone told you that coils "seldom go out". They do fail, and more than rarely. The cause is frequently a bad plug. I've seen it far too often to advise anyone with high mileage to not replace them. I am a professional technician, so I have a different perspective on the issue. Good luck!

Uh, one more thing, why do you have anti-seize?

Dodge coils don't fail that often Sherm,other manufactures maybe,but Chryco coils are virtually indestructiable. I'll lay odds you've never replaced a 2014+ Chryco coil.Throw in the fact the aftermarket Chryco coils are basically garbage,and don't hold a candle to the factory coils. Ask the guys making well north of 1,000rwhp,they're the guys who have scienced out the coils,and are putting way more cylinder pressure into the cylinders then any stock daily driver,and it takes a good coil to light off a plug when the cylinder pressures are approaching 1500 psi or more,and the majority of them are using the stock coils.
Coils are the 1 thing Ma Mopar got right,their engines might have a few short comings,but you can't fault their coils

 

[Wild one]

You quoted the wrong person. I replaced my coils.

Good luck with those cheap NGK coils,don't be surprised if you have issues with them down the road.Hang onto to your original coils and clean them up and replace the springs and boots if the springs and resistors are badly corroded

 

[Dodge 1500 4X4]

I'm afraid to get in there, afraid I'd mess it up.

Get in there, I would change them with the block being semi warm operating temps.

 

[Hagar1]

Dodge coils don't fail that often Sherm,other manufactures maybe,but Chryco coils are virtually indestructiable. I'll lay odds you've never replaced a 2014+ Chryco coil.Throw in the fact the aftermarket Chryco coils are basically garbage,and don't hold a candle to the factory coils. Ask the guys making well north of 1,000rwhp,they're the guys who have scienced out the coils,and are putting way more cylinder pressure into the cylinders then any stock daily driver,and it takes a good coil to light off a plug when the cylinder pressures are approaching 1500 psi or more,and the majority of them are using the stock coils.
Coils are the 1 thing Ma Mopar got right,their engines might have a few short comings,but you can't fault their coils

You can save yourself a lot of headache by pulling the front wheels and the fender liners. Then you can just get into the wheel well, reach over and pull the coils and plugs. It looks like a big job but really it is not. If you have access to a hoist, you won the lottery, if you are doing it on the ground, just make sure the vehicle is adequately supported.

 

[Wild one]

You can save yourself a lot of headache by pulling the front wheels and the fender liners. Then you can just get into the wheel well, reach over and pull the coils and plugs. It looks like a big job but really it is not. If you have access to a hoist, you won the lottery, if you are doing it on the ground, just make sure the vehicle is adequately supported.

I think you quoted the wrong guy,lol. My truck used to get new plugs every year,as i used copper plugs in an irridium coiled truck,as it got raced every week-end from when it was new in 14 till i sold it awhile ago.I had over 700 nitrous fed dragstrip passes on it when i sold it,and after blowing up the original 8 speed 8 years ago,it also got yearly transmission fluid and filter changes,so plug changes and fluid swaps on the 8 speed i've got pretty well figured out,throw in the fact i also ran copper plugs in the wifes nitrous fed 1320 Challenger,and it also got yearly plug and transmission fluid changes

 

[Hagar1]

I think you quoted the wrong guy,lol. My truck used to get new plugs every year,as i used copper plugs in an irridium coiled truck,as it got raced every week-end from when it was new in 14 till i sold it awhile ago.I had over 700 nitrous fed dragstrip passes on it when i sold it,and after blowing up the original 8 speed 8 years ago,it also got yearly transmission fluid and filter changes,so plug changes and fluid swaps on the 8 speed i've got pretty well figured out,throw in the fact i also ran copper plugs in the wifes nitrous fed 1320 Challenger,and it also got yearly plug and transmission fluid changes

OOPS! Half asleep I guess. But for whoever, the idea of pulling the fender liners is the way to go. I use Copper plugs as well. Irridium are far too rich for my blood. (and wallet)

 

[Sean J Blackburn]

One thing that helps with the crawling all over the top of the engine (especially if you are a bigger guy) is a topside creeper. Could buy that, plugs, coils, everything you need and still be less than a mechanic

 

[Lyle Longboat]

I kept my old stock coils, however I heard the newer coils from the 13 plus years are better then the former coils 09-12.
Is this true? Right now I have the MDS Street fire coils which are a little better then the old stockers, however would it be best to buy the newer coils? I’m currently looking to upgrade my coils. Would the 13+ coils work in my 2011? Would like to upgrade the plugs to. Right now those are the mopar nickel plugs.

 

[Lyle Longboat]

Sorry for the questions, I never got into switching older and newer plugs/coils.

 

[Sherman Bird]

I kept my old stock coils, however I heard the newer coils from the 13 plus years are better then the former coils 09-12.
Is this true? Right now I have the MDS Street fire coils which are a little better then the old stockers, however would it be best to buy the newer coils? I’m currently looking to upgrade my coils. Would the 13+ coils work in my 2011? Would like to upgrade the plugs to. Right now those are the mopar nickel plugs.

I wonder.... and MUST ask...
Well, first, allow me to present my credentials: I'm an ASE Certified Master with 49 years in the industry and currently at a high level of drivability diagnostics and repair.

Intro aside, what are the differences in the MDS coils and stock? What is the impetus/motivation for putting non stock coils in the truck?
Most "hotrod" upgrade coils incur a higher KV demand across the entire ignition circuit. This changes many details in the factory fuel management system (PCM, plugs, O2 sensors, cat converters, generally skews Mode6 data.)

When these improper components are installed, all may seem well, but, the seed of eventual component failure(s) is planted for coils, plugs computer, cat converters, etc....

"You heard" implies a rumor? urban myth told at the gym? The source is dicey by implication.
If there ever were a problem with the original coils design wise, then a simple phone call by you to the RAM parts department will result in a fact check.

Inasmuch as the computer caters to the fire at the spark plug (That's it's lot in life), how are MDS better than stock? They can't be unless there have been other modifications making the higher output coils necessary.

There is not much you can change that will enhance the ignition operation as designed on a stock engine. That VERY smart computer will make adjustment all the way to the point of destruction of the engine. THAT I've seen Many times thru the years. Put stock coils on it. That high KV demand likely damaged the plugs, possibly one or more coils, might have harmed the MOSFET driver in the computer.

 

[DILLIGAF]

One thing that helps with the crawling all over the top of the engine

You change them thru the wheel well

 

[Zoe Saldana]

That may be true about the 5.7L but not the 6.4L

 

[Sean J Blackburn]

You change them thru the wheel well

I have not tried that approach. What I've seen and done has been from the top. However, no one has ever accused me of being a genius

 

[Lyle Longboat]

I wonder.... and MUST ask...
Well, first, allow me to present my credentials: I'm an ASE Certified Master with 49 years in the industry and currently at a high level of drivability diagnostics and repair.

Intro aside, what are the differences in the MDS coils and stock? What is the impetus/motivation for putting non stock coils in the truck?
Most "hotrod" upgrade coils incur a higher KV demand across the entire ignition circuit. This changes many details in the factory fuel management system (PCM, plugs, O2 sensors, cat converters, generally skews Mode6 data.)

When these improper components are installed, all may seem well, but, the seed of eventual component failure(s) is planted for coils, plugs computer, cat converters, etc....

"You heard" implies a rumor? urban myth told at the gym? The source is dicey by implication.
If there ever were a problem with the original coils design wise, then a simple phone call by you to the RAM parts department will result in a fact check.

Inasmuch as the computer caters to the fire at the spark plug (That's it's lot in life), how are MDS better than stock? They can't be unless there have been other modifications making the higher output coils necessary.

There is not much you can change that will enhance the ignition operation as designed on a stock engine. That VERY smart computer will make adjustment all the way to the point of destruction of the engine. THAT I've seen Many times thru the years. Put stock coils on it. That high KV demand likely damaged the plugs, possibly one or more coils, might have harmed the MOSFET driver in my engine is highly modified and tubes

I wonder.... and MUST ask...
Well, first, allow me to present my credentials: I'm an ASE Certified Master with 49 years in the industry and currently at a high level of drivability diagnostics and repair.

Intro aside, what are the differences in the MDS coils and stock? What is the impetus/motivation for putting non stock coils in the truck?
Most "hotrod" upgrade coils incur a higher KV demand across the entire ignition circuit. This changes many details in the factory fuel management system (PCM, plugs, O2 sensors, cat converters, generally skews Mode6 data.)

When these improper components are installed, all may seem well, but, the seed of eventual component failure(s) is planted for coils, plugs computer, cat converters, etc....

"You heard" implies a rumor? urban myth told at the gym? The source is dicey by implication.
If there ever were a problem with the original coils design wise, then a simple phone call by you to the RAM parts department will result in a fact check.

Inasmuch as the computer caters to the fire at the spark plug (That's it's lot in life), how are MDS better than stock? They can't be unless there have been other modifications making the higher output coils necessary.

There is not much you can change that will enhance the ignition operation as designed on a stock engine. That VERY smart computer will make adjustment all the way to the point of destruction of the engine. THAT I've seen Many times thru the years. Put stock coils on it. That high KV demand likely damaged the plugs, possibly one or more coils, might have harmed the MOSFET driver in the sorry you lost me… my truck is not stock, far from it!

I wonder.... and MUST ask...
Well, first, allow me to present my credentials: I'm an ASE Certified Master with 49 years in the industry and currently at a high level of drivability diagnostics and repair.

Intro aside, what are the differences in the MDS coils and stock? What is the impetus/motivation for putting non stock coils in the truck?
Most "hotrod" upgrade coils incur a higher KV demand across the entire ignition circuit. This changes many details in the factory fuel management system (PCM, plugs, O2 sensors, cat converters, generally skews Mode6 data.)

When these improper components are installed, all may seem well, but, the seed of eventual component failure(s) is planted for coils, plugs computer, cat converters, etc....

"You heard" implies a rumor? urban myth told at the gym? The source is dicey by implication.
If there ever were a problem with the original coils design wise, then a simple phone call by you to the RAM parts department will result in a fact check.

Inasmuch as the computer caters to the fire at the spark plug (That's it's lot in life), how are MDS better than stock? They can't be unless there have been other modifications making the higher output coils necessary.

There is not much you can change that will enhance the ignition operation as designed on a stock engine. That VERY smart computer will make adjustment all the way to the point of destruction of the engine. THAT I've seen Many times thru the years. Put stock coils on it. That high KV demand likely damaged the plugs, possibly one or more coils, might have harmed the MOSFET driver in the computer.

Sorry you lost me. What I asked, wasn’t asked for a debate. What I done is done and at my choice! I sleep well and have fun driving the ol rig!
Choice.

 

[Lyle Longboat]

What?

 

[Gary Fields]

I agree with Zoe on the penetrating oil. Once you get the coil out shoot some compressed air to remove any dirt. Then use a long straw to put penetrating oil to the plug. Let it sit for at least one beer, the longer the better. One thing is some of the excess oil will drip into they cylinder and smoke when you start it up. It's OK. Take your time and do one cylinder at a time. I try to work from the back to front. For what a shop wants you save lots of money for a few hours. Make sure you have a good step to stand on unless you are 7 feet tall.

 

[Lysergic]

I did the plugs on a new-to-me 2012 5.7L Hemi two weekends ago. Passenger side was uneventful, driver side, eh...

The brake booster is problematic, there's an art to "arcing" the coil pack & boots on removal and re-installation, and then having the correct socket and extensions so allow room for you to properly remove and install the plugs. I had everything I needed.

Considered going in through the wheel well as suggested by others here, but on my 2012 there is a cluster of brake lines in the way that would make the job a lot more difficult than working from the top.

My best advice is have good tools, multiple size extensions & proper sockets. I won't complain about doing plugs on my other truck with the 4.7L ever again. (much better access)

A topside creeper is in my future. Getting old sucks!

 

[Sherman Bird]

I did the plugs on a new-to-me 2012 5.7L Hemi two weekends ago. Passenger side was uneventful, driver side, eh...

The brake booster is problematic, there's an art to "arcing" the coil pack & boots on removal and re-installation, and then having the correct socket and extensions so allow room for you to properly remove and install the plugs. I had everything I needed.

Considered going in through the wheel well as suggested by others here, but on my 2012 there is a cluster of brake lines in the way that would make the job a lot more difficult than working from the top.

My best advice is have good tools, multiple size extensions & proper sockets. I won't complain about doing plugs on my other truck with the 4.7L ever again. (much better access)

A topside creeper is in my future. Getting old sucks!

I bought a topside creeper a few years ago. Best money I've spent in a long time!.

 

[Hagar1]

I wonder.... and MUST ask...
Well, first, allow me to present my credentials: I'm an ASE Certified Master with 49 years in the industry and currently at a high level of drivability diagnostics and repair.

Intro aside, what are the differences in the MDS coils and stock? What is the impetus/motivation for putting non stock coils in the truck?
Most "hotrod" upgrade coils incur a higher KV demand across the entire ignition circuit. This changes many details in the factory fuel management system (PCM, plugs, O2 sensors, cat converters, generally skews Mode6 data.)

When these improper components are installed, all may seem well, but, the seed of eventual component failure(s) is planted for coils, plugs computer, cat converters, etc....

"You heard" implies a rumor? urban myth told at the gym? The source is dicey by implication.
If there ever were a problem with the original coils design wise, then a simple phone call by you to the RAM parts department will result in a fact check.

Inasmuch as the computer caters to the fire at the spark plug (That's it's lot in life), how are MDS better than stock? They can't be unless there have been other modifications making the higher output coils necessary.

There is not much you can change that will enhance the ignition operation as designed on a stock engine. That VERY smart computer will make adjustment all the way to the point of destruction of the engine. THAT I've seen Many times thru the years. Put stock coils on it. That high KV demand likely damaged the plugs, possibly one or more coils, might have harmed the MOSFET driver in the computer.

Just a small comment on .... "That high KV demand likely damaged the plugs" ........ Over my 55 years in this trade, I've seen a few things and one of those "things" is that a coil will only produce enough spark to fire a plug. The old days, when using an engine analyzer, we'd pull a plug wire to check coil output, then, we would ground the plug wire to see what the circuit resistance was on that wire. So, if a coil is continually putting out a higher than normal voltage, there is "higher than normal" circuit resistance in the secondary part of the ignition. Yes, indeed other components might be damaged as Sherman Bird says.

 

[Wild one]

I did the plugs on a new-to-me 2012 5.7L Hemi two weekends ago. Passenger side was uneventful, driver side, eh...

The brake booster is problematic, there's an art to "arcing" the coil pack & boots on removal and re-installation, and then having the correct socket and extensions so allow room for you to properly remove and install the plugs. I had everything I needed.

Considered going in through the wheel well as suggested by others here, but on my 2012 there is a cluster of brake lines in the way that would make the job a lot more difficult than working from the top.

My best advice is have good tools, multiple size extensions & proper sockets. I won't complain about doing plugs on my other truck with the 4.7L ever again. (much better access)

A topside creeper is in my future. Getting old sucks!

If you don't have these 2 tools,the jobs alot harder to do.
I used to change plugs every season on my old nitrous fed truck,and these make the job alot nicer.
The drivers side was never an issue with these,the ones i hated were the back plugs on the passenger side under the wire harness

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