By Justin on Monday, April 09, 2001 - 05:25 am: Edit

This is probably one of the dumbest things posted on this board, but I was wondering if my 96 discovery had a "coil" on it. This is the supposed part within the workings of the distributor system, but I'm just not sure... however, if my "coil" were bad its replacement would make the timing on my engine much more reliable and the overall performance much better. I'm just not sure!! And I'm sure more than one of you out there knows exactly how depressing it is to have to use fun dollars in place of maintain dollars! (no OME this year!)
Thanks in advance
Justin

By Joshua Bova (Jbova) on Monday, April 09, 2001 - 05:53 am: Edit

Your ignition coils is basically an electromagnetic inductor that sends high voltage to the distributor. A poorly functioning coil will adversely effect performance. Coils shouldn't be that expensive, I would wager that you could get a Bosch ignition coil for a Disco for less than $100. Replacing it should be a very straight forward process. unplug the old one reverse the steps for the new one. Give it a shot. If you need more information, let me know and I'll look up some prices and procedures for you. Then you can do the fun stuff too.

By JEEPETR on Monday, April 09, 2001 - 05:55 am: Edit

Hey Justin,

The 1994 and 1995 Discovery's had a traditional ignition system with an Ignition coil, and a mechanical distributer. The 1996 and up Discovery's had Land Rovers "GEMS" system (General Engine Managment System, I believe). This eliminated the traditional single Coil and mechanical distributer, replacing it with four coil "packs" located at the rear of the engine. Instead of a rotor turning inside of the distributor sending spark to the right cyclinder at the right time, a computer tells each coil pack to fire. Each coil pack sends a spark to two plugs. So Yes, you truck does have "Coils", but instead of one, it has four computer controlled coils... Hope this helps.

~Scott T.
'95 D-90 (JEEPETR)
'96 Discovery (New addition to the addiction!)

By Justin on Tuesday, April 10, 2001 - 05:32 am: Edit

Thank you very much for all your comments, I guess I have a new project to work on this weekend.....yeah baby no lawn work for me!!!
Justin

By pk on Tuesday, April 10, 2001 - 06:11 am: Edit

Josh describes it just right for an older Disco, but not for your 96. The 96 and later modles have a "coil pack" of 8 little coils, one for each cylindar to fire from.

I seriously doubt it is any problem, I have never heard of one failing.

-New (gapped by you!) Autolite Platinum plugs...

-New spark plug wires...

-New air filter...

-new fuel filter...

-Oil and filter change every 2,500 miles...

Those are the 5 measures of happiness and good performance with your 4.0.

That coil pack kinda takes care of it's self.

pk

By Ron on Tuesday, April 10, 2001 - 06:17 am: Edit

PK is right, blowing a coil usually takes stupidity more than neglect so I would do the tune up instead.

Ron

By justin on Tuesday, April 10, 2001 - 09:38 am: Edit

I have already done the tune up, well everything except for a new air filter which I will be trying when it comes in from Atlantic British, new plugs, new magnecore wires, KN oil filter and KN filter right now (rather dirty though), I even ran a can of "BG's" through it in the last tank of gas. I would also not put it past the previous owner with regard to stupidity being the cause of the fault...
Thanks,
Justin

By Justin on Tuesday, April 10, 2001 - 09:39 am: Edit

Wait a sec...I haven't checked my fuel filter (my mechanic said he did but I'm willing to try anything.) How exactly would I go about doing that...just curious.
Justin

By Ron on Tuesday, April 10, 2001 - 09:48 am: Edit

You remove it and replace it. No checking. It is in the wheel well attached to the frame.

Ron

PS fuel filter neglect leads to fuel pump replacement

By Adam on Tuesday, April 10, 2001 - 09:54 am: Edit

Are there any special precautions/procedures needed to remove the filter.

By Joshua Bova (Jbova) on Tuesday, April 10, 2001 - 10:18 am: Edit

Use something like a small pair of needle nose vise grips to clamp the fuel line before removing the filter. Other than that piece of obvious advice, not too difficult. I would recommend it be changed on or close to schedule as if it gets excessively clogged it can wreck your fuel pump.

By Bruce on Friday, April 13, 2001 - 01:04 pm: Edit

Another item to consider when replacing your fuel filter, make sure the replacement is about the same length, else you are up S@$#%Creek. Although the fuel lines have rubber tubing between the metalic line and the filter, there is not much play, so measure first before you purchase.
Also, remove your fuel lines first, then loosen the filter and make sure the fuel pressure has disapated, else you will be sprayed. You should also have something to catch the spilled fuel once you remove the lines.
10 minute job tops.