Clicking Ignition Coil

[JIMMY92w]

I have a 1992 GMC Jimmy 4.3 L (w) v6, 60,000M. Recently when troubleshooting other problems in the engine compartment I noticed with the engine running ( & hood open) that the Ignition Coil emits a fast paced clicking sound, about 6 clicks a second. Now being attuned to the sound I can hear the clicking with the hood shut and when I’m driving at slow speeds.

Question being: Is it normal for the coil to emit a rapid paced clicking sound? If the clicking is audible enough to hear while in the car driving at slow speeds, is this indicative of a coil malfunction.

Thanks for any input. I searched the form but found no returns for ‘clicking ignition coil’.

PS. The beast is still running 'great'.

[BlazerLT]

ok, start up your engine in the middle of the night and look at the coil area and you will probably see a nice blue light show.

Need absolute darkness though.

You shure it isn't the PCV valve clicking? It is right near it.

[JIMMY92w]

Alright, I fired her up in the night and I saw the light show you talked about. The wire coil in the ignition coil housing is somewhat lose. It’s between these two pieces that produce the most sparks. However, taking a closer look one can see occasional arcing between ignition wires and between ignition wires and plenum.

Does this indicate I need to replace the coil only, or both coil and ignition wires? Or since the truck is running fine leave it as is?

Thanks

[BlazerLT]

If you see arcing, you need to replace the coil and the wires.

Very dangersous to have open spark like that near the plenum.