Should I Replace These Coil Packs?

[AJB0009]

My daughter’s 2008 Honda Civic, 1.8L, 164k miles.
I replaced the original spark plugs today. After I pulled the first one out, I honestly thought about leaving them, they looked really good yet.
I put NGK Iridium IX in, replacing the original Denso.
The original Denso coil packs all have some small cracks on them. I don’t see any evidence of arcing or carbon tracking.
No issues with missing or hesitation, etc., it runs good and gets good mileage.
Are these cracks normal and not to be worried about, or should they be replaced?
It looks like NGK or Denso are in the neighborhood of $70 or so each.

 

[Danno]

Denso coils available at rockauto for about $45 each. I definitely would change them.

 

[SC Maintenance]

Can you replace just the boot? With me denso coils you can.

 

[Trav]

They may be getting a little long in the tooth, it doesnt hurt to prevent a problem at that age and miles.

 

[JeffKeryk]

I had a coil fail on our '06 TSX with the mighty K24. Wifey was using it for work, driving in crazy Silicon Valley freeway traffic. I replaced all 4 because I wanted it to be safe. If I were the primary driver, I might not have. Dunno...

Mileage and father time are not in your favor as @Trav pointed out.
Certainly if 1 fails, you may want to replace them all. Or as others have posted, perhaps replace them now if it fits the budget.

 

[eljefino]

Good eye. Phones focus really close. This reminds me of many pictures of cracked Michelin tires that are perfectly fine.

Maybe get a cheap coil and toss it in her glovebox? That way if she's out and about and has a problem, it can be swapped at any gas station without having to wait for parts.

 

[Exhaustgases]

The coil is fine, that is the rubber boot that needs to be replaced.


NGK Coil‑on‑Plug Boot 59024
$12.99

NAPA Auto Parts


Just a search I have no idea about the part number being correct.
Might find em less someplace else or an off brand.

 

[RBT]

They look fine. No harm in changing them just use a quality replacement. Today I no longer have confidence that OEM is the same grade as what was used at the factory so if unsure I would rock on with the originals with new plugs unless there is a drive ability concern.

 

[Sequoiasoon]

Can you replace just the boot? With me denso coils you can.

The coil is fine, that is the rubber boot that needs to be replaced.


NGK Coil‑on‑Plug Boot 59024
$12.99

NAPA Auto Parts


Just a search I have no idea about the part number being correct.
Might find em less someplace else or an off brand.

Those same looking coils on my daughters '08 CRV that spot is a hard plastic IIRC not the rubber boot.

 

[SC Maintenance]

Those same looking coils on my daughters '08 CRV that spot is a hard plastic IIRC not the rubber boot.

View attachment 301359

Yes doesn't look to be replaceable. I would replace the coils in that case.

 

[2strokeNorthstar]

I would say absolutely not. Ive had more problems with replacements than OEM. If they work leave them alone. If they die, get a good replacement or 2 cheap ones. Ive had OEM last 250k+ and replacements die in 5000 miles

 

[SC Maintenance]

I would say absolutely not. Ive had more problems with replacements than OEM. If they work leave them alone. If they die, get a good replacement or 2 cheap ones. Ive had OEM last 250k+ and replacements die in 5000 miles

What brand of replacements?

 

[AJB0009]

Yes, where they are cracked is hard. I don’t know what kind of material it is, but definitely not the rubber boot.

 

[Mainia]

Yes, replace the coil packs. Long over do.

 

[Nukeman7]

Yes, where they are cracked is hard. I don’t know what kind of material it is, but definitely not the rubber boot.

It is probably hard plastic like ABS. Either replace them with DENSO or Hitachi units or fill the cracks with JB Weld epoxy if you want to wait. Otherwise, the cracks will eventually get wide enough to allow arcing to the adjacent spark plug tubes, resulting in misfires.

 

[BC1]

No way I would replace them unless there was a code or misfire. Every replacement will be lower quality than the factory ones. I still have 7 originals on a 97 model. I replaced one about 3 years ago and then again last year both Motorcrafts.

 

[Japanese]

Keep the coils until someone starts to misfire.
If you want to repair the cracks, use some high temp. sealant or RTV.

 

[SC Maintenance]

I used to be one of those people who would say keep the original coils until they fail. I did that on my Xterra.

Ended up making 2 trips to my daughters place becuase of mis-fires. Pretty sure it was the coils (replaced coil and plug due to the misfire). The cats were quite old, but it killed them in the process.

I know its a tough call, but I would replace the coils on the OP's Honda now - with whatever brand Honda uses OEM - Denso, Hitachi or NTK I assume, or even go OEM if there still available?

 

[50yr Street Mech]

Replace them with OEM coils. You'll be good for another 150k. Those cracks may start arcing down the line, then misfires, and failure. Personally, this is what I do to my vehicles ( 1 Honda --2 Toyota --4 cylinders ) Every 100k, I replace the coils and plugs. End of story. Don't have to worry about them again for another 100K. Heat gets to the plastic on those coils, causing cracks. I have the same type. Change them all. OEM. Peace of mind. Bad enough those stupid wiring harness clip locks crack that lead to the coil from heat. Then you have to put a dab of high temp silicone over the connection to keep it from separating due to engine vibration. You're lucky they didn't crack. Usually, as soon as you go to move the plastic lock,,,SNAP....

 

[Chris142]

I would say absolutely not. Ive had more problems with replacements than OEM. If they work leave them alone. If they die, get a good replacement or 2 cheap ones. Ive had OEM last 250k+ and replacements die in 5000 miles

I'm in agreement here. Run the originals as long as possible.