I'm pretty sure I have a bad coil pack on my '87 Delta 88, by pulling the leads off individually I get no spark from either center coil post plud #s 2 and 5 I think. No problem, or so I thought, I'll swap it for the one on my '89 Buick LeSabre. But that didn't work, first off I tried to replace the complete coil pack and ignition module, the plug in connecters are different. Also it is reversed and physically will not fit without altering the wiring loom. So I tried swapping coil packs. Nope, it wouldn't start.
So I'll have to get the right coil pack, I will probably use RockAuto but I'm not sure what the correct part number is, they offer a bewildering variety from various manufacturers, but I want something made to at least oem specification, and preferably from a maker of the original part, AC Delco I think most likely.
However I am on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean, and want to be sure I order exactly the right part. Any help you can give me will be much appreciated.
Thanks in anticipation;

Roger.

If you had access to the parts from a scrapyard, I'd normally recommend giving up the ghost on the type 1 (magnavox) coil pack in favor of a type 2 (delco) coil pack with 3 individual coils. However, as that is probably not an option (you'd need the module and mount from a '86-'87 type 2 setup), I believe the OE part is AC Delco D552. My recollection is that I used a standard motor products DR36 on my '89 Electra in 2008 when I had to replace just the coil. It worked, but was very annoying to deal with the connectors between the module and coil pack.

Does your '87 have the LG3 or the LN3 engine? The LG3 has a red V6 badge on the intake and the LN3 either has a 3800 cast in the top of the intake or has 3800 on a cover over the fuel injectors. That could be the reason why your coil module connector is different than your '89.

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Boost addict


The Fleet:
'93 SSEi - Twincharged + manual Build thread
'97 Camaro - Top swap
'05 STS - V8, AWD, her DD
'92 Trofeo - Fair weather DD
'99 Montana - top swap 3800
'04 Sierra 2500HD - LLY Duramax

Current project:
Something cool, trust me.

Upcoming projects:
'92 Bonneville SSE
'87 LeSabre T-type
'67 LeSabre

Gone to greener pastures:
'84 Sierra Classic - Twin turbo 3800
'97 LeSabre - Top swap

RIP:
'86 LeSabre - pictures
'93 SE - L67

Thank you for your quick response Matt.
The Olds engine has the red V6 badge on the inlet cover, the Buick has 3800 cast into its manifold.
So I guess the Olds engine is an LG3, the Buick an LN3?.

I'm not clear what you mean by individual coils, both have apparently 3 coils that are in a composite block secured to the ignition module by 6 torx headed screws. The connecting wires on both are identical, but putting the Buick pack on resulted in n o start, putting the Olds one back again reverted to running but no spark from either center coil terminal.

I suppose the Olds pack is a Magnavox unit which I think you don't have a high opinion of?. So an upgrade is fine by me, but I want to be sure I get suitable parts. RockAuto have been very helpful in the past sorting out errors and problems, but getting it right first time is obviously what I want to do.

Once again, thanks for your rapid response, now I am better informed about my car with your help.

Roger.

The old Magnavox coils are 1 piece for all 6 coils. The newer type 2 coils come in packs of 2 so it takes 3 packs for all 6 coils. My '92 had the old Magnavox pack. I changed out the bracket, ICM and coil pack(s) to the type 2. It cleared all my ignition problems. I can get the entire bracket, ICM and 3 packs here for $35 at a JY, or I could a couple years ago. Get them off a S/C engine if you can. - BC

_________________
In Memory of Brad - 1/21/1977 .. 10/23/2013 ...... Aaron - 1977 .. 2017 .....
2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport ..... 1992 Bonneville SSE 1SB 170 HP L27 4T60E retired/sold to MattStrike ..... 2005 Bonneville SE 1SC 205 HP L36 4T65E - retired/salvage yard ..... PBCF user 2321

Yes, your Olds has the LG3, and while the ICM is different between the LN3, your Buick, the coil itself is the same between them. The wire leads underneath on the LN3 might be slightly different than your original LG3 coil, but if you get them hooked up right it should still work.

_________________
Boost addict


The Fleet:
'93 SSEi - Twincharged + manual Build thread
'97 Camaro - Top swap
'05 STS - V8, AWD, her DD
'92 Trofeo - Fair weather DD
'99 Montana - top swap 3800
'04 Sierra 2500HD - LLY Duramax

Current project:
Something cool, trust me.

Upcoming projects:
'92 Bonneville SSE
'87 LeSabre T-type
'67 LeSabre

Gone to greener pastures:
'84 Sierra Classic - Twin turbo 3800
'97 LeSabre - Top swap

RIP:
'86 LeSabre - pictures
'93 SE - L67

Well it was the ignition control module that was faulty. Unfortunately I had already paid for a new coil pack and had to wait for a module to cross the Atlantic. But it's all up and running again, if the new part lasts for 30 years like the old one I'll have no cause to complain.
Upgrading makes good sense, but the nearest junkyard that might have what I want is thousands of miles away.

Roger.

Thanks for reporting back.
It helps others in their quests to keep their Bonnies running!