I had a low RPM hesitation (& hard start) issue and, based on forum posts, identified the ignition coils as a the likely culprit. So I picked up a set of replacements from Advance Auto and went to work replacing them. Needless to say, since the posts/bolts were heavily corroded, I proceeded to break off three of the four screw posts while removing the old coils. So now I am contemplating the repair options. (The good news is that the car starts & runs great with the new coils.)

First, how safe is it to drive in the short term with the ignition coils simply held in by the molex & spark plug connections? It doesn't appear that the ignition coils can move around much. But maybe I'm missing something.

What options are there for fixing/replacing the screw posts?

Is there a replacement part available from Mazda or someone else?
Is there some external bracket/clamp that can secure the coils?
Do I just epoxy the coils down and replace the whole thing when these new coils go bad?

I really don't have a clue. So I turn the wisdom of the forum for any recommendations. TIA.

 

You can drill it out and get a long fully threaded bolt and a pair of nuts

Put bolt through drilled hole in plate, put on nut tightly to hold screw in place (and some locktite if you have any), install coil, and then a nut to hold it down

Think I gave at least one coil bracket laying around if you'd rather replace it or Mazda sells it too

 

The coils can hang there by the connector just fine, it is safe to drive that way. Do not epoxy them down, it will be a mess and then you will have to fix it the right way.

 

Do you need to remove the bracket to drill out the posts? I assume so, since there isn't the greatest access while the bracket is mounted on the engine.

It's rather sad that Mazda made the mounting posts out of plasticized semi-metal.

 

Thank you, this is comforting to know.

 

N3H118105.....................just buy a new bracket for about $32.00, it's the cheapest I found in my two minutes of google searching.


2005 MAZDA RX-8 Parts - Online Mazda Parts

or

N3H118105 - Genuine Mazda


You didn't say your year of car, but I believe they are all the same. Just use the links I gave you and back it out to put your year in to be sure.

 

Thank you very much!

 

if u gonna replace it with a new bracket AND you are lucky enough to NOT have any extra broken bolt during removal ...

when you reinstall da new one with NEW BOLTS, USE Nickel-based ANTI-SEIZE on the threads ... and on the bolt which locks the coil down, use Dielectric grease and cover the nut and EVERYTHING so it NEVER rusts

 

^....true on that for sure. I forgot to mention that.