Anyone know what this may be? Most of the coils I didn't notice this, but a few had it. These are brand new, out of the box. Was wondering if it is some sort of corrosion protection or if it should not be present at all?

 

Pictures? I assume you're talking about ignition coils? Since you say coils and not coil, I assume you mean LS1 or other COP coils. I've seen white powdery residue in brand new ignition coils for some euro applications. I wonder if it's not some kind of dry lubricant on the boots. I apply dielectric grease to every coil or plug boot due to the high moisture levels in our wet climate. This excludes some of the euros(BMW) due to the tension fit and making sure they stay firmly in place. I've found that the grease makes them a little too easy to pull out. I don't think I've ever seen any white powder in any other coil. They usually come packaged in a sealed plastic bag inside the box. They come out bright and clean.

 

Thanks for your reply Doc. Yes, I am referring to coils, and to your insight, specifically BMW N62 coils. I thought this was a generic question, never messed with coils before. My first trip. I was told elsewhere that it was used as a lube to get them into place as you say. What was weird was some of them had this, others did not.

 

It is odd that some don't have it. I used to apply dielectric grease to the BMW coils the same as I do all others, then I started to worry about them working their way out of the wells and stopped using the grease. If it were me, I would install them as they are and go on.

 

ya, that's what I did with 1 or 2, then the remaining, I ended up blowing out as much dust as I could. I can't say that the talcum (or what ever it is) eases installation over a plain dry boot. not what I experienced anyway.

 

They should fit snug.

 

oh boy did they! i ended up using a piece of wood to assist pushing them in all the way. another handy tool not commonly kept in the tool box