Distributor problem?

[firenexx]

Hey folks, I have a '94 Mazda B4000. 230k miles.

Here's what's happening. I think 2 or 3 cylinders aren't firing at times. Started yesterday. I drove it out the driveway, then it kept stalling, wouldn't start unless I gave it gas. When it did start, it would be smooth for maybe 10 seconds, then would start bucking and losing power, then surging forwards again. Tried to stall whenever I put it in neutral. Have to keep tapping the gas pedal at lights to keep the engine going. I whimpered back down the driveway.

Changed the fuel filter, thought it might be that. Started it up this morning, drove it 10 mins no problem. Stopped at a store, when I drove away it started doing the same thing - stalling, rough running, etc.

I saw blacker smoke coming from the exhaust when it was bucking/etc, and in combo with the rough running, indicates 2 or 3 cylinders intermittently misfiring, yes?

We *thought* we smelled a burning plastic smell, but it was faint.

Also, occasionally I would see the voltage indicator jump around erratically.

We parked and jiggled the spark plug cables attaching to the ignition coil pack, and it worked fine for a few minutes then started acting up again. Finally had it towed home.

Do y'all think it's the ignition coil packr? Is there any way I can test this?

 

[adsm08]

You can do a traditional spark test at each plug wire. That is the best way to test the coil pack.