Gain extra benefits by becoming a Supporting Member Click here find out how!

Classic Performance Products Nu-Relics Power Windows
American Auto Wire Hellwig Products IncPerformance Rod & Custom
Danchuk Catalog



Username Post: Ignition coil is overheating        (Topic#375764)
Mjgarcia88 
Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 25
Mjgarcia88
Loc: Victorville, California
Reg: 02-02-23
09-26-24 09:04 PM - Post#2874237    

I have a GM 250 inline 6 (year 1973). I just started the engine and the ignition coil got extremely hot after starting the engine a few times. I didn't use the condenser with the coil because im unsure if its required for a 12 volt system. I don't think it's normal for the coil to get really hot? This is my first time working a inline 6.
Anyone have any ideas as to why the coil would get hot?
Thank you


Attachment: 20240926_201411.jpg (3.95 MB) 32 View(s)




Attachment: 20240926_201421.jpg (4.09 MB) 25 View(s)






 


GreatNorthWoods 
"9th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 1643
GreatNorthWoods
Age: 82
Loc: Littleton, New Hampshire,...
Reg: 03-31-02
09-27-24 02:10 AM - Post#2874243    
    In response to Mjgarcia88

It is probably okay. Most coils are hot to the touch. Coils run hotter than most people realize and in standard ignitions its not uncommon for the coil to see close to 200 degrees.


Vern

1953 Chevy Belair Sport Coupe - 355 Chevy V8, 700-R4, 4-wheel disc brakes, Ididit column, cruise/tilt,'59 Vette Steering Wheel, A/C

1930 DeSoto CK Business Coupe- 350 Chevy Crate V8, 4-wheel disc brakes, TH400, S-10 Rear, Heidt's IFS, A/C


 
bobt 
Contributor
Posts: 428

Loc: colonial heights va
Reg: 06-28-14
09-27-24 03:09 AM - Post#2874244    
    In response to GreatNorthWoods

The condenser on the coil was used to reduce radio noise. I'm guessing you're not talking about the condenser for the points.



 
Shepherd 
Valued Contributor
Posts: 3558

Loc: Lake George, NY
Reg: 11-11-15
09-27-24 05:36 AM - Post#2874245    
    In response to Mjgarcia88

Is the coil an internally resisted coil, or is it wired through an external resistor? Constant 12v at the coil if not internally resisted could cause to run hotter.



 
Mjgarcia88 
Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 25
Mjgarcia88
Loc: Victorville, California
Reg: 02-02-23
09-27-24 08:47 AM - Post#2874253    
    In response to GreatNorthWoods

Oh ok thank you. I was worried



 
Mjgarcia88 
Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 25
Mjgarcia88
Loc: Victorville, California
Reg: 02-02-23
09-27-24 08:48 AM - Post#2874254    
    In response to Shepherd

I don't recall if its an internally resisted coil. I will have to look into it. Thank you for the help. I might just go buy a new 12v coil today and see what happens



 
Mjgarcia88 
Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 25
Mjgarcia88
Loc: Victorville, California
Reg: 02-02-23
09-27-24 08:49 AM - Post#2874255    
    In response to bobt

It shouldn't hurt to just add the condenser with the points coil?




 
52_Belair 
Senior Member
Posts: 290

Loc: Canby, Oregon
Reg: 03-25-03
09-27-24 10:25 AM - Post#2874256    
    In response to Mjgarcia88

You could also use longer mounting bolts and use spacers to move the coil away from the head, maybe even add a heat shield.

As a side question for anyone who might know. I see that engine has side engine mounts. Would that engine fit in a 1952 with side mounts? Does that engine have hydraulic lifters?



 
Kyle G. 
Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 158
Kyle G.
Age: 29
Loc: Delanco, New Jersey
Reg: 11-29-15
09-27-24 08:21 PM - Post#2874264    
    In response to Mjgarcia88

You can check the coil to make sure it's appropriate for the electrical system voltage of your car. 6V coils measure approximately 1.5 ohms across the + and - terminals. 12v coils measure approximately 3 ohms.

1950 Chevy Styleline Deluxe w/ '60 235 engine and '58 torque tube 3-speed overdrive with 3:55 gears in the back

1946 Willys CJ-2A


 
bobt 
Contributor
Posts: 428

Loc: colonial heights va
Reg: 06-28-14
09-28-24 02:26 AM - Post#2874265    
    In response to Mjgarcia88

If the old coil is internally resisted it will be printed on the side of the coil. I don't think you should buy a new coil.



 


Icon Legend Permissions Topic Options
Report Post

Quote Post

Quick Reply

Print Topic

Email Topic

1319 Views
FusionBB
FusionBB™ Version 2.1
©2003-2006 InteractivePHP, Inc.
Execution time: 0.627 seconds.   Total Queries: 17   Zlib Compression is on.
All times are (GMT -0800) Pacific. Current time is 04:59 PM
Top