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MG MGA - Ignition Coil Temperature

While working on my car Saturday and testing a few systems I turned the ignition switch to the on position. It was in the 'on' position for 2 - 3 hours. There was no smoke and no odor. By chance I discovered that the ignition coil was ervy hot -- too hot to hold. This does not seem to be normal operation.

Is it normal for the ignition coil to heat up while the key is turned on?

Is it possible the coil is wired improperly?



gerard hutchinson

"Is it possible the coil is wired improperly?"
The short answer is no. To expand on that, there are only two ways the coil can be hooked up and both ways, the current is still following the same path. Two or three hours with the ignition on with the points closed will heat a coil up substantially, as you found. You may well have heated the spring on the points assembly up sufficiently to have taken the temper out of it and I would recommend replacing the points. In the future, either turn the ignition on for very short periods of time or else disconnect the wire from the distributor to the coil while you have the ignition on without the engine running. Cheers - Dave
David DuBois

Thanks Dave,

I was cautious enough to disconnect the coil from the distributor weeks ago.

I'm relieved to know this isn't more serious.
gerard hutchinson

Gerald. You are quite fortunate. I have seen the wiring harness burn up under the conditions you describe.

Everyone. Always disconnect the wire between the coil and the distributor when you are going to be working on the car with the engine not running and the ignition switch on. If the points happen to be closed, you create a dead short between the coil and the engine block with the distributor, coil and wiring harness at risk of damage.

Les
Les Bengtson

This thread was discussed on 13/04/2008

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