How hot should a coil get?

JasonNC
JasonNC Expert Adviser
edited August 2012 in HUDSON
I read in a previous forum discussion that the coil should be mounted on the inside of the fender to keep it from overheating. I did so and after a few test runs around the block, I reached down and touched the coil and it was pretty hot to the touch. I wasn't sure if it was the engine that caused the heat or whether heat from the coil itself was what I was feeling. Is there a method for checking the heat source?

Comments

  • SuperDave
    SuperDave Senior Contributor
    You may have the polarity backwards.It should not be "HOT" just warm.
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    Are you running 12 volts thru a 6 volt coil maybe? .
  • Hudson Grandpa
    Hudson Grandpa Expert Adviser
    Isn't this something. I have been dealing with this issue for a couple of months now. Had a coil in the car, for about 3 years. Old engine and new engine same coil. All of a sudden i trashed 3 coils in 3 months. Mostly made in China. Now I have one with a resistor made in Usa, just installed this Sunday AM.
    I am suspicious of the coil mounted so close to the engine. Heat and vibration. Stumped at this time, but am considering mounting the coil on the inside of the left fender to alleviate the heat problem. All summer here in TX 100 Degrees. Also going to a Pertronix Ignition as soon as possible. By the way someone mentioned maybe the Voltage REg might be the problem. Thats been ruled out as I put the meter on it and it's putting out 71/2 volt at mid idle with a 6 volt Neg ground Alt. I just idled that engine today for about 10 minutes, and that coil was quite hot to the touch. Anybody else got more ideas.
    What about wrapping the coil also...What to use.
  • JasonNC
    JasonNC Expert Adviser
    It is a 12 volt coil. The polarity is correct. I drove it over fifty miles today and no problem with the coil. I forgot to check the temperature so I don't know if the coil ran hot or not. The car itself didn't. Maybe tomorrow....
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    You just answered your own question "Mostly made in china" .Find an old greasy one off an Hudson engine and it will work fine. Or a New Old Stock one,
    Roger
  • RL Chilton
    RL Chilton Administrator, Member
    Hudson Grandpa-

    I agree with Tallent R. Chinese coils, condensers, points aren't worth a damn. Go to Napa and spend a little more on an Echlin. Not positive, but believe they make a 6 volt coil.

    Also, our engines run a little hotter with today's gas, and even more so here in the South. Mounting the coil off of the engine and onto the inner fender panel, can only do good and do no harm. It goes to reason that if it's further away from the heat, it won't be as hot, and will last longer.

    Heat is #1 enemy in running cars. Neglect is #1 enemy in idle cars. Has been since the beginning.
  • Lee ODell
    Lee ODell Senior Contributor
    I saw a Hudson coil on ebay within the last couple days. Don't remember the price.
    Lee O'Dell
  • Park_W
    Park_W Senior Contributor
    Hudson G'pa, 7.5 volts is a bit too high ... can cause the battery to overcharge and bubble over in warm weather. 7.2 is what's specified, and that's for moderate temperatures. The "smarter" VRs reduce that when it's hot under the hood.
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    If you cant find a 6 volt coil a 12 volt unit that specifies a external ressitor is essentialy a 6 volt coil, just keep in mind the polarity may be backward. Try it bolth ways if you have trouble.
    Roger
  • Hudson Grandpa
    Hudson Grandpa Expert Adviser
    Park W.

    Thanx for the info. What'd I do type in the wrong #'s again.I checked it again and it is at 7.2. My battery won't bubble, it's an Optima. I found a 6V coil made in the USA with a resistor in it. We'll see if the extra money becomes worth it. I am still going to reposition it though. My suggestion to all is stay away from Advance Auto. Their merchandise is sub standard in my, an others opinion. I give them an "F", instead of cr%$. NAPA knows their stuff.
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    Places like Advance are good for things like fluids (oil ,antifeze ,stp, Marvel Mystry Oil etc.) and filters at decent prices. But I hesitate to but actual parts from there. NAPA seems to be one of the last hold outs of real parts guys. At least in my area ,they ever carry 3 sizes of 6 volt batteries here, but I do live in a rural area with a lot of farms.
    Roger
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    You know as far as heat transfer to the coil goes. If you notice the older Hudson s(till 47) mounted the coil on the fire wall over the engine. Then in the Stepdown cars when mounted on motor it was not bolted to the block but hung out in the air at an odd angle over the distributor.
    Chevrolet at the time bolted thiers right to the block ? Maybe there is something to the heat theory - it surely is not "Good" for the coil.
    Roger
  • Park_W
    Park_W Senior Contributor
    edited August 2012
    Hudson G, just for the record, an Optima isn't immune from being overcharged ... friend of mine had his new 6v Optima explode on him last weekend (at least he didn't have acid all over the place!). I'm assuming for the moment that it was being overcharged. Will be checking that out this weekend.
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