What is the metal piece behind ignition coil and should it get really hot?

What is the metal piece behind ignition coil and should it get really hot?

Home
»
Keeping The Dream Alive!
»
Technical

http://209.208.111.198/Topic59045.aspx

Print Topic | Close Window

By Big6ft6 - 14 Years Ago

So I was messing my 56 and getting to know the engine bay a little better. Still fine tuning the choke to get her to start just ride so I had to crank a few times.

Immediately after starting I happened to touch this metal piece behind the ignition coil. And it almost burned me! This was way before the engine had warmed up, literally a moment after starting the engine.

To be sure everyone knows what peice I'm talking about here is some more description. There is a wire going to the top of this metal piece and one going to the bottom. This piece is bolted to one of the ignition coile mounting bolts. On the back side of the piece, oppositte of where the wires attach, appears to be two long really skinny springs...something to do with the elecrical.

Please educate me on what this is and whether or not it should be super hot.

Thanks!

By The Master Cylinder - 14 Years Ago

Nate, sounds to me like you are describing the ballist resistor, which basically reduces voltage to the coil to 9v from 12v after the engine starts and you release the ignition switch. It gets HOT because the energy to reduce the voltage has to go somewhere... w00t

Didn't your mother ever teach you to not put your fingers where they don't belong?? haha, kiddin' Hehe

By Big6ft6 - 14 Years Ago

Thanks Master C, sounds right! I was hoping it was supposed to get hot! I can check that off the lsit of possible problems.

By The Master Cylinder - 14 Years Ago

And hey Big Guy, while your exploring, watch where you put your fingers, especially on a running engine I have a good friend that we call 6 long (4 short). I'll let you imagine why.

Just sayin'