HOT COIL

[rfcr]

Hello All,

I'm in the middle of rewiring and check as I go from circuit to circuit. I got the dash lights to work but the coil gets hot to the touch. Does anyone know what could cause this? I don't think it is normal. Does anyone have a picture/explanation on the wires to and from the dimmer switch? Thanks.

[Plymouthy Adams]

if you have the ignition key on during this wiring process..power is applied and if the points are closed the coil is being saturated with volt/current   you can disconnect your coil during this wiring process if you have already verified spark, or at least set the breaker cam on high lobe..

[Don Coatney]

In addition to what Tim said suggest you also check the condition of your points as most likely they are burned.

[Don Coatney]

All dimmer switches are about the same. Assuming your new wiring has a relay to fire the headlights this picture should help.

 

[William Davey]

rfcr - I think you're referring to the coil on the rheostat dimmer for the dash lights.  It that's the coil you mean, the other replies above misunderstood your question.  IF you're referring to the dimmer, yes it has to get hot to do it's job of lowering the voltage to the dash lights so they get dimmer.  It's a variable resistor so you may be able to adjust the dash lights to their max brightness and see if the coil gets cooler 

[Plymouthy Adams]

a rheostat is not what I would refer to as a coil..so I could have misread his intended question..if so..then it was an honest mistake...lol

[DJ194950]

Ign. coil?

 

DJ

[rfcr]

Question 1. Plymouthly Adams, Don thanks I'll check this in the morning.

Question 2. The photo is not what I have, if I could figure out how post a picture of mine I would but I can't. Mine has 4 push in plug type connectors. Two of them are connected and the other two are single. My book shows 3 wires going to the dimmer switch and one wire from the high beam indictor shows it going by the dimmer switch but not connecting to it but going to the terminal block. The wire in the book is so close it is hard to tell if it connects to the dimmer switch or not. Thanks for all your time and effort.

[rfcr]

DJ,

Yes, ignition coil.

[Plymouthy Adams]

you have main power in from the switch to the dimmer...the other contact is high beam and will have either two wires or a double spade contact that is the same electrical connection and the other will be low beam..the second wire on the high beam is the dash indicator that high beams has been selected

Edited July 29, 2014 by Plymouthy Adams

[DJ194950]

Ok the Ign. coil. 
I think Tim answered that issue in post #2. 

Best,

DJ

[rfcr]

Thanks P. Adams. I'll check and make needed adjustments in the A.M.