Re: [T3] blazing hot coil

[Jim Adney <jadney@vwtype3.org>]

On 28 Aug 2002, at 13:53, Matthew_Russell@ziba.com wrote:

> why would the coil get blazing hot?

If you leave the key on, you leave voltage applied to the hot side of the coil. If 
the engine happens to have stopped with the points closed the coil will draw 
current according to its DC resistance, which is on the order of 4 Ohms. This 
is a power dissipation of ~35 Watts. As a comparison, see how long you can 
keep your hand wrapped around a 25W light bulb.

This can be hard on the coil, but it is harder on the points.

Don't leave the key ON for long periods with the engine off. If I have to do 
this, I always disconnect the points wire from the coil.

-
*******************************
Jim Adney, jadney@vwtype3.org
Madison, Wisconsin, USA
*******************************

------------------------------------------------
To unsubscribe, E-mail to: <type3-off@vwtype3.org>
For more help, see http://vwtype3.org/list/