Warm (almost hot) coil?

C

cheapohubby

Member
So; I think the current issue with the SuperA is the ignition (went from replacing carb to governor thrust/spring to not getting any smoke).
I noticed this morning that I left the switch on overnight, and the coil (the black thing over the distributor, in case I'm misnaming it) was noticeably warm; almost uncomfortable to hold onto. Is that normal? Or an indication of where my ignition problem lies?
I tried the "connect center feed distributor cable and checking for spark when connecting/disconnecting small wire on the distributor", and there is some spark, but it doesn't seem very strong or consistent.
 
Sigh... while I had the plugs out, thought I'd check the compression. Seems like the #2 is down around 40 (the other three are 90-100 nominal). So I guess I'll need to look into that too at some point. Also not so sure if it's really an ignition problem or maybe the carb. I didn't smell much gas while turning it over without the plugs in (or maybe that's normal?).
Sorry if these are stupid questions; I've a lot to learn about working on engines...
 
#2 with 40 lbs would cause dead cylinder or misfire, and others are about as low as it gets to start so sounds like a tired engine, you can check valve clearance, might help if they are to tight to be adjusted correctly
 
Interesting; I thought 90-100 was considered kinda nominal for this engine. Anyway; prior to the carb being replaced (bad float valve) and I think even after, it was starting. So the total lack of smoke seems like something more substantial is happening now.
 
Double-checked the compression numbers; 104-43-105-95. Also tried adding a bit of oil to each cylinder then re-measuring; no significant change. With the plugs back in, I notice a bit of a "wheeze" once every other engine rotation; guessing that's the leaking #2.
Popped the cam cover off; nothing as obvious as a broken spring noticed.
Getting back to the coil question; measured the voltage at the coil; 5.8V with the battery at 6.3V, and it's still warm/toasty. Is that kind of drop normal?
 
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hot coils are a sign they are going bad, did you check valve clearance on # 2 ? if you have air you can put air pressure in the cylinder and listen to hear where its leaking out, will tell you rings or valves
 
Earlier post you said that you left the ignition switch on overnight. The ignition coil contains two coils of electrical wire. The primary winding, with the points closed will have a significant resistance. That resistance will cause the coil to heat up/warm.
 
My total lack of smoke was a stuck carb. Gave it a few taps and it decided to fire up. It's ultra finicky; needs half choke to just keep running. I'm guessing running on three cylinders will do that?
I do have air; so I'll give that a try at some point. There's still something hinky on the governor too. All in all, this tractor certainly desires a lot of attention!! Good thing it's not really a "working" tractor.
 
adjust the valves, make sure all of the spark plugs are out, and the carb is wide open or off the manifold and then recheck the compression.
 
got an sa here ---governor is junk in it too, must be an ih thing! --- mine runs great, only half throttle and nuttin else! Make sure your carb is squeeky clean inside. As for governor ,---get a used one from a junkyard. Might get a good one.
Might want to check points now too since you left the switch on all night. Make sure they are clean or it wont run right either.
 
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