Hot coil part 3..

1 - Connect one voltmeter lead to each of the two primary terminals on the coil.

2 - Pop the distributor cap, then manually rotate the crankshaft and observe the points - stop when the ignition points are closed.

3 - Now turn on the ignition - the voltmeter will read the voltage at the coil.

Assuming you've got a 6 volt coil and ballast resistor, the meter should read somewhere near 6 or 7 volts. If it reads much higher than that, you've got a wrong (too low resistance) ballast resistor installed.

Wire gage does not affect coil voltage unless wire gage is grossly undersized - in which case the wiring itself will get hot.

Hope this helps...

I agree! If the coil's getting too hot, it's definitely an overcurrent situation.

Another possible test: Install an accurate ammeter in series with the coil supply, then read the current with the points closed, ign "on" and motor not running. If the ammeter indicates more than about 3 amps (if memory serves me anyway...), the voltage to the coil is too high. Try adding another resistor in series to get the current down to about 3.0 amps.

A quality DVM (like a Fluke 70 or 80 series) is an invaluable tool for diagnosing stuff like this. My toolbox is never without one...

Thanx, Cy