Left my ignition key on--problem?
#1
Left my ignition key on--problem?
Hi folks:
I was checking something on my 1965 F250 yesterday and had the ignition key in the on position (not accessory position) with the engine off. Between one thing and another I got distracted, left the garage, and forgot about having the ignition key on. About 3 hours passed before I got back to my truck and realized my error.
The ignition coil was so hot I couldn't touch it. I waited about an hour and tried to start the truck and it started and ran fine.
This truck has the standard ignition system, not electronic. Now I'm wondering if for the sake of reliability (I'm planning a long distance trip with it in about 2 weeks) I should change out the ignition points, condenser,rotor and coil to be safe even though all items are only about a month old.
Do you think I fried all this stuff up?
Thanks,
Gene (senile in central Maryland)
I was checking something on my 1965 F250 yesterday and had the ignition key in the on position (not accessory position) with the engine off. Between one thing and another I got distracted, left the garage, and forgot about having the ignition key on. About 3 hours passed before I got back to my truck and realized my error.
The ignition coil was so hot I couldn't touch it. I waited about an hour and tried to start the truck and it started and ran fine.
This truck has the standard ignition system, not electronic. Now I'm wondering if for the sake of reliability (I'm planning a long distance trip with it in about 2 weeks) I should change out the ignition points, condenser,rotor and coil to be safe even though all items are only about a month old.
Do you think I fried all this stuff up?
Thanks,
Gene (senile in central Maryland)
#2
#3
#4
So long as it isn't leaking it will probably be OK? It's basically an oil filled step-up transformer. They sort of either work, or don't. Didn't do it any favors, but they do get hot in operation too. Maybe the secondary can get shorted turns if it got hot enough,dunno. In this case the primary was the only thing energized, but...
Check your points, if they happened to be closed at that time they would be pretty roasted... Replacing points and condenser won't exactly break the bank, either. I wouldn't think the rotor would be affected at all. It wouldn't hurt to check your spark too - look for a nice healthy bluish spark that snaps, not a weak red or yellow spark.
Check your points, if they happened to be closed at that time they would be pretty roasted... Replacing points and condenser won't exactly break the bank, either. I wouldn't think the rotor would be affected at all. It wouldn't hurt to check your spark too - look for a nice healthy bluish spark that snaps, not a weak red or yellow spark.
#5
#7
I did the same thing. I fried my coil and electronic ignition. Trust me if you are planning a long trip it is better safe then sorry to at least bring those parts with you. I know there are a lot of opinions of what to do and what not to on forums but at the very least I'd put a coil in the glove box.
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