Left my ignition key on--problem?
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
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)
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 3,771
Likes: 80
From: tujunga, calif
I've done that in the past and got away without any ill effects. But I always carry a spare coil, points and condenser with me when doing long trips just to be on the safe side. Do what ever makes you feel more secure, change them now or carry spares.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 19,311
Likes: 97
From: Waterloo, Iowa
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.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 516
Likes: 8
From: Milwaukie, Oregon
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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