C2 starter/coil wire overheated

[Michael G.]

I just noticed that the pink wire connecting the coil to the starter on my 63 has the insulation melted near the coil (the first 18-20 inches). I'm going to replace the ignition harness, but I don't want to do it until I have some idea what would cause this wire to overheat, and fix that problem. Is anyone familiar with this issue?

Thanks, Mike

[John H.]

Re: C2 starter/coil wire overheated

Mike -

Typically there are two causes for that issue:

1. The wire is exposed/chafed/shorted to ground somewhere between the coil and the "R" terminal on the starter solenoid.

2. The coil (+) terminal or the crimped spade terminal on the wire is touching the inside of the top ignition shield (grounding the wire) when the shield is pushed down and secured; however, this usually fries the other wire (that goes to the ballast resistor and ignition switch) as well.

[Michael G.]

Re: C2 starter/coil wire overheated

Thanks John, The other pink wire is fine (as are all the others in the bundle), so I'd guess the first option is probably the issue. Unfortunately the copper is now exposed in quite a few places in that first 18 inches (and we cut the tape off) , so any chafing there won't be evident. I'll examine the the inside of the top shield, to see there's any obvious evidence of the wire grounding there. Mike

[John D.]

Re: C2 starter/coil wire overheated

Michael, As John mentioned the distr cover or shielding is a real POC. If you plan on driving the car leave it off. I can remember my driver 63 FI car having a miss I just couldn't seem to fix. I left the shield off and the miss went away.
Jerry Bramlett and I both agree that if a customer calls to complain about a engine miss that he is blaming on the FI and or distributor and the boy is using the SS shield on the distr he is on his own. JD

[Michael H.]

Re: C2 starter/coil wire overheated

Thanks John, The other pink wire is fine (as are all the others in the bundle), so I'd guess the first option is probably the issue. Unfortunately the copper is now exposed in quite a few places in that first 18 inches (and we cut the tape off) , so any chafing there won't be evident. I'll examine the the inside of the top shield, to see there's any obvious evidence of the wire grounding there. Mike

Make sure the coil is rotated so the primary terminals are perpendicular to the car center line. If the terminals are fore/aft or parallel to car C/L, the wires are VERY close to the top shiels.
Common problem.

[Stuart F.]

Re: C2 starter/coil wire overheated

Good point Michael. Also, make certain the insulating shield is in place on the inside of the Ignition cover and, just for good measure, coat the rivets with silicon sealer. Then, besides the good and correct underhood appearance, you'll be able to listen to your radio and crank the engine up to redline at the same time.

Stu Fox

[Michael G.]

Re: C2 starter/coil wire overheated

That'll be nice, full volume from a 1963 FM static machine, in concert with the the sound of brand-new of con rods snapping, ......unless the buzzer tach goes off too (it won't, there's no buzzer or pigtail)

I suppose I can try to blame the backfires I was getting before I pulled the engine on the shields too.....

Seriously, though, when I'm done, the inside of that shield will probably be Teflon coated.

Thanks guys,

Mike

[Michael G.]

Re: C2 starter/coil wire overheated

I got my new ignition harness today. As I started to install it, I noticed that the top ignition shield has a burned spot adjacent to the coil, both inside and out. The chrome is gone exactly where it would contact the coil terminal. I rotated the coil so that the terminals are now in the position you recommended (perpendicular to the car center line). All should be well now, I hope.

You guys really know your stuff, thanks again, Mike

[Joel T.]

Re: C2 starter/coil wire overheated

Good point Michael. Also, make certain the insulating shield is in place on the inside of the Ignition cover and, just for good measure, coat the rivets with silicon sealer. Then, besides the good and correct underhood appearance, you'll be able to listen to your radio and crank the engine up to redline at the same time.

Stu Fox

To add to Stu's comments, I took a piece of rubber hose (Vacuum size), slit it down the middle and installed it on the lower rear edge of the shield, i.e. where the pink wire slides under. You do not see it unless you are looking for it and it keeps the shield from slicing the wire.... which WILL cook your upper harness.

Joel

[Albert P.]

Re: C2 starter/coil wire overheated

It's probably a good idea to also check the wiring back to your ignition switch.

[Michael G.]

Re: C2 starter/coil wire overheated

Thanks Albert, I checked all the wiring, only the coil/starter wire was damaged.

Joel's hose idea is a good one, I'll use it if I put the top shield back on, but, I'm seriuosly considering, per John's advice, not putting the top shield back on unless I decide to get the car judged. The radio sounds like crap anyway, so, what's a little more static.

Thanks, Mike

[Randy S.]

Re: C2 starter/coil wire overheated

Mike,
I also lined my shield with duct tape in the area near the coil terminals.

Randy aka "Bubba"

[Stuart F.]

Re: C2 starter/coil wire overheated

Michael;

It is all up to you on what measures you take to limit the possibilities of future failures. You have some good suggestions here to work with.

As for me, I want my underhood to look presentable at all times. I drive my car to cruise ins every so often and am never ashamed to pop the hood, or have to present as a radio delete car. A lot depends on your level of confidence in your own work and preparation. My L-76 has the tall cap so my wires are even more critical than say John's L-84 Fuelie. I took the time to position them right using a number of nylon wire separators to reduce the chances of cross fire between them. As mentioned before, I sealed my insulator rivets and positioned my coil correctly. I too have my coil wires protected and positioned so as to reduce chances for any chafing or shorting. I have high confidence that I did it right and the fact that my engine does not miss a beat up to the red line attests to that. Besides, I have an aftermarket stereo and I like my sounds without static, specially when I'm playing a Bochelli CD. As original as my car is, I still won't compromise on my sound system or my electronic ignition - oh yes, and radial tires too.

Stu Fox