Duraspark box: When powered up, should case be HOT?

[crazypete]

We noticed last night that when the key is in the ON position, the duraspark box heats up so much, it is almost too hot to touch.

I dont know if it did this before the spark incident where I grounded the main + wire running inside the cabin since I wasnt paying attention to it at the time. It did start before but I didnt have a chance to check the spark last night.

Do duraspark boxes heat up just sitting there?

 

[85_SS_302_Coupe]

I don't ever remember touching mine to see but i do remember one burning up because i had it wired wrong...the silicone on the back was melted and it smelled like burning rubber. You may wanna double check your wiring, and if that's right then the box might be on its way out. Autozone does sell replacement but i don't recall the price, they aren't very expensive though (i'm thinking less than $30).


Maybe this will help:

 

[crazypete]

Well that is the funny part. It works...or worked. I need to check tonight to see if the huge spark at the alternator connection didnt kill it.

Now the only thing about the wiring is that I didnt install a "ballast resistor" whatever that is.

Could that be the problem.

Looks like the white wire goes to a starter wire. Does the box do something exciting when starting?

 

[85_SS_302_Coupe]

The cars typically have the ballast resister built into the wiring...if you're wiring this up on the '91 in your sig then you'll need to check Autozone or somewhere to get one. I run one with my Mallory Unilite distributor...it's an $11 part.

 

[crazypete]

So the basic problem is that I'm a moron.

I.....get this........hooked up the battery backwards. Thats right, I switched the terminals. I might have cooked the ignition system. It wasnt sparking much but I also didnt test it much.

Not much to do now but the floating sparkplug on a wire trick and then uncrate the hi-6 I just put up for sale and reinstall it.

 

[ARTTII]

well sounds like you found the problem, but just to add to the post, Duraspark boxes do NOT like heat, really only takes a couple mintues to fry one when it sees direct heat 200+ degrees

 

[crazypete]

How do the aftermarket Boxen do?

I'll be mounting the Hi-6 where the duraspark box is: the old battery location up against the inner fender as far forward as it can be.

Will I cook it?