I just dropped in a used '69 350/TH350 into my '69 Cutlass and have got it running, however I noticed real quick that one of the wires from the coil (not the main spark plug wire that goes to the dist.) gets super hot as soon as the key is turned to the ON position. There are two smaller wires that come from the coil; one (yellow) goes to the starter (this one is fine) the other (black) goes to the firewall connector then inside and up to the ignition switch I believe. This is the one that gets hot enough to catch fire.

I have a wiring diagram for a '68, but that diagram says that wire should run straight to the fuse block which on my car it is not. Also there are no fuses burning out during this occurence. I'm quite far from an electrical genius so if anyone has any ideas, help, or '69 wiring diagrams, it would be greatly appreciated!

 

from what i gathered, there are 2 possibilities:

1 you're using a 6 volt ignition coil
2 the coil is partially shorted internally


bill

 

Thanks for the help Bill. I got a new coil and installed it. So far with the key on for about a minute, no heat. Whereas before the wire would get too hot to touch in a matter of seconds. I have yet to start and run the car with the new coil as I have the heater core out of the circuit due to leaks. Will give it a go tomorrow. Thanks again! I was busy chasing wires before your help.

 

no prob!
glad you got 'er fixed.


bill

 

Final Verdict: SUCCESS!!! Thanks again Bill, it works like a champ. I'm so glad I don't have to mess around with figuring out some kind of wiring problem! Now on to the heater core....

 

you're on your own!


bill