How hot is too hot?

[Randaltb]

I have an Accel points eliminator with an 8140C coil. Based on my instructions, this configuration does not use a Ballast resistor, because the 8140 & 8140C have a 1.4 Ohm internal resistance. I wired it up and it seems to work/run fine. My only concern is the coil is warm to the touch, bordering on hot. How hot is too hot? Randal

[BITE_ME]

Did you mount this coil pointing up? What is your spark plug gap?

[S2H]

Warm to the touch is not a problem. It actually should get pretty warm, there's a lot of voltage and voltage creates heat. If you start melting the thing, then I would consider adding the external resistor.

[440roadrunner]

I have an Accel points eliminator with an 8140C coil. Based on my instructions, this configuration does not use a Ballast resistor, because the 8140 & 8140C have a 1.4 Ohm internal resistance. I wired it up and it seems to work/run fine. My only concern is the coil is warm to the touch, bordering on hot. How hot is too hot? Randal

Where did you get this information? I don't know what part number you have "points eliminator", but I looked up this one as example and it CLEARLY shows you use the OEM resistor. On some cars, this is a resistor wire "in the harness". Look at figure 3, 4 & 5:
http://www.jegs.com/InstallationInst...0/110-2020.pdf

Having said that, some ignition setups can "get by" without a resistor, because some ignitions LIMIT current in themselves. One example is conversions using a GM HEI module. I successfully use a factory Mopar coil on my Dart with an HEI module, no resistor.

No CD type (MSD CDI) needs a resistor, because in those cases, there is no DC battery current through the coil.

[BITE_ME]

On the first page that you linked to, shows that the 8140 doesn't need a resistor. Only coils less then 1.5 Ohms need resistors for any points eliminators on a V8 engine. It was carved in stone in the 70s & 80s.