Ignition module heating up?????

[mitchmc_13]

Recentley changed my ignition on my truck from tips to electronic. Got everything hooked up and the truck was a hit or miss wether it would start or not. Got an ignition module from the local wrecking yard and now it runs well and starts everytime. The only thing is that the ignition module gets quite hot even when the truck isnt running. It can just be sitting in the driveway and the ignition module will get hot. What could be causing this? I'm guessing a wiring problem but i dunno forsure. Could it be the fact that the ignition module came out of a car with a 6 cylinder engine? Any advice appreciated!!

[390F100]

Check out the Pertronix points eliminator kit, it eliminates the points but also all of the messy wiring and the module you have to mount on the wheel well.I just got one for my truck but haven't installed it yet. Will let you know once I do...

[mitchmc_13]

sorry i forgot to include that the truck has a 5.0L 302 V8 in it.

[DuckRyder]

sorry i forgot to include that the truck has a 5.0L 302 V8 in it.

So you are talking about a TFI module which is mounted on the distributor?

Did you use some silicone paste on the mating surfaces to aid heat transfer?

And how hot is hot? Like warm, or can't keep your finger on it hot?

[rubiranch]

If it's getting hot just sitting there I would think the red wire has voltage present all the time rather than being "switched" like it should be.

If it is a Dura Spark the red wire should be key on power, the white wire should have voltage present while the engine is cranking. The green wire goes to the negative side of the ignition coil, the black is the ground and grounds to the breaker plate inside the distributor.

The purple and orange are the signal wires from the pick up (stator) inside the distributor to the ignition module.

With the engine running it is normal for Dura Spark modules to get hot. Make sure you have it bolted to the truck so the heat can transfer through the screws and mounting surfaces.