1997 Acura Integra Distributor too hot to touch

1997 ACURA INTEGRA
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STEVE0
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Electrical problem
1997 Acura Integra 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Manual 155k miles

I recently changed my spark plugs and touched the metal part on the distributor and noticed that it was very hot. Is this normal? I've read that they tend to burn up. Is this a symptom of a distributor/or coil going bad. I have a 10 hr drive in front of me and don't want my car to die on me in bumsville.
Dec 10, 2009 at 2:06 PM
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KHLOW2008
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
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Hi Steve0,

The distributor is attached to the engine directly therefore it would be as hot as the engine. Even if the engine is cold, keeping the ignition switch turned ON would heat up the ignition coil.

When igntion coil fails, it is mainly due to aging.
Dec 11, 2009 at 10:10 AM
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