Burned out coil and points after leaving ignition on

Tiny
PATT METERSON
  • MEMBER
  • 1973 AMC AMX
  • 3.7L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 200,000 MILES
I just heard back from the company that is installing a new stereo in my ice cream truck and they told me that they can't start the truck. I just brought them the truck from a mechanic that has been working on it for months and I drove it there without a problem. The mechanic went to the stereo place and told them that because they left the ignition on, it burned out the coil and the points on the distributer which is why the engine wasn't getting any spark. Is this a valid reason or is it possible the distributor that was installed was faulty or installed improperly? There is a growing dispute over who is at fault and who should cover the cost of the tow back to the original shop and the repairs needed.
Tuesday, April 16th, 2019 AT 2:55 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good afternoon,

Leaving the key on could cause points damage and the coil. It would pit the points but not burn them.

Leaving the key on can absolutely burn out the coil. I've replaced many in classic cars for that reason as have others I know.

Hard to say who is at fault here. The points are a simple replacement. Did he try that first to see if it just the points?

Roy
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Tuesday, April 16th, 2019 AT 3:17 PM
Tiny
PATT METERSON
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
The distributor cap was replaced to see if that was the issue but it didn't help. The mechanic is telling that because it is an older vehicle, that is why the ignition being left on would have caused the coil to break.
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Tuesday, April 16th, 2019 AT 3:20 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
I disagree. You should have the points replaced first and see if it starts.

Roy
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Tuesday, April 16th, 2019 AT 3:26 PM
Tiny
PATT METERSON
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
The points were replaced and still nothing so I did the coil and that fixed it.
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Tuesday, April 16th, 2019 AT 4:34 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Nice work let me know if you needs anything else.

Roy
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Tuesday, April 16th, 2019 AT 4:37 PM

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