over heating ignition coils

[TheCoffeeGuy]

I read here somewhere that coils can over heat. What are the symptoms. How can I test for it. Is there a standard operating temperature?

The issue is on my 1980 GS850

 

[jh321]

If the coil is overheating then it will either not start or be very hard to start when hot. If the point gap is too wide then it can energize the coil for too long, although I'm not sure if that would cause overheating.

Also, make sure the ground is good because if not then that would do it too.