starter switch gets hot

4 amperes is not much for a spst switch to conduct if it is in proper operating condition; especially if it is a new OEM switch.

Would speculate that the switch is rated for at least 15 amperes and the contact drop at that current would be in the millivolts resulting in little if any heating.

I realize that if the starter loop high current is low, due to excessive resistance (terminals or small wiring), you will be on the start button longer than necessary, but to get hot? Never saw one do that.

Wish I were there as you got my curiosity up.

Mark

That power comes from the key on-off switch. The output of that switch goes 2 places; ignition cke and starter pushbutton.

The only place the starter button current is SUPPOSED TO GO is to the starting solenoid primary circuit and it shouldn't take more than a couple of amperes to do that job on a 12v solenoid, 4 amps on a 6v ckt.

FYI: In the distributor circuit, you are looking for about 4 to 5 amperes thru the points. That works out to about 1.4 ohms (total) for a 6v circuit and twice that for a 12v. Easily measured from the distributor wire terminal (little black one coming out the side of the dist and connecting to the coil) to the ignition switch contact that is cold when the ign switch is off (otherside goes to the battery probably coming from a small wire to the large battery side terminal of the solenoid). Nothing magic about getting power there. It's just a convenient spot to tap into the batteries voltage and has nothing to do with the functioning of the start circuit....as long as you get voltage to your start push button via the ignition switch.

Want more, ask.

Mark

So you have too much of one or the other. Either the wrong switch (contacts too small), or too much current, like maybe a 6v starting solenoid on a 12v system.

Mark