Tim - I found the diagram that shows the stock wiring to the coil on my '56. The solenoid has four posts - and one small post is the incoming "start" command from the dash - the other has the "jumper" I found was going to the coil. This was in the original wiring harness I dissected to invent my own wiring harness. This same post is used on the late seventies electronic Duraspark II to provide a starting signal to the control box through the "white" wire. When live the box retards the ignition 10º for starting purposes - works well if you are using the Ford controller.



 
 Steve Metzger       Tucson, Arizona

Steve,
Big help with problem.
Thanks again
Tim
Florida 33706

Steve,
PROBLEM SOLVED .........YIPPIE SKIPPIE !!!!!
Replaced the almost 4 year old HEI distributor from TSP (Top Street Performance) and installed a E-CORE Ignition Coil
JM6930 R from TSP.
Did a road and idle test and the '56 fired right up like it should.
Thanks for you support and time,
Tim
Hot 'n Humid, FL 33706

Tim - glad to hear of success!
The new TSP coil - does it have a "nameplate" primary OHMs rating? It will be a clue as to the design of the electronics in the distributor. 

 
 Steve Metzger       Tucson, Arizona

Steve,
PROBLEM SOLVED !!!!
I replaced the almost 4 year old HEI distributor from

Steve,
Here is product information on the TSP E-core coil
gnition Coil Block (JM6930R) by TSP®. TSP's E-Core Ignition Coil has a new design that better dissipates heat. Its square shape allows for easy mounting on a firewall or fender, and it comes with a plug wire connector for a clean installation. The E-Core magnet puts out 50,000 volts, or about 70% more spark energy over most stock applications, giving you a much hotter and larger spark to burn fuel more efficiently and provide smooth acceleration thoroughout the entire RPM band. AIn our online store you can get this superior replacement product and take advantage of its impeccable design. Carefully engineered to OE specifications, it exactly replicates the factory part in look, fit, and function. This product is expertly crafted from top-quality materials to serve you reliably for many years ahead. more details on - https://www.carid.com/tsp/e-core-remote-ignition-coil-for-distributor-ignition-mpn-jm6930r.html?singleid=1653281705?utm_source=email&utm_medium=order&utm_campaign=order_tracking_number

Tim - Followed your link, Thanks....
 Info says primary OHMs for that coil is .350 - which is typical for the HEI operating system. With a common automotive electrical system, 13.5 volts could be expected as the running value. So "inrush" with the circuit closed could be as high as 38.6 amps. This isn't steady - the coil; is constantly firing - 4 times per engine rev. The HEI circuitry will try to keep that circuit closed as long as possible every revolution. But......those amps have to be coming into the coil through the wire you said "gets hot" which is also being handled (on a stock electrical system) through the key switch. At night it would also be carrying the lights, radio and so -on.

So please consider the use of a power relay under the hood arrangement to protect your wiring in the dash.

 
 Steve Metzger       Tucson, Arizona

Steve,
Could you hep me better understand you writings:

"So please consider the use of a power relay under the hood arrangement to protect your wiring in the dash."

Thanks,
Tim
PS: The Accel coil was getting hot, not the wires. New coil runs normal her range

Steve,
Typing error:
I meant to say that he new E-core coil is running in a normal heat range.
Regards,
Tim

The meaning of my note - there is the potential for the newer sort of electronic distributor and coil to pull a lot of amps through your stock wiring system. More than could be expected with the old original coil and ballast resistor.

 
 Steve Metzger       Tucson, Arizona