Hello, my neighbor recently purchased a 72 240z. Last night we were trying to get the motor started. While doing so we noticed that once the ignition was on the ON position, the coil resistor would start to smoke and get burning hot.

Looking at the part I don't see what would be causing this, all it is underneath is a spring connected at the two ends. We finally got the car to start, but the issue with the resistor is still happening. The wires leading to both leads of the resistor do not get hot at all though, only the part.

I've searched all over the internet and could not find a possible cause/solution for this. Hope someone here is able to help. Thanks.

ps. Link below is the part I'm referring to.

1970-1973 Nissan 240Z Coil Resistor - Beck Arnley, Direct fit - JCWhitney