Quoted from cmndr-brain:Thank you for the suggestion but, I'm pretty sure the problem is not shorting out to the grounding plane. The legs were cut short enough and there are no scorch marks. Though my question still remains about why Stern used different transistors that what the manual specifies and what should it be replaced with?
The manual is a guide only. Manufacturers change specifications and all sorts of things all the time. Sometimes the changes are made after the manual has been prepared.
You coil might draw 14A but for a very short time. The power supply could not supply 14A other than for a split second supplied from the filter caps.
I wouldn't overthink the problem. Replace the MOSFET with an IRL540 - make sure none of the wires are trapped anywhere and that the connectors are all sound.
Ballston Spa, NY
