The main circuit breaker keeps triping when it gets hot could it be old and need changing

It could be lots of things. However, because this is the man breaker and to repair it requires that the meter be pulled, I would call an electrician now.

Pulling the meter is an extremely dangerous task, if you don't know exactly what you are doing.

Pulling the meter IS illegal in most areas.

Call an electrician to check this out.

Pulling the meter IS illegal in most areas.

I totally agree.

Also drop the load if you do or the meter contacts could flash in your face.

Pulling a Breaker is OK to be pulled by someone who can safely work with Eletrical.
The Breaker Can get Hot if the Wires are loose on breaker, Bad connections the breaker plugs onto. If you had an Amprobe and clamped around, wires, you could see maybe Bad Breaker(Example 40 amp draw on 200 Amp breaker making it very warm would be bad internal connections).

Strat,

I have to give it to you, you are pretty good when it comes to troubleshooting!
I agree on the loose connection at the main. For the most part, everyone has contributed good information!

Strat,

Did I miss something , again? The poster is telling us that his SEP breaker is tripping, correct. The only way I know of to change the main breaker is to kill the power from the meter into the SEP main breaker. As I also understand it this should never be done by a novice!

If the Panel is Main Lug, Simply change breaker like usual, If panel had no spot for main, then that breaker may be "Backfed, and should be bolted, If Main Breaker Panel, then It should be easy to change like regular breaker.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Stratmando

.......If Main Breaker Panel, then It should be easy to change like regular breaker.

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This is completely NOT so!!
A main breaker has the service entrance conductors, the UNFUSED and LIVE service entrance conductors, connected to the breaker.

THERE IS NO SAFE WAY to do this live!!!!!!!! Especially for a novice.

Besides, the OP states this is the main breaker. One can only assume it is a typical main breaker panel.

I do agree that it is likely corrosion on the main buss stabs where the breaker connects. This is a common issue.
CALL AN ELECTRICIAN to have this looked at.

Stanforty, I tried to give you Agree, But said I must spread Some more stuff around, You are correct, Was thinking more Disconnect, I work with Live so much, I am Cautious, Stay Isolated from ground, and connect with no load.
It has been a long time since changing a breaker has scared me.

I had a feeling it was probably a mistake you posting that. We all know we can change a breaker like that because we know how it is done and the precautions to take.
A DIYer is a bit different.

I've changed breakers on a hot panel from time to time just so that I don't disrupt the house.
But unless there is an outside Service Disconnect panel box, not a chance in the standard time zone will I handle the R&R of the main panel breakers.

As was stated above,

It can be loose conductors.