I had to rewire my ignition system and my new coil says I have to use a resistor. Where do I wire the resistor and what is it for? I started the motor without having a resistor and it ran fine but the coil did get a little hot. I tried wiring a new resistor in-line with the power wire, but it dropped my voltage at the coil to 8.28 volts. I did not try to start it this way because I figured it wouldn't even run. It is a points-type Delco-Remy distributor. Thanks.
2007-07-16 03:49:13 · 6 answers · asked by Bill D 3 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Ignition coils are designed to run on approximately 8-9 volts. The ballast resistor goes in what is referred to as the 'run1' circuit. This is the circuit that provides power to the primary side of your ignition circuit from your key switch when it is in the 'run' position. The 'run 2' circuit generally does not have a resistor in it. The 'run 2' circuit is the circuit that provides power when you turn your key to the 'crank' or 'start' position. During engine cranking, battery voltage will drop to somewhere between 8.5 - 10 volts. This is why coils are designed to operate in the 8-9 volt range, so that secondary ignition voltages are correct for both.
2007-07-16 04:12:39 · answer #1 · answered by bwc0356 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The ballast resistor is wired to the switch wire.The ballast resistor has a resistance about equal to that of the coil primary,so when running normaly,half the supply voltage appears across the coil and half across the resistor.It follows that the coil must be designed to work at a lower voltage than the system voltage.The advantages of a resistor coil are---1-cold starting perfomance improved--2---ballast coil can be used at higher engine speeds--3----the coil runs at a lower temperature.The latter is the reason your coil ran hot without the resistor
2007-07-16 11:20:41 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
YOu did it right the resistor needs to go inline to the coil on the positive wire. If you run straight 12 volts all the time you will literally blow up the coil. many points systems supply 12 volts to the coil while the starter is engaged though. THis helps make up for the voltage drop from the starter.
Hope this helps
2007-07-16 10:59:03 · answer #3 · answered by sweet69firebyrd 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The resistor is necessary, as it will prolong the life of the points & coil. Coil is designed for 9V.
Wire the resistor to the positive side of the coil
2007-07-16 10:57:19 · answer #4 · answered by Mr. T 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the type of resistor is called a ballast resistor. basically it does what the other guy has said so I wont repeat. They look like a small ceramic block and only cost of few quid. Quite easy to wire and any decent car parts shop will sell them.
2007-07-16 11:01:03 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's suppose to drop the voltage. That's what it does. You'll burn up the distributor without it.
2007-07-16 11:15:19 · answer #6 · answered by Nomadd 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋