All cars produced with breaker-points type ignition generally had a resistor of some sort in their ignition system. And while ignition coil life may be compromised without a resistor, the additional secondary voltage (at the spark plug) is increased which generally improves power.
Contents
- 1 What happens if you dont use ballast resistor?
- 2 Does a 12 volt coil need a ballast resistor?
- 3 Why do some ignition coils need ballast resistor?
- 4 What is the difference between a ballast and non ballast coil?
- 5 Do I need a resistor on my ignition coil?
- 6 How do I know if I have a ballast resistor?
- 7 How do I know if my ignition coil has an internal resistor?
- 8 What is the purpose of an ignition coil resistor?
- 9 Does PerTronix ignitor need a ballast resistor?
- 10 Does a ballast resistor reduce voltage?
- 11 What Ohm ignition coil should I use?
- 12 What causes a ballast resistor to fail?
- 13 Does a 3 Ohm coil need a resistor?
- 14 Does HEI distributor need ballast resistor?
- 15 How do you connect a coil to a resistor?
What happens if you dont use ballast resistor?
If the ballast resistor is not working properly, the vehicle will not start. Since it is an electrical system, it is something best left to the professionals to handle. The only way to have the vehicle up and running again is with a ballast resistor replacement.
Does a 12 volt coil need a ballast resistor?
If a 6 volt ignition system is converted to 12 volts and a Delco style 12 volt coil with an internal resistor is installed as part of the conversion, no external resistors are required. The 12 volt battery must be connected so the negative (-) battery terminal is connected to ground.
Why do some ignition coils need ballast resistor?
A Ballast Resistor is an electrical device that reduces voltage to the coil so that more energy is available for the spark plugs during starting. Why would a Ballast Resistor be fitted in a car? To counteract this distribution of energy, ignition systems were changed to use a 9v coil instead of a 12v coil.
What is the difference between a ballast and non ballast coil?
A ballast coil is designed to produce the same spark output, but with only 6 to 9 volts on the input. With a non-ballast coil, the input to the coil is the same, 12 volts, whether the engine is running, or being cranked by the starter motor.
Do I need a resistor on my ignition coil?
When the ignition key is in the start position, full current is applied to the coil and increases voltage to the spark plugs. And while ignition coil life may be compromised without a resistor, the additional secondary voltage (at the spark plug) is increased which generally improves power.
How do I know if I have a ballast resistor?
To test your ballast resistor you need an ohm meter or multimeter set to ohms. Remove the connectors from both sides of the resistor. The ohms should read between 1.8 and 5 ohms. You should be getting 9 volts to the positive side of the coil.
How do I know if my ignition coil has an internal resistor?
To test your ballast resistor you need an ohm meter or multimeter set to ohms. Remove the connectors from both sides of the resistor. The ohms should read between 1.8 and 5 ohms. You should be getting 9 volts to the positive side of the coil.
What is the purpose of an ignition coil resistor?
The ballast resistor allows the ignition system to operate at a lower voltage until the engine starts. After ignition, the alternator begins to recharge the battery, restoring the regular voltage.
Does PerTronix ignitor need a ballast resistor?
Todd, since you need a new coil, I would suggest you buy the PerTronix 1.5ohm coil part #40001 for chrome or #40011 for black and run without a ballast resistor. This is providing you have the original Ignitor. If you have the Ignitor II (better unit), then use part #45001 for chrome or #45011 for Black which is a.
Does a ballast resistor reduce voltage?
The ballast resistor, supplies the needed voltage during the start up, and then immediately after the arc is established, it reduces the voltage in addition to regulating the current flow.
What Ohm ignition coil should I use?
The 3.0-ohm coil should be used on PerTronix Ignitors installed on four- and six-cylinder engines while 1.5-ohm coils should be used for eight-cylinder applications. Flame Thrower II coils have lower resistance, 0.6 ohms for use with Ignitor II ignition systems as well as many other high-energy ignitions.
What causes a ballast resistor to fail?
What causes a ballast resistor to fail? The resistance through the ballast resistor varies with current flow which varies with engine rpm. This naturally causes the resistor to expand and contract from heat. That’s why they eventually fail.
Does a 3 Ohm coil need a resistor?
My understanding is that with a round can, oil filled coil you must use a resistor with a 1.5 ohm coil and no resistor is required with a 3 ohm coil when used in a 12V system..
Does HEI distributor need ballast resistor?
When using HEI, the distributor requires a 12 volt feed. In order to achieve this the ballast resistor or the resistance wire must be removed from the circuit and replaced with a pure 12 gauge feed wire. This means that there is no power on the “RUN” circuit when the ignition switch is in the “CRANK” mode.
How do you connect a coil to a resistor?
Strip the end of the positive wire from the ignition, and connect it to the positive end of the resistor. From the other terminal on the resistor a wire goes to the positive on the coil. Make sure to attach securely to the connecting terminal, by wrapping the wire around the post and tightening with a screwdriver.
