Fixing To Start for First Time
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Senior User
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 101
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From: SoCal
Fixing To Start for First Time
Should I have a resistor between the coil and battery? There are no existing wires so I've been running everything off a battery. I confirmed that I did have spark (grounded plug) but the coil stopped working only after a few cranks. I think this is because there is no resistor in the mix. Any pointers?
Here is what I have so far: solenoid, distributor, hand starter switch with two leads, and a battery. When I try to start it I clip the + lead from the coil directly to the battery. Then I did connect it when I'm finished cranking.
Here is what I have so far: solenoid, distributor, hand starter switch with two leads, and a battery. When I try to start it I clip the + lead from the coil directly to the battery. Then I did connect it when I'm finished cranking.
Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2009
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Good you got it started. I believe the purpose of the resistor is to drop the voltage a bit to the coil once the engine is started. In start mode, the resistor is actually bypassed (I think this is true on these old motors...) so the coil gets full voltage to aid in a hotter spark at start time only. So not having the resistor there while you are getting things up and running is no big deal.
The voltage drop produced by the resistor is to extend the coil life and maybe the points life as well (I think...)
Mike
The voltage drop produced by the resistor is to extend the coil life and maybe the points life as well (I think...)
Mike
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 19,311
Likes: 97
From: Waterloo, Iowa
Hi
So how'd things turn out? Somethings generally to think about - noticed my 64 (w/ stock generator) really likes an outboard charge boost now and then, and a GOOD battery to begin with. Run with the largest group size that will fit. You will notice warm up time is increased with a weak battery, and it won't pull good vacuum or idle right.
If you want to run points, try and find some good old 50s or 60s NOS, they will last a LOT longer. For my money, though the Ignitor system to replace points and high outpit coil really makes the truck motor sing. They just drop right in where the points would (used to) go under the dist. cap The resistor you reference is omitted or bypassed with this setup, in order to step up ignition voltage. Spark plug gaps can be opened a little more and they should last longer?
So how'd things turn out? Somethings generally to think about - noticed my 64 (w/ stock generator) really likes an outboard charge boost now and then, and a GOOD battery to begin with. Run with the largest group size that will fit. You will notice warm up time is increased with a weak battery, and it won't pull good vacuum or idle right.
If you want to run points, try and find some good old 50s or 60s NOS, they will last a LOT longer. For my money, though the Ignitor system to replace points and high outpit coil really makes the truck motor sing. They just drop right in where the points would (used to) go under the dist. cap The resistor you reference is omitted or bypassed with this setup, in order to step up ignition voltage. Spark plug gaps can be opened a little more and they should last longer?
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 101
Likes: 1
From: SoCal
With everyone's help things have slowly fallen into place. I replaced the distributor with one from a '57 from NAPA a few months back and just yesterday I installed a newer styled alternator. I installed a new tank, fuel pump, fuel lines, etc and it fires right up. I am waiting on t thermostat housing to come in (original one cracked) and then I should be able to run it for longer than a few seconds. I haven't had the time to do things as quickly as I would've liked but I work on it every chance I get. There is no small job as it seems every job turns into a big deal. I've got 90% of the wiring harness finished and all new glass and rubber installed (except windshield). I'm still plugging away!
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