I fiddled too much and this porcelain part on our chipper's '58 or '59 215 or 223 crumbled. I think it's just a fusible link. The wires on either end connect the key switch and starter solenoid. The core inside the coil seems to be honeycombed and may be fiberglass reinforced or just more porcelain.

Assuming it's a fusible link, how many amps do you recommend for a replacement? I estimate the wires to be 8 gauge and connecting coil to be 14-18 gauge.

Do you recommend any special material to handle the engine heat? The original must have been made of porcelain for a reason but perhaps modern plastics have similar heat tolerance. As you may be able to tell from the pics it hung against the shroud about 8-inches above the valve cover. The engine does not have side coverings, it's open air.

Thanks in advance.

 

Looks to be a 12v to 6v resister. Used on a lot of engines in the 50's and 60's , there is a good chance your coil, points, condenser are still 6v.

 

It looks to be a ballast resistor, they are used to reduce voltage to the points (only), full voltage still goes to other components. The lower voltage to the points helps prevent the contact points from arching across the gap as the points open and close. The points are used only as a triggering tool for coil saturation and field collapse for the high voltage portion of the ignition system.

 

Looks like a ballast resister to me too. If the wire isn't broken check resistance with a meter.

 

I think you guys nailed it. A quick search of 12v to 6v resistor turns up the pic below, which is basically identical to our part but with the bolt mount still intact. Plus, it's listed for a Ford tractor (similar to our chipper). Although, was probably used for any system to protect points.

 

Used to be if you had a Chrysler product you kept a spare in the glove box.

 

I considered doing that since it was only $5 for the part but the old one looked decades old so I didn't bother.