resistor question
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Marshalltown, IA
resistor question
I recently did the duraspark 2 swap into my 85 f150 but I haven't put in a ballast resistor yet. I drove it a couple of weeks until it started eating modules. My first question is would not having a ballast resistor on the wire to the coil cause the modules to go out? I figured if anything the coil would go bad, and I had a spare so I wasn't real worried about it. My local auto parts stores don't have and cant get a resistor for a few days, so I'm hoping Radio Shack can help. Anyone able to tell me the specs on the resistor I'll need? Thanks guys.
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Slifer, you're right, the ballast resistor limits the current flow through the coil. It also limits current flow through the module by way of the negative coil wire, so I suspect the extra current was heating up the modules and causing the failures.
The value for the resistor is about 1.2 - 1.3 ohms. Early Chryslers and 50's Chevrolets used them, and Jeep uses them on their fuel pump circuits. If you get one from Radio Shack as a temporary replacement, make sure you isolate it from any painted surface, because they get very hot.
The value for the resistor is about 1.2 - 1.3 ohms. Early Chryslers and 50's Chevrolets used them, and Jeep uses them on their fuel pump circuits. If you get one from Radio Shack as a temporary replacement, make sure you isolate it from any painted surface, because they get very hot.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Central Kali
The module would have to switch extra current without the resistor. I don't have the spec in front of me but I think it is 1.2- 1.5 ohms. Mopar used a ceramic cased one that would work. A real electronics supply can get you one. I would get at least a 30 watt one.
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From: Marshalltown, IA
Advance Auto has a ceramic cased one for a mopar in stock, it's listed as "heavy duty" and 200 watts. You think that'd work?
They also have 2 other resistors, one w/lean burn and one w/o lean burn. Any idea what "lean burn" means or which one I'd want?
They also have 2 other resistors, one w/lean burn and one w/o lean burn. Any idea what "lean burn" means or which one I'd want?
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From: savannah,ga
for an really nice alternative check out www.gofastforless.com
with a differant set up you don't need the resitor.
with a differant set up you don't need the resitor.