Mallory Dual Point query....
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 378
Likes: 0
Mallory Dual Point query....
guys:
I need some help here. I swapped in a new mallory dual point distributor in my 71 f250 4x4 w/390. If I let it sit for any length of time (say a month) and then i go to drive it, it will start to misfire. When i swap in a new condenser, it runs like a charm. The problem is that this distributor seems to have an appetite for condensers but NOT points; strange if you ask me. Im running a stock coil with NO ballast resistor. Am I overlooking something simple here?
regards
Ben
I need some help here. I swapped in a new mallory dual point distributor in my 71 f250 4x4 w/390. If I let it sit for any length of time (say a month) and then i go to drive it, it will start to misfire. When i swap in a new condenser, it runs like a charm. The problem is that this distributor seems to have an appetite for condensers but NOT points; strange if you ask me. Im running a stock coil with NO ballast resistor. Am I overlooking something simple here?
regards
Ben
Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 869
Likes: 1
From: Apple Valley CA USA
Mallory Dual Point query....
no ballast resistor? why not? are you running a correct coil for that? if you are not running a coil for points ign without ballast resistor (they are an oddity for sure) then you are cooking the condensor. the ballast resistor is there for a reason and unless you have a race car (and since you are running a dual point i know you don't) there is no even remotely good reason to eliminate the ballast resistor. hawkrod
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 7,157
Likes: 1
From: Central Kali
Mallory Dual Point query....
You need a ballast resistor. Coils are meant to operate at 6 to 7 volts. Mopar used a resistor in the engine compartment that would work. The condensor is a tough little device; I just can not see them failing that often. Does your Mallory have a vacuum advance? You kill gas milage without it. This is interesting, will have to give it some thought.
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 609
Likes: 0
From: Watauga TEXAS
Mallory Dual Point query....
Hey guys-
On these '71's, Ford ran a resistor wire from the firewall to the coil. I'm sure it was done on other models also but I'm speaking about the '71 since that's what I drive. Check it out for resistance- if it hasn't already been replaced with standard wire.
Joe
On these '71's, Ford ran a resistor wire from the firewall to the coil. I'm sure it was done on other models also but I'm speaking about the '71 since that's what I drive. Check it out for resistance- if it hasn't already been replaced with standard wire.
Joe
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 5,130
Likes: 8
From: Brea CA
Mallory Dual Point query....
Joe, how does your resistor wire run under the hood and how does the starter bypass hook into it? My ’71 wiring diagrams show it to be in the cab under the dash.
Thanks!
Barry
Thanks!
Barry
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 609
Likes: 0
From: Watauga TEXAS
Mallory Dual Point query....
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 10-Jul-02 AT 12:25 PM (EST)]My resistor wire started at the "trailer"-looking connector at the fire wall (under the hood) and went straight to the coil. That's just how it was when I bought it. I forget why I replaced it, shorted to intake or something like that, but I did and added a ballast resistor.
I'm not sure how the starter bypass hooks to it. It is hooked up at the starter solenoid, but I couldn't tell you where it ends up. Now you opened another can of worms for me!
Joe
I'm not sure how the starter bypass hooks to it. It is hooked up at the starter solenoid, but I couldn't tell you where it ends up. Now you opened another can of worms for me!
Joe
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 378
Likes: 0
Mallory Dual Point query....
Guys
Thanks for the responses. Yes, I am running my dual point with the vacuum advance. As far as the resistor, My truck has it--its in the wiring harness under the dash. It is a pink wire that says 'resistor' on it. This same wire gets hot when current runs through it--is this normal? Anyway, I have the dist. apart and i was looking at the points--they are uniformly grey on both sets so i think that they are ok. I know that if i replace the condenser, it will run. But before i jump right in and buy a $8 condenser from the speed shop, I have to know why this thing is EATING them in the first place! LOL
regards
Ben
Thanks for the responses. Yes, I am running my dual point with the vacuum advance. As far as the resistor, My truck has it--its in the wiring harness under the dash. It is a pink wire that says 'resistor' on it. This same wire gets hot when current runs through it--is this normal? Anyway, I have the dist. apart and i was looking at the points--they are uniformly grey on both sets so i think that they are ok. I know that if i replace the condenser, it will run. But before i jump right in and buy a $8 condenser from the speed shop, I have to know why this thing is EATING them in the first place! LOL
regards
Ben
Trending Topics
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 5,130
Likes: 8
From: Brea CA
Mallory Dual Point query....
Ben, it all depends what you consider hot. The wire does get pretty warm, with a stock ignition system I calculated that it dissipates around 25 watts.
Try this quick test. Take a jumper wire and ground the negative side of the coil. Now turn the ignition switch to “run” and measure what the voltage is on the positive side of the coil.
Report back what you find.
Barry
Try this quick test. Take a jumper wire and ground the negative side of the coil. Now turn the ignition switch to “run” and measure what the voltage is on the positive side of the coil.
Report back what you find.
Barry
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
blackbearford
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
2
May 20, 2016 08:01 AM
Scotty's 52 F3
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
14
Dec 17, 2015 11:00 PM
