Electrical Help Question.... I have smoke
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From: Las Vegas, NV
Electrical Help Question.... I have smoke
Can anyone tell me what this electrical component is and its throwing smoke? It looks to be a Ballast Resister....could that be right? I tried checkig the voltage coming out with the V.O.M. and got a 6 volt reading...could that be right? Touched the leads from the VOM and it stared smoking with the key on. The component is located on the drivers side firwall directly under where the main harness enters the cab. Could my truck been converted from 6 to 12 volts and thsi part overlooked? Any input would be helpfull. Thanks All.
Last edited by 60RatRod; Mar 26, 2008 at 08:05 PM. Reason: wrong pic posted
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From: S.C.
Trace the wires and see where the go. One prabably goes to hot and the other to the device (? Ignition coil?).
The resistors are commonly just ceramics with a coiled wire within for resistance...but the wires get old and dirty and sometimes greasy and can smoke.
I would replace it anyway when you figure what it goes to.
Ed
The resistors are commonly just ceramics with a coiled wire within for resistance...but the wires get old and dirty and sometimes greasy and can smoke.
I would replace it anyway when you figure what it goes to.
Ed
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Joined: Jul 2006
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From: La Mesa (East San Diego)
Yep, looks like a ballast resistor. I'm assuming from your comment that you have a 12 volt electrical system. It is possible that this is an older resister. If one of the wires goes to your coil and the other one from a power source (igition switch) and also the "I" post on your starter solenoid, then it's the ballast resistor.
These things get VERY HOT. They are encaced in a porcelien insulator, any old dust, oil or new paint (looks pretty fresh in the pic) will cook off. If you are worried about it, go get a ne wone of the right voltage for your truck and swap it out. Should only be a couple of bucks!
Dan
These things get VERY HOT. They are encaced in a porcelien insulator, any old dust, oil or new paint (looks pretty fresh in the pic) will cook off. If you are worried about it, go get a ne wone of the right voltage for your truck and swap it out. Should only be a couple of bucks!
Dan
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Thanks, I found it at online http://www.autozone.com/R,APP447766/...ductDetail.htm
Exactly like mine.....the big question is the 58 Ford a 6 volt or 12 Volt system? or does it matter because of the ohms law?
Exactly like mine.....the big question is the 58 Ford a 6 volt or 12 Volt system? or does it matter because of the ohms law?
