Simple Question from a Simple Man - Resistor
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Tuned
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 432
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From: West Fort Worth, TX
Simple Question from a Simple Man - Resistor
I have searched here but can't seem to find a direct answer.
I have an electronic distributor and a 12 volt coil (both stock replacements to the 1985 Ford 351W). Do I need a ballast resistor? I created my own harness an installed this resistor (1.5?) because I thought I needed one. I haven't registered and insured my truck yet for highway use but have been danger driving it around my neighborhood for some time and haven't noticed an issue (aside from a very hot resistor). No lights or anything else wired up yet. Second question: if not needed, have I been robbing my spark? Before I just remove the resistor I wanted to ask so I don't damage something.
Stephen
I have an electronic distributor and a 12 volt coil (both stock replacements to the 1985 Ford 351W). Do I need a ballast resistor? I created my own harness an installed this resistor (1.5?) because I thought I needed one. I haven't registered and insured my truck yet for highway use but have been danger driving it around my neighborhood for some time and haven't noticed an issue (aside from a very hot resistor). No lights or anything else wired up yet. Second question: if not needed, have I been robbing my spark? Before I just remove the resistor I wanted to ask so I don't damage something.
Stephen
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2009
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From: Burbank, WA
No resistor with electronic ignition. In fact, electronic ignition of all kinds likes and needs a full 12 volts. Resistors are only there to protect the points from burning. No points, no resistor.
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Tuned
Joined: Jul 2010
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From: West Fort Worth, TX
Ross-Thanks. I have the Duraspark box as part of my system.
Wayne-Thanks.
I guess now I am surprised that my truck runs at all. I also wonder if I will notice a difference once I remove the resistor.
Wayne-Thanks.
I guess now I am surprised that my truck runs at all. I also wonder if I will notice a difference once I remove the resistor.
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Joined: Feb 2011
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From: Huntsville, Al
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: NM
Duraspark uses a resistance wire, as described in Smitty's article, also shown in Wayne's diagram as a resistor. If you used an OEM harness, check the resistance of the wire feeding the coil.
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Tuned
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 432
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From: West Fort Worth, TX
So this is where I have been confused before. "No points, no resistor", however the duraspark ignition has a resistor. Would you have points and use the duraspark? The reason I installed the ballast resistor is because I used the same schematic as above to make my harness (not OEM). I am not sure what the resistor is for if my coil is 12V. Is the resistor somehow to protect the ignition module?
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From: Simi Valley, CA
49" long / Color coded red with green stripes / 1.30 - 1.40 ohms resistance / #16 gauge wire.
1977/89 Passenger Cars, F100/350, Bronco & Econoline.
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Besides this puppy, there are 3 others. One was used 1971/76 with/without DuraSpark.
DuraSpark electronic ignition introduced in 1974, but not all vehicles came with it until 1976.
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