Full Answer
Do I need a ballast resistor for ignition coil?
If you use the OEM ignition coil - YES use the ballast resistor (because otherwise you just might fry your coil ). If you use the Flamethrower coil, bypass the ballast resistor (always 12 volt to the coil ).
How does the ballast resistor with pertronix work?
Once that the engine starts up and you'll let go of the key in the ignition switch, the ignition switch kicks in the ballast resistor, which supplies the correct voltage to the coil windings. If you use the Flamethrower, bypass the ballast resistor (always 12 volt to the coil ). Subject: Re: Ballast resistor with Pertronix ?
Can you bypass the ballast resistor on a flamethrower coil?
If you use the Flamethrower coil, bypass the ballast resistor (always 12 volt to the coil ). " They would know this IF they read the instructions. As I said, if you use the original coil, you see no improvement in the size of the spark.
Does the pertronix module have a coil resistor?
PerTronix-I = coil resistor YES. PerTronix II or III = coil resistor NO. Poison Pinto is right - the module always gets full 12v power. Always. Which PerTronix version do you have? PerTronix-I = coil resistor YES. PerTronix II or III = coil resistor NO. Poison Pinto is right - the module always gets full 12v power. Always. Click to expand...
Does PerTronix coil need a ballast resistor?
You only need the resistor if you're running points. Electronic modules like Pertronix don't require one.
What happens if you dont use ballast resistor?
An ignition system with breaker points will surely suffer from reduced point life if the ballast resistor is removed, as higher amperage can damage the surface of the points causing failure.
Is a ballast resistor necessary with electronic ignition?
The electronic ignition systems don't use breaker points, so they don't need a ballast Resistor to control the pickup coil.
How do I know if my coil needs a ballast resistor?
To check if there's an internal ballast resistor in your coil, there are two things you need to do: 1) remove any cover covering up your coil, and 2) check if your ballast has 3 wires coming out of it. If the ballast doesn't have the ballast resistor built inside, then there should be three wires coming out of it.
What happens if you use a coil without a resistor?
If the ballast coil is wired into the ignition system WITHOUT the external resistor it will always operate at high voltage. The increased current flow through the system and the higher spark voltages will cause premature failure of the points.
Will a car start without a ballast resistor?
If the ballast resistor is not working properly, the vehicle will not start. Since it is an electrical system, it is something best left to the professionals to handle. The only way to have the vehicle up and running again is with a ballast resistor replacement.
Does a ballast resistor reduce voltage?
The ballast resistor, supplies the needed voltage during the start up, and then immediately after the arc is established, it reduces the voltage in addition to regulating the current flow.
How do I know if I have a ballast resistor?
0:031:01Ballast Resistor - How to Test - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow reach in the car. And turn the key to the on. Position. If you get something in the neighborhoodMoreNow reach in the car. And turn the key to the on. Position. If you get something in the neighborhood of about 12 volts the car does not have a ballast resistor.
Do you need a ballast resistor with a HEI distributor?
No ballast resistor is used or required with HEI. All you are doing with the ballast resistor is lowering the voltage to the HEI (and therefore output voltage to the plugs will be lower, with the possible result of misfire). Remove the ballast resistor when using the HEI.
How much resistance should a 12v coil have?
You should have a resistance reading of at least 3-4.5 ohms. A bad coil will show a higher reading then 3-4.5. Next, place the red or black lead from the meter to the centre of the coil , and to either one of the terminals positive or negative. You want 9500-10000 Ohms, a little less is ok but no more.
Where does a ballast resistor go?
Note: Ballast resistors are usually located bolted to the firewall if your distributor and/or coil is at the rear of the engine. If your distributor is located near the front or side of the engine in the case of an inline-4 cylinder, then it's probably right near the ignition coil or distributor.
How many ohms of resistance should an ignition coil have?
A typical value would read 0.4 - 2 ohms.
What does a ballast resistor do?
Applications of a Ballast Resistor. A ballast resistor helps to regulate the current and voltage in an electrical system. It helps equipment from experiencing overcurrent and overvoltage events. Ballast resistors are mostly used in automotive and lighting applications.
Do I need a ballast resistor with MSD ignition?
Late-model electronic ignitions or an MSD Ignition do not require the ballast. If you are looking to upgrade your stock coil, or want to compliment the performance of your MSD Blaster Ignition, MSD 5, 6, or 7, the Blaster Coil line is the right choice. Our Blaster Coils are designed for improved spark output!
Can you hook up a ballast resistor backwards?
Resistors lack polarity. There is no backwards.
How does Mopar ballast resistor work?
2:369:55Mopar Mystery Part Everyone Loves To Hate - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWell here's the difference between a resistor wire and a ballast resistor the resistor wire is a oneMoreWell here's the difference between a resistor wire and a ballast resistor the resistor wire is a one trick pony in other words it's a fixed value what goes in versus what comes out so 12 volt goes in
Why do you need a ballast resistor?
The ballast resistor is NOT ONLY there to protect the points but also to get more amps going to the spark plugs at startup. Since the starter motor is pumping energy, the voltage drops at the coil and so the only way to add amps is to lower the voltage, hence the resistor.
How to read a voltmeter?
Set your voltmeter to a 15 or 20-volt scale. Attach an 18 or 20 AWG jumper wire from the negative coil terminal to an engine ground. Attach positive (red) lead of your voltmeter to the positive side of the coil, and the negative (black) lead to an engine ground. Turn the ignition switch to the run position. Now read the voltage at the positive coil terminal. Turn the ignition switch off. If the voltage measured is approximately 12 volts, no resistance wire is present. A typical resistance wire will provide 9 - 6 volts.
Can you remove a ballast resistor from an ignition?
And, as I wrote earlier, the Pertronix instructions for the Ignitor 1383, which I read myself, clearly states that if the ignition system has a ballast resistor, you should NOT remove it.
Can you add an external resistor to a 1.5 ohm coil?
You add an external resistor to a 1.5 ohm coil you have knocked down the input too far. How does resisting a circuit add amps, not by Ohms law. http://www.the12volt.com/ohm/ohmslawcalculators.asp. If you read the Pertonix instructions it says to keep the resistor but connect your wires to the input side of the resistor which just becomes a 12v junction, no resistance in circuit. http://pertronix.com/support/manuals/pdf/ignitor12vneg.pdf
Does a 12V coil work?
System works on full 12v to the coil, if the coil has the proper primary resistance, as there are no points to burn out.
Can I use a ballast resistor on a Pertronix 60?
I have the Pertronix Ignitor PTX1381A on the shelf, for to be installed in my 60 - that system is recommended NOT to use the ballast resistor.
Can you overload a Pertronix coil?
I think the issue here is the oe coil resistance, you could overload the Pertronix with too much amperage, so on the cautious side they say ( grey area here according to there tech rep) that you " can" leave the resistor in the circuit, the voltage load on our ign systems in the low revving stock engines is such the there is sufficient spark output with the resistor in place. Their billet distributors do not use a resistor with the Flame thrower coils.
Why do you need a resistor on an ignition switch?
I believe the resistor is there to allow a decreased amount of volts to enter the points. This was needed so that the points didn't burn up. Since the Ignitor is simply a switch that needs at least 8 volts to operate, simply check if you have 8 volts or more going to them. If not, then bypass the resistor to give them a full 12 volts or the voltage will not be enough to turn the unit "on."
How many volts does an ignitor need?
Since the Ignitor is simply a switch that needs at least 8 volts to operate, simply check if you have 8 volts or more going to them. If not, then bypass the resistor to give them a full 12 volts or the voltage will not be enough to turn the unit "on.".
Can you use resistor wire on 1.5 ohm coil?
If you have the 1.5 ohm coil you can use the resistor wire. Petronics recommends to use the .6 ohm coil with 12 volts and the Igniter 2 which solved problems that the original set up had. It has a micro processor built in that can actually change dwell. If you have question call Petronics 909-599-5955.
What is a Blaster2 without a resistor?
A Blaster2 without a resistor is like four high-beam headlights burning in your coil can. Actually, not the whole coil, but that little primary winding wire. That puppy will glow white hot at that level, and it's life span will be measured in moments - not to mention points welding and modules going poof.
What wire to use for a coil?
Use original wiring with intact resistor wire (ballast) to coil (+) terminal as-stock.
Why does an engine with ignition on but not running have infinite dwell?
Because the points do not control the coil dwell time , an engine with ignition ON but not running can flow power to the coil for infinite dwell . This will cook the coil without a resistor in-line to reduce the current flow and control the heat produced. Click to expand...
Is the dwell angle fixed on a Pertronix?
The dwell angle in a first-gen Pertronix may be fixed (I assume so, as there is no adjustment)- but the dwell angle on a points distributor is determined by the point gap. My '68 shop manual has a section titled "Dwell Angle Check", and "Dwell Angle Adjustment". (apologies for all the quoting), but: "if the dwell angle was below the specified amount, the breaker point gap is too small." and the converse is true, as well.
Can you run full battery voltage to coil?
You no longer have points. So it seems silly to leave it in place. you CAN expect a bit of performance from running full battery voltage to your coil, instead of through the stock resistor wire.
Can a Pertronix module work on 12V?
No. As you've seen, the Pertronix can function fine on something less than a full 12v. With that said, the original instructions were revised to call for a full 12, because some systems were being installed behind resistors that knocked the voltage down low enough to the point that the module didn't work properly.
Does Pertronix Red wire have to be large?
PS: The new wire to the PerTronix RED wire does not have to be large, as it carries very little power for the module, but must be at full voltage. Use whatever is handy. 18 gauge or heavier is suggested just to avoid handling and use damage to a lighter wire.
