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By 55 GLASS TOP - 8 Years Ago
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Hello can someone explain to me why I need a ballast resistor for my 1956 climb sedan . I understand it is 12 volts . What does the resistor do thanks .
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By ian57tbird - 8 Years Ago
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If you have the correct coil it is designed to run at about 9v and a drop in voltage to achieve that is created by the resistor. There is a voltage drop when cranking the starter motor so your solenoid bypasses the resistor to give maximum voltage for starting to compensate for that volt drop. If you had a coil that ran on 12v and no resistor, when you cranked the engine the voltage would drop which would result in a weaker than ideal spark for starting.
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By Oldmics1 - 8 Years Ago
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Prolongs the life span of the points.
Oldmics
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By Shaggy - 8 Years Ago
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Basically resistor drops voltage to 9 volts so it doesnt fry points. This is where a voltage tester comes in if you dont have the numbers on your coil resistance. Basically measure the resistance of the resistor measured in ohms and your coil and add them togather. This should be around 3.
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By ian57tbird - 8 Years Ago
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The primary purpose of a resistor ignition system is to give a better spark for starting. The burning of points as a result of not using a resistor with a coil designed to have one is not the reason for the resistor.
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