LUVTruck.com

I'm trying to find some documentation that explains the purpose of a ballast resistor in a points-style ignition.

I know what it does and why, but I'm having trouble convincing my dad. I found out that he has been taking the ballast resistors off all his vehicles. I've tried to explain to him why you need one but his excuse is, "it works fine without it, what good is it?"

I'm thinking that if I show him some information about it from a reputable source that he'll change his mind. I've spent some time on google looking for an explanation I can print out and show him but I haven't found anything.

doesnt it work like a fues?

No, it works like a resistor.

When hooked in series with an ignition coil it reduces the voltage to the coil. It's been a while since I've checked, but I think the voltage drops to like 7 or 8. With a points-style system you don't want the full 12 volts going to your coil all the time. It's not necessary, and will just overheat your coil and shorten the life of your points.

I think you just answered your question. Without it the coil will go out, and points, plugs, cap and rotor will all wear out faster.

I remember a while back I found that an old wisconsin two cylinder had a 6 volt coil the hard way. The motor was on an old baler. The starter was 12 volt, but the coil had not been converted. It ran great for a while, and then I heard a bang and it shut down. A couple seconds later, the top of the coil (wire still attached) lands on the ground in front of me. It had gotten so hot it built up pressure inside and exploded. I bet if everyone here looked at their LUVs, you'd find a fair number of people would report a strange dark stain or gunk stuck to the hood right over the coil.

Well, the problem is not how it works or why. I'm just looking for proof somewhere because my dad doesn't believe me.

I don't know if you still need the info or not. If you do, all you need to do is take him to a parts store and have them pull a replacement coil off the shelf. The package will have a disclaimer on it along with the reason that a ballast resistor is needed. Hope this helps.

Thanks for the tip, I'll try that one when he blows up his coil.

Well you answered something that happend to me many years ago with a blow coil. Yes I did remove the ballast because I broke it while trail riding and just bypassed it. Since it ran I never replaced it. Oh yea, the dark stain? I know where it came from and it wasn't the coil!!
Rick

Ben,

Did you get my email with the pics attached to it?
thanks
Zane