Ballast Resistor

[Aberdumbie]

Been chasing electrical gremlins in my 71 before I change out the harness. Have original points/ignition and have changed and upgraded distributor, coil, voltage regulator and ballast resistor. The new resistor gets extremely hot to the touch shortly after starting. I don't remember that being the case before. Like I said I am chasing an electrical gremlin and don't know if this super hot ballast resistor might be a clue. Do these things usually get very hot?

 

[Scooby67]

A ballast resistor reduces the "incoming voltage" to a lower voltage by turning that current into heat. It will normally get hot.

 

[Aberdumbie]

And that makes absolutely perfect sense. Much appreciated

 

[nm9stheham]

Weeellll, maybe, maybe not. The coil resistance has a lot to do with the ballast heat and there are a couple of resistor types and thta makes a difference. Also, the dwell adjustment effects the ballast heat too for a points system.

You need to let everyone know what coil you now have; some coisl have lower resistance and will heat the ballast more. And any info on the ballast.

Also, are you testing this with the engine running? If testing with the ignition in RUN but the motor not running, the points can be closed and pulling current constantly, which will cause excess heating.

 

[Aberdumbie]

It was an accel super stock 12 volt coil. The ballast resistor was a shelf part at Advaced Auto..... I think I am getting random voltage irregularities from the ignition switch. She has put me down twice in the last three weeks. The engine mimics jumped timing. Thing is I just rebuilt the entire top end to include the timing. The interruption seems to immediately follow turning on another electrical component.. Stereo, headlights.... Have replaced two distributors and not recently all the regulator, coil, ballast resistor. I am a nuts and bolts guy and admittedly struggle with electrical issues. And this one is challenging my Christian demeanor!

 

[mopar 3 B]

You say the distributor has been upgraded and replaced twice. Upgraded to what?