New Ballast Resistor smoking for some reason

[Dave Pratt]

I just replaced my ballast resistor and voltage regulator on my 383 70 Roadrunner but when I went to inspect both items after starting it up the ballast resistor started to smoke...wtf did I do wrong?...it was a simple replacement of new parts for old...

 

[trimmer]

It has been my experience that new resisters smoke when first installed. Resisters limit the flow of electrical current to reduce the voltage and with this restriction generate heat and will burn you when you touch them. Usually there is some sort of coating on the resistance wires (looks like springs) that will burn off on the first few initial uses. That burns off and the smoking will normally stop in a short period of time. I think you have no problem after that if it still runs when the smoking quits your problem should be solved. I hope this helps...Bill.

 

[NHCharger]

I agree. When I converted my Chargers to electronic ignition which included a new ballast resistor the instruction stated that the new B/R would smoke for a minute.

 

[Grabinov911]

I agree. When I converted my Chargers to electronic ignition which included a new ballast resistor the instruction stated that the new B/R would smoke for a minute.

x2. Believe it or not, they smoke at first. The instructions from Mopar for conversion to an electronic ignition actually tell you that it will smoke upon startup the first few minutes. Imagine a factory manual that says : Smoke is normal...

 

[Dave Pratt]

Guys thanks for the info and yup...ran it good for about 20 minutes and no more smoke...I thought I messed up somewhere but whew...good thing I have a couple of them