Re: ballast resistor

[jlandry@domain.elided (John A. Landry)]

Jesse van Herk <vanherk@domain.elided> scribbled in the sand:

>  Read a couple of digests ago about someone's ballast resistor in their
>scout. This got me thinking: why don't I have one in my 1940 K2?
>  Obviously I forgot to put one in when I rewired the thing. Don't laugh,
>I'm new at this and it runs without one. Anyway, I need info on what to
>put in.
>  It's still a 6V system, charges fine, yada yada. Where could I find a
>ballast resistor that would work, and where should I put it in the wiring
>harness? After the starter obviously, before the coil.
>  Or am I totally confused about the whole thing and don't really need
>one?

I'm not sure Jesse, but I think with a 6 volt system you don't need one.  The
idea behind the ignition resister in a 12 volt system is to reduce the voltage
that passes through the distributor's breaker points to prolong their life by
reducing arcing and burning.  With a 6 volt system, the voltage is already low
to begin with so I'd think it's not an issue.  If you're points have been
lasting a reasonable amount of time, forget about it.

Take care,

John

Anyone else care to comment?
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