1955 Auto Lite Ballast Resistor

Posted by JWL On 2012/4/10 10:56:06

What should the voltage drop be with the ignition switch on, but not cranking? I get full battery voltage on both terminals. Also, with the resistor disconnected I cannot detect any resistance on my meter. The service manual says the AL resistor should have .665-.735 ohms. I cannot find a reference to what the voltage reduction should be, but think it should have 12-V on switchs side and 7-8 on coil side.

I am thinking the ballast resistor has shorted and lets full voltage go to the coil and points, probably shortening their lives considerably. The points look badly burned and are relatively new with less than a couple of hundred miles on them. The car has sat for a few months without running and the points may have oxidized.

Thanks in advance.

(o[]o)