Packard Forum Index » Modification Discussion

hello
so i changed my 53 packard from 6 - 12 volt .
but now wenn i start it the 12volt ignition coil get very hot and then the car gos out and wont start again .
i used three ignition coil already there are all broken now .
wath can the problem be
must i also change the spark wire?s
i changed
battery
ignition coil
altinator
light bulbs all

Sounds like you need a ballast or ignition coil resistor in the wire from ignition switch to the coil. There are different values. For 12v Packards, the Delco coils used 1.4-1.65 ohms and Autolite coils used .66 to .73 ohms. You should be able to find a universal resistor or if you know the brand of coil, the parts place should be able to find the needed value.

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Yep, need a ballast resistor.

EDIT: OR a 12v coil with INTERNAL resistor.

If u fried 3 ignition coils then better check the points. They are probably badly pitted or the spring arm turned blue. Just file the points if they're not too bad. Just check spring arm of points for sufficient tension with your finger.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/12-Volt-Ignition-Coil-Ford-Tractor-540A-545-550-555-6600-INTERNAL-RESISTOR-NEW-/300709209534?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4603aa65be#ht_1527wt_1163 would this one work

Gregor, sorry about your problems, who ever did the conversion to 12-volt should have know an ignition ballast resistor would be required. I don't know what the supply situation is like in Germany but here there is no need to go to the specialty suppliers, most of these are readily available over the counter at better auto parts stores.

As PackardV8 noted, your points are probably cooked also at this point.

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50.000V 1,5Ohm
50.000V 3,3Ohm
wich coil should i get 1,5 ohm or 3,3 ohm

Hi Gregor.
I think 1.5 Ohm is correct.


here is a chart from pertronix for reference.

http://www.pertronix.com/prod/ig/flame/coils/chart.aspx

Well, gregor's car still isn't running for longer than a few seconds at idle....From what I have researched, a 1.5 ohm internal resistor coil is good for a pertronix unit, which can handle up to 8 amps. Gregor still has points, which can handle only 4-5 amps. So, I think an external resistor is ('doch' -german for 'actually') needed. (I'm saying 1.5ohm 100Watt resistor in series before the coil should help keep the coil cool and constant)
The points that are in the car are still light grey in color and not blue, so I think he was cooking ocils faster than burning points.

His 4bbl carb is also in need of some help. The accelerator pump was only sparying about 1 drop per stroke into the primary bores from one nozzle. From what I remember, that accel pump should shoot a nice 'water pistol' like shot per stroke of the gas pedal.

Yesterday the car would start, idle a minute and die when given gas...today the tank will get some more gas, and see if that helps.

it runs and drives
today i took about 1,5 hands full of dirt out of the gas tank