Ballast Resister ???

[60Lark]

I have what some may think is a dumb question - What exactly does the ballast resistor do [?]
I am getting ready to install a new Mallory Unilite distributer and a new Tachometer in the 56 Power Hawk. Do I still need the ballast resistor [?] Any sugestions [?]


Studebaker Fever
60 Lark
51 Champion
Phil
Arnold, Missouri

[JDP]

Depents largely on the coil you are using, some run on 12 volts, some need the resistor to drop it to 8 volts.

JDP/Maryland
63 R2 SuperHawk (Caesar)
spent to date $54,758.75
64 R2 GT (Sid)
spent to date $62,439.30
63 Lark 2 door
54 Starlight
52 Starliner
51 Commander
39 Coupe express
39 Coupe express (rod)

[60Lark]

I also have a new 40,000 volt coil which I will be installing with the new distributer it runs on 12 volts


Studebaker Fever
60 Lark
51 Champion
Phil
Arnold, Missouri

[JDP]

Then you don't need a resistor with that coil.

JDP/Maryland
63 R2 SuperHawk (Caesar)
spent to date $54,758.75
64 R2 GT (Sid)
spent to date $62,439.30
63 Lark 2 door
54 Starlight
52 Starliner
51 Commander
39 Coupe express
39 Coupe express (rod)

[DEEPNHOCK]

The ballast resistor is just a voltage reducer.
Most points will turn blue, overheat, and burn up if a full 12 volts is continuously applied to them.
The primary ignition system (12v) is designed to run at 7 to 7.5 volts during normal operation.
But to enhance starting up, a full 12 volts is applied only when the engine is being cranked, under the theory that the starter motor itself will reduce the system voltage during cranking.
That way the points see about the same voltage most of the time.
If you are running points with a capacitive discharge system, the CD system handles the higher voltages, and the points are merely the low voltage signal switch, so a full 12v should go to the CD system.
The coil is the coil,and unless it has the resistor built into it (which it might...read the label), then a ballast resistor is used.
If you are running an electronic distributor (Mallory), then the coil should have a ballast resistor. Your instruction book should tell you.
If you didn't get one, then go to:

http://www.malloryperformance.com/InstructionSheetsList.aspx?BrandID=6

Hope the info helps...
Jeff[8D]

quote:Originally posted by 60Lark

I have what some may think is a dumb question - What exactly does the ballast resistor do [?]
I am getting ready to install a new Mallory Unilite distributer and a new Tachometer in the 56 Power Hawk. Do I still need the ballast resistor [?] Any sugestions [?]

[60Lark]

John and Jeff, Yes that helps, I did not think the resistor was still necessary with the new ignition/distributer and new coil, but was not sure. Thanks


Studebaker Fever
60 Lark
51 Champion
Phil
Arnold, Missouri

[DEEPNHOCK]

Ouch...
According to Mallory, you need a ballast resistor.

Jeff[8D]

quote:Originally posted by jjones

I have a T-bow/Mallory Unalite system on my 259. I initially ran the #29219 Mallory coil with no resister as recommended by Mallory (through a local speed shop). I burned up two units before going to a 45K coil (Accel #ACC-8140C) and ballest resister. I have had no problems since.
Jeff J

[jjones]

I have a T-bow/Mallory Unalite system on my 259. I initially ran the #29219 Mallory coil with no resister as recommended by Mallory (through a local speed shop). I burned up two units before going to a 45K coil (Accel #ACC-8140C) and ballest resister. I have had no problems since.

Jeff J

[bkz81]

I got the mallory distributor/coil from TBo and did not run a ballast resistor. I was informed not to. The coil he sells does not need one. I beleive that it is in the coil. All I was told is do not mount the coil upside down or it could explode.

[jjones]

Thanks Jeff R. Printed your Unalite dist. blurb and took it to my local speed shop to ***** a bit (couldn't ***** too much as they warrantied the last unit, as they should given the amount of money I have spent there over the last 40 years). Turns out the Mallory 29219 coil has a built in ballest resister and is recommended for use on the Unalite distributer without an external resister. They showed me the Mallory poop sheet. Checked the primary resistance on the Mallory coil--4.9 ohms when it should be 1.4. That ain't good. Looks like the coil itself was the problem, not the lack of a ballast resister. In any case, I am going to stick with the Accel coil with an external ballast resister but bkz81, I am sure if T-Bow says your coil doesn't need an external resister, it doesn't.

Jeff J