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Ballast Resistor in CJ3a?

Discussion in 'Flat Fender Tech' started by DanStew, Aug 19, 2008.

  1. Aug 19, 2008
    DanStew

    DanStew Preowned Merkin salesman Staff Member

    Lexington, South...
    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2002
    Messages:
    4,585
    I am thinknig there should be one between the ignition siwtch and coil, but there is not one on my jeep. I cant find one available on online catalogs so i am not sure if there "is" one from the factory. So how long till i fry my coil?
     
    DanStew, Aug 19, 2008
    #1
  2. Aug 19, 2008
    w3srl

    w3srl All-around swell dude Staff Member

    Port Orange, FL
    Joined:
    Nov 6, 2002
    Messages:
    4,275
    It depends Dan. Some coils have an internal resistor in them, and should be marked "no resistor needed" or somesuch. If it doesn't have any markings on it, or they've been painted over I would feel the coil to see if it is heating up while running. The other dead giveaway is if you fry points at frequent intervals.
     
    w3srl, Aug 19, 2008
    #2
  3. Aug 19, 2008
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Tantallon, Nova...
    Joined:
    Nov 22, 2003
    Messages:
    8,126
    The 6 volt electrical system coils didn't need a resister. When 12volts came along as an option those vehicles used a coil with an internal resister (probably to keep the same wiring harness between the 6 & 12 volt vehicles)

    For 12 volt conversions either an internal or external coil can be used but one way or the other there has to be a resister in there somewhere.

    H
     
    Howard Eisenhauer, Aug 19, 2008
    #3
  4. Aug 19, 2008
    LarryD

    LarryD Member

    Gallup NM/ 4 Corners
    Joined:
    Jul 7, 2006
    Messages:
    637
    If your coil is 12 volt you can check it with a volt meter. with the feed wire to the positive terminal on the coil with the switch on you should have 12 volts. Now check the negative terminal with the points closed. If you have 12 volts you need a ballast resistor. If you have around 8 volts no ballast resistor needed.
     
    LarryD, Aug 19, 2008
    #4
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