Where is everyone #5

So what was the resistor thing that I think mopar had on the fire wall? Was it the same thing or did they have a condenser too?

 

Ballast resistor. Limit amps when engine is running. If I recall correct. But 26 years ago I learned how to use the Sun distributor dyno/tuner.

 

That’s it

 

I once found one wired to the ground and one to positive side. I still think about that, and wonder why someone did it. I was in HS and still ponder that.

 

The mopar electronics had this thing what looked like cooling fins with a round button thing in the middle. I learned do NOT stick your thumb to that…..for #### sure don’t stick your weiner to it. Course I’m the time frame of learning not to stick my thumb on it it was believed I’d stick my weiner anywhere which wasn’t totally accurate

 

Case dealer a couple hours away sold out recently. Kicking myself for not making the trip up there to try and buy one of the statues they had

 

The ballast resistor was to drop the input voltage to the coil to about 10 or 11 volts to ensure longevity of the system.
In most cases the ballast resistor was bypassed during starting.

 

Ballast resistor. 6 volt system didn’t have them. 12 volt used them to cut the 12 volts down to 6 to 8 volts before the power went into the coil to protect the coil as well as the points.

Lot of the old vintage tractors with 6 volt system we ran a 8 volt battery, better cranking without damaging the electrical components.

The little Case you probably seen when you were here is 6 volt but I use a 12 volt battery even with the 6 volt starter, but have a ballast resistor on it…

 

Yea that would have been cool to own one

An original is worth some $$, they were cast iron. Others look original but are concrete if memory serves me…

 

In a sense it’s a magneto, makes its own electrical current, no battery needed. Usually not to much goes wrong with them except points or condenser for the most part….