Re: Ballast Resistor for 6 volt system

[Tom and Amanda Lang <rustnrot@domain.elided>]

>Date: Thu, 5 Feb 1998 21:23:04 -0700 (MST)
>From: Jesse van Herk <vanherk@domain.elided>
>Subject: ballast resistor
>
>Read a couple of digests ago about someone's ballast resistor in their
>scout. This got me thinking: why don't I have one in my 1940 K2?
>Obviously I forgot to put one in when I rewired the thing. Don't laugh,
>I'm new at this and it runs without one. Anyway, I need info on what to
>put in.
>It's still a 6V system, charges fine, yada yada. Where could I find a
>ballast resistor that would work, and where should I put it in the wiring
>harness? After the starter obviously, before the coil.
>Or am I totally confused about the whole thing and don't really need
>one?
>
>I'm not sure Jesse, but I think with a 6 volt system you don't need one.  The
>idea behind the ignition resister in a 12 volt system is to reduce the
voltage
>that passes through the distributor's breaker points to prolong their life by
>reducing arcing and burning.  With a 6 volt system, the voltage is already
low
>to begin with so I'd think it's not an issue.  If you're points have been
>lasting a reasonable amount of time, forget about it.
>
>Take care,
>
>John
>
>Anyone else care to comment?

On our Chris-Crafts with 6 volt systems, there is no ballast resistor.  The
coil is same as used in a car application.  Methinks not needed with 6 volt
system.  The resistor is designed to lower the voltage to the coil to about
9 volts on a 12 volt coil, I've been told and/or read.  I don't think
anything less than a nominal 6 volts across your points would be good.  I'd
look at an old Motor manual to be sure, but in the meantime, and even if I
never *did* get around to checking, I would not worry.

Tom Lang