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Where is the ballast resistor?

Posted: Thu Dec 17, 2009 8:52 pm
by McCall Pinz
I admit I haven't traced all the wires, but can someone point me to the ballast resistor? I haven't found anything that looks like the picture on SAV. Also what's the electrical "box" in the engine compartment mounted basically under the driver's seat?

ballast resistor

Posted: Thu Dec 17, 2009 9:25 pm
by krick3tt
I thought the ballast resistor was the little round thing (about 2 inches) mounted in the front of the steering wheel on the front of the sheet metal. Hard to see unless you are on your back looking up behind the dash panel. I bought a spare in the event it ever went out on the road.

Posted: Thu Dec 17, 2009 11:19 pm
by pcolette
I think the "box" you may be referring to is the Battery Switch Relay #7111850380.

Here's a shot of the ballast resistor (arrow).

Image

With all wiring in place and the dash panel installed it's almost impossible to see.

Image

Paul

Posted: Fri Dec 18, 2009 10:53 am
by McCall Pinz
Perfect. Thank you very much!!! I was crawling around underneath the truck looking around the engine compartment.

Posted: Fri Dec 18, 2009 12:16 pm
by David Dunn
OMG....Someone stole the one out of the Pink Cow!
:lol:

Posted: Fri Dec 18, 2009 8:28 pm
by totaljoint
Ok, I'll show my ignorance. What does the ballast resistor do, and what happens when it goes bad?

Posted: Fri Dec 18, 2009 10:18 pm
by Erik712m
totaljoint wrote:Ok, I'll show my ignorance. What does the ballast resistor do, and what happens when it goes bad?
Long story short. It reduces the voltage and increases life
expectancy of the points.

ballast resistor

Posted: Fri Dec 18, 2009 10:46 pm
by krick3tt
How does that work if the stock setup has been changed to Petronix?

Re: ballast resistor

Posted: Sat Dec 19, 2009 8:50 am
by Erik712m
krick3tt wrote:How does that work if the stock setup has been changed to Petronix?
Out of the manufacture install directions.
12. If converting from a point type ignition, remove any resistance wire, or
ballast resistor that may have been previously used.
If a resistance wire is present:replace the wire with a 12-gauge copper
stranded wire.Most resistance wires begin at the engine compartment
side of the
fuse block.
If a ballast resistor is present:remove the wires attached to both sides
of the resistor.Connect all of the wires removed together at a single
point.Isolate the connection from any grounds.
Plug the Ignition switch wire into the position marked BAT on the
distributor cap.
I have a filling we don't remove as we have a 24V system and not 12VDC

Posted: Sat Dec 19, 2009 3:20 pm
by David Dunn
Erik, remove that quote! Taking one step of an instruction and quoting it is useless, especially when it is not Pinz specific.

Coils are designed for a specfic voltage to operate at ( several volts lower than the vehicle's system). This operating voltage gives the best general operation of the ignition system. This keeps the coil at a"cooler" temps, and avoids it from breaking down (most noticeable where ballast resistors have failed or removed, and cars are difficult or impossible to restart when hot). To give the spark plugs a "boost" on starting, there is a bypass of the ballast resistor( full vehicle voltage) that gives the coil a hotter spark to start the engine easier and quicker. Once you release the starter button or key, the ballast resistor again lowers the voltage to the coil.



The ballast resistor is a "trade off" of long life of the coil and ignition parts and "hottest spark". Much the same as rpm limitors, determine where the max rpms should be to gaurentee a longer engine life.
Pertronix is simply an electronic form of points, and no mechanical contacts to open and close. BUT, the Pertronix to subject to overvoltage , and can fail ( look at electrical switches, they are rated for max voltage and amperage). Though the Pinz has a 24v system, the alternator can produce in excess of 32v if the voltage regulater fails, and blow out "voltage sensitive" electronic devices.

Re: Where is the ballast resistor?

Posted: Fri Feb 22, 2013 3:34 am
by bonefish635
If I keep blowing up the ignitor when trying to install civilian ignition, is it the ballast resistor I need to replace? Engine runs like a champ for a few minutes then ignitor fails. I've been through two now, and have followed EI's instructions to the letter.

Any help appreciated. This is getting expensive.

Tony

Re: Where is the ballast resistor?

Posted: Fri Feb 22, 2013 9:44 am
by David Dunn
Have you checked your voltage at a high rpm? Read the last lines of my last post.
Checking voltage at idle doesn't tell you anything what you're producing at speed.

Re: Where is the ballast resistor?

Posted: Fri Feb 22, 2013 11:45 am
by ExpeditionImports
No Ballast Resistor = Blown Pertronix/Coil

No Read Instructions on Install and Voltage Check = Possible Blown Petronix/Coil

These components DO NOT HANDLE OVERVOLTAGE. Your Ballast Resistor Reduces the charging voltage approximately 4-5 Volts, which puts it into an acceptable range for the Ignitor/Coil.

Anyone that installs a Pertronix without setting the timing FAILS.

Anyone that installs a Pertronix without Checking the Voltage at HIGH RPM FAILS.

I speak on the phone with a Lot of Failures. DO Not bother calling me to troubleshoot your install problems and then tell me you haven't timed the vehicle, or checked the voltage. It is a waste of everyones time, and to be honest is getting a little bit old.

http://www.expedition-imports.com/categ ... x_install/

http://www.expedition-imports.com/categ ... eshooting/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDLSsHl9baY - Video of Voltage Check on 404, SAME EXACT IGNITION SYSTEM AS PINZGAUER......

Cheers,

Scott

Re: Where is the ballast resistor?

Posted: Fri Feb 22, 2013 12:14 pm
by edzz
Scott’s post would be a good sticky in the electrical. 8)

Thanks for posting that info Scott. :D

Re: Where is the ballast resistor?

Posted: Fri Feb 22, 2013 3:01 pm
by bonefish635
deleted.