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rotorwrench · 10-13-2021, 07:42 AM

Most ballast type resistors have either a ceramic outer protective cover or some form of metal shield like the original 1936 type. I don't know if the OPs system is original or not.

The original type was 0.8-ohms if I remember correctly and it was matched to the OEM Mallory design coils used in those years. Use one of this type if all is original and make sure it is insulated from any grounds. The originals were mounted to a small circuit board that included a fuse mount.

If the distributor has been converted to use the can type coil then no resistor would be required if the coil is set up for 6-volts (1.5-ohm). If it's set up for 12-volts the it would need a 3-ohm primary coil for 12-volt or it would need a 1.3 to 1.5-ohm external ballast for a 1.5-ohm coil.

10-13-2021, 07:42 AM	#8
rotorwrench Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 16,440	Re: Resistor installation Most ballast type resistors have either a ceramic outer protective cover or some form of metal shield like the original 1936 type. I don't know if the OPs system is original or not. The original type was 0.8-ohms if I remember correctly and it was matched to the OEM Mallory design coils used in those years. Use one of this type if all is original and make sure it is insulated from any grounds. The originals were mounted to a small circuit board that included a fuse mount. If the distributor has been converted to use the can type coil then no resistor would be required if the coil is set up for 6-volts (1.5-ohm). If it's set up for 12-volts the it would need a 3-ohm primary coil for 12-volt or it would need a 1.3 to 1.5-ohm external ballast for a 1.5-ohm coil.