The ballast resistor is actually to reduce the voltage during driving. The
car starts on 12 volts through a bypass circuit, then when the key is moved
to the "run" position, the car runs on 6 volts (or close to it). This
reduction in voltage reduces the spark in the points and keeps them from
pitting as quickly.
Voltage is what allows a spark to jump. Think of static electricity in the
winter. A person can easily generate 20,000 to 50,000 volts in a visible
spark. Fortunately the current is extremely low so we don't fry.
Jon
'53
-----Original Message-----
From: john dorsey [SMTP:jrdorsey@strato.net]
Sent: Thursday, January 07, 1904 8:56 PM
Cc: oletrucks@autox.team.net
Subject: Re: [oletrucks] 6V- 12V
Tom,
Usually the resistor goes between the switch and the coil. It's actually
to reduce amperage to the coil at low speeds to prevent overheating it.
Its a variable resistor, as the amperage through it goes up the
resistance goes up, reducing the amps to the coil.
--
John Dorsey
Wauchula, FL
'49 Chevy Panel http://www.strato.net/~jrdorsey/truck.htm
'52 GMC Firetruck http://www.strato.net/~jrdorsey/fire/fire.htm
'51 Chevy suburban http://www.strato.net/~jrdorsey/burb/
Tom3600@webtv.net wrote:
>
> I am switching my 216 from 6 volt (actually 8 volt batt.) to 12 volts.
> I have decided to go with a 12V batt., 12V generator, 12V regulator, 12V
> coil, 12V bulbs etc. My question is where does the ignition ballast
> resister go? One source says between ignition switch and coil.....but
> another source says between coil and distributor I thought it was to
> reduce the voltage to the points but where is it supposed to go?
>
> Thanks again for the help,
> Tom
>
> Tom Poterack
> Moline, IL.
> '49 Chevy 3600
> http://www.chevytrucks.org/users/wayne/tom49.jpg
> http://www.chevytrucks.org/users/wayne/tomsdrawing.jpg
>
> oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
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