Ballast Resistor?

[ericcarr2000]

Ok, i have one question. As I stated in my other thread, i converted my points style system over to electronic, and my mechanical fuel pump over to electric on my 3.7 mercruiser. Once i got this done, i had found out that when i took it out that the coil had fried. My question is this, would it be to my advantage to install a ballast resistor on it? Im thinking that if i did that maybe it wont fry the stinking coil as much...What you think???

 

[Don S]

Re: Ballast Resistor?

The ballast resistor protects the points, not the coil.

What's the system voltage when the engine is running? Do you still have the OEM charging system?

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Ballast Resistor?

I would suggest something like the Petronix Flamethrower II coil, runs on full 12V no ballast needed, nice hot spark. That is what I have on my 470.

 

[ericcarr2000]

Re: Ballast Resistor?

Hi Don, not sure of the voltage as of yet, ill have to check that one. I converted the old style stator system over to the aftermarket alternator..

The ballast resistor protects the points, not the coil.

What's the system voltage when the engine is running? Do you still have the OEM charging system?

 

[ericcarr2000]

Re: Ballast Resistor?

Hi Terry. Did you convert the ignition over to electronic also?

I would suggest something like the Petronix Flamethrower II coil, runs on full 12V no ballast needed, nice hot spark. That is what I have on my 470.

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Ballast Resistor?

Petronix Ignitor II (91146A) Works really nice. Had the distributor rebuilt (new bushings, and advance springs) when I made the conversion.

 

[ericcarr2000]

Re: Ballast Resistor?

Thats exactly what i have, even down to the part number. So far i love it.....

Petronix Ignitor II (91146A) Works really nice. Had the distributor rebuilt (new bushings, and advance springs) when I made the conversion.

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Ballast Resistor?

You would want the Flame thrower II #45011 oil filled or #45111 epoxy filled recommended for marine. To instal, replace the purple resistance wire that goes to the choke with a piece of stranded insulated wire. Splice it into the wire going to the choke, that will give you a full 12V to the coil+. Your coil worries should be over.

 

[ericcarr2000]

Re: Ballast Resistor?

I assume i splice it as close as i can to the choke assembly?

You would want the Flame thrower II #45011 oil filled or #45111 epoxy filled recommended for marine. To instal, replace the purple resistance wire that goes to the choke with a piece of stranded insulated wire. Splice it into the wire going to the choke, that will give you a full 12V to the coil+. Your coil worries should be over.

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Ballast Resistor?

Yeah right up near where the connector for resistor wire is. There should be two purple wires (as I recall), one is 12V from the ignition the other is the resistor wire, splice into the 12V, solder it if you can. If you can get a good solder connection, coat with a couple layers of liquid tape. I left my resistor wire in place, just removed it from the coil rolled it up and taped off the end.

 

[ericcarr2000]

Re: Ballast Resistor?

How do i check to make sure i have the right wire?

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Ballast Resistor?

There should be two purple wires going into the connector at the choke. If you look closely one is slightly different color than the other. Match the purple wire on the coil to the one on the connector. That is the resistor wire. Also look at the wiring harness the purple wire from the ignition switch is the one you want. When you expose the wire for the splice make sure the voltage with the switch on is the same as battery voltage.