Re: Ignition question (Stupid Me)??

[Tom Jennings <tomj@xxxxxxx>]

On Tue, 31 May 2005 acskln@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx wrote:

> I have a 68 AMX 390 4spd, does my AMX need a ballast resistor? Where should be be located in the system? I currently have a Mallory brand next to my coil. I'm still learning this stuff. I also had a condenser go bad last week and that is the second in 18 months.

No ballast when you need one could possibly eat condensers; it
would load the coil up with too much energy. I would think it
would eat points too (excessive current).

You should be able to check with a voltmeter if there's a ballast
or not...  the resistance is between the battery (via ignition
switch) and "+" on the coil.

* Engine not running.
* Key to ON.
* Measure voltage coil "+" to chassis ground.

If the voltage is the same as the battery, there's no ballast. Add
one!

If the voltage is a few volts less (10? 9? 8?) than the battery
there is a ballast in place.