how do i locate the ballast resister

[tb506]

I'm installing pertronix ignition in volvo aq151. Diagram indicates i should connect red lead from module to ignition lead before ballast resistor to coil. How do i locate the ballast resistor going to the coil. The only resistor i see is on the alternator.

 

[Boatin Bob]

Re: how do i locate the ballast resister

That's most likely it, if you can follow that wire from the resistor it should go right to the coil, this is active when the engine is running, not when starting. Your electronic ignition needs the full 12 volts when running that's why they want you to bypass the resistor.

 

[Don S]

Re: how do i locate the ballast resister

The resistor on the alternator, is NOT a ballast resistor and has nothing to do with the ignition.
You probably don't have one on your engine. Volvo used a coil with an internal resistor on many of the 4 cyl engines with the timing belt. (aka Rubber band engines)

 

[tb506]

Re: how do i locate the ballast resister

That's most likely it, if you can follow that wire from the resistor it should go right to the coil, this is active when the engine is running, not when starting. Your electronic ignition needs the full 12 volts when running that's why they want you to bypass the resistor.

 

[Don S]

Re: how do i locate the ballast resister

That's most likely it, if you can follow that wire from the resistor it should go right to the coil, this is active when the engine is running, not when starting. Your electronic ignition needs the full 12 volts when running that's why they want you to bypass the resistor.

Pertronix usually wants people to hook up to the ballast resistor, not bypass it. If bypassed it will burn up the Pertronix unit. You need to check the wire to the + side of the coil to determine if is a resistor wire or not. Volvo didn't use them, but I have seen those engines with home brew ignition systems.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: how do i locate the ballast resister


Ignitor™ COMMON QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Q. How to correct a low voltage problem?
A. [colour=red]First, if you have an external ballast resistor, connect the red Ignitor™ wire to the ignition wire
prior to the ballast resistor.[/colour] Second, if you do not have a ballast resistor you must locate a 12-
volt source that is controlled by the ignition switch to connect the red Ignitor™ wire to.

 

[Boatin Bob]

Re: how do i locate the ballast resister

Thanks Don...didn't realize they had a built in resistor in the coil, so he should be able to run the ignition from the same 12v then I guess?