Needing help ballast resistance.

[OMCEd]

My 89 OMC 2.3L (232BPRMEF) Has the original ignition system removed. I have a new Mallory Distributor with electronic ignition and a new Mallory coil to install. I also have an inline ballast resistor to install per specs.
My OMC service manual DOES NOT show a ballast resistor in line. If my voltage on my ignition wire at the coil reads 12V I must install the new ballast resistor correct? If it reads 9V there must already be one installed in the line? Is this the correct test to let me know about the ballast resistance. My new coil does not have built in resistor.
New coil-
http://performanceparts.com/part.php?partID=48407

Thanks so much for the help. Ed

 

[Ned L]

Re: Needing help ballast resistance.

I would say you are correct. Something to keep in mind is that you might not see a physical ballast resistor in the system. It is possible to use resistor wire to the coil, so the wire itself drops the voltage without a separate resistor.

 

[cooter2506]

Re: Needing help ballast resistance.

Are these parts Coast Guard Approved for being used legally in a boat?

 

[gbeltran]

Re: Needing help ballast resistance.

I would install the inline ballast resistor and then check the voltage. Even if it had a resistance wire in the harness from the factory, which if it had points igintion it would have, after 20 years you would most likely see 12 volts at the coil, that's been my experience anyway, with old boats and old cars.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Needing help ballast resistance.

If my voltage on my ignition wire at the coil reads 12V I must install the new ballast resistor correct? If it reads 9V there must already be one installed in the line?

Since you don't have points anymore, you won't get the 9V with the engine not running. You can start the engine and then measure the voltage.

Just for your info, even with points, you would still measure 12V at the coil with the points open. You are verifying you have a voltage drop across the resistor and in order for that to happen, there must be current flowing through the coil and that only happens when the points are closed.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Needing help ballast resistance.

Are these parts Coast Guard Approved for being used legally in a boat?

Doesn't matter with coils.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Needing help ballast resistance.

If you do that, you miss out on the starter being able to boost the voltage to the coil during start when your voltage is lower.