Ballast resistor in 68 BB?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 263
Likes: 1
From: 20,000 leagues under the sea
Ballast resistor in 68 BB?
While replacing the engine harness on my 68 BB I ran across a ballast resistor that was wired in between the starter solenoid and the coil. It was just hanging behind the head, not mounted to anything. I don't see any mention of a ballast resistor in the AIM or anywhere else for a 68. Is it supposed to be there, and if so, where was it mounted?
Thanks for any help.
Dave :smash:
Thanks for any help.
Dave :smash:
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,131
Likes: 4
From: May help you? You can sure as hell try!
Re: Ballast resistor in 68 BB? (68raggtop)
The original engine harness has a resistor wire in it that serves as a ballast resistor. Bubba probably fried that one and used a regular wire along with a ballast resistor. At least he knew enough to install a ballast resistor at all. Your replacement harness should have the resistor wire as part of it already.
The resistance between the firewall connector and where the harness connects to the coil should be about 1-1.5 Ohms.
The resistance between the firewall connector and where the harness connects to the coil should be about 1-1.5 Ohms.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 271
Likes: 0
From: St Louis MO
Re: Ballast resistor in 68 BB? (68rdstr)
I think the 68 was supposed to have a ballast "wire". These are usually tinned and easy to ID. It was obvious on mine that there was some rewiring done. A ballast resistor was added. You do need a ballast resistor or wire for the points ignition.
BTW, there should also be a bypass wire to the starter sloenoid that provides a full 12V (bypasses the resistor) when cranking. This may be connected to the output of your resistor or directly to the coil.
Gary
BTW, there should also be a bypass wire to the starter sloenoid that provides a full 12V (bypasses the resistor) when cranking. This may be connected to the output of your resistor or directly to the coil.
Gary
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 263
Likes: 1
From: 20,000 leagues under the sea
Re: Ballast resistor in 68 BB? (LemansBlue68)
That makes sense now. Bubba did work on that harness. The wire from the solenoid to the coil changed wire color/size 3 times before the resistor and a 4th from it to the coil. I feel much better now with the new harness! :thumbs:
Thanks again,
Dave
Thanks again,
Dave
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 263
Likes: 1
From: 20,000 leagues under the sea
Re: Ballast resistor in 68 BB? (Garys '68)
BTW, there should also be a bypass wire to the starter sloenoid that provides a full 12V (bypasses the resistor) when cranking. This may be connected to the output of your resistor or directly to the coil.
Gary
Gary
Racer
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 271
Likes: 0
From: St Louis MO
Re: Ballast resistor in 68 BB? (68raggtop)
Sure, that's how EVERYONE does it!
BTW, confirm there is a resistor wire in the harness. Later years used the external resistor I think. And it's not unusual to get a generic parts that work on "most" years.
Gary
BTW, confirm there is a resistor wire in the harness. Later years used the external resistor I think. And it's not unusual to get a generic parts that work on "most" years.
Gary
That makes sense now. Bubba did work on that harness. The wire from the solenoid to the coil changed wire color/size 3 times before the resistor and a 4th from it to the coil. I feel much better now with the new harness! :thumbs:
Thanks again,
Dave
Thanks again,
Dave
