ballast resistor

[1930artdeco]

How do I find out if I have one/need one for a 12 v coil on my 57? Is there someplace I should look for it, if it in the engine compartment?


Thanks,

Mike

 

[KULTULZ]

It all depends on the system being used. If OEM w/ points, it will usually require a resistor. Usually there is a decal on the coil itself saying whether to use an external resistor or it has an internal resistor.

Now if you install an aftermarket IGN, or a later FORD SOLID STATE/DS-II, you plumb as the OEM system was wired unless you substitute non-OEM component(s). Aftermarket (PERTRONIX) you follow their instructions, etc.

If your IGN SYS is 1957 OEM, a resistor is required.

 

[1930artdeco]

Right now it is original and the parts guy is asking if I want a coil with or without a resistor built in. I don’t know what the car came with which is why I am asking if it is original where would the resistor be located? Firewall, fender, coil/dist area?

Mike

 

[dmsfrr]

Right now it is original and the parts guy is asking if I want a coil with or without a resistor built in. I don’t know what the car came with which is why I am asking if it is original where would the resistor be located? Firewall, fender, coil/dist area?
Mike

In '57 the original coil would have been the 'External Resistor' style.

On a sedan I'm not sure if the needed original ballast resistor would have been mounted to the firewall or on the intake manifold next to the coil. There were a couple different styles.

 

[Crankster]

After this many years and possible mods or deletions a better course in my opinion would be simply to measure the total ohms resistance from end to end in the primary ignition circuit. In a '57 points equipped ignition this would have included a 1.4ish ohm ignition coil and a 1.4ish ohm ballast resistor for a total of about 3 ohms, this figure limits the total voltage/current the primary circuit so stuff doesn't burn up. Somewhere in there FORD incorporated the ballast as part of the wiring harness from the ignition switch under the firewall. Pink in color, marked "Do not splice or cut".

Remember the ballast is always switched out of the circuit during key engine START via the solenoid so as to provide a hotter spark, then when key is released to engine RUN the ballast it is switched in. Always measure, don't guess!

 

[dmsfrr]

... Somewhere in there FORD incorporated the ballast as part of the wiring harness from the ignition switch under the firewall. Pink in color, marked "Do not splice or cut".

Remember the ballast is always switched out of the circuit during key engine START via the solenoid so as to provide a hotter spark, then when key is released to engine RUN the ballast it is switched in. ...

Looking at these first two wiring diagrams it seems Ford changed from a ceramic ballast resistor to the pink resistor wire between '59 and '60.

1930 artdeco aka Mike, you can go either way as long as it's wired correctly... depending on if you want to keep it original or use the later version parts.

You could also use the Internal Resistor style coil and wire the ignition without the extra resistor inline. But that won't give the benefit of a hotter spark during cranking.

1959
http://www.oldcarmanualproject.com/tOCMP/wiring/5765wiring%20diagrams/Ford/MWire5765-200.jpg

1960
http://www.oldcarmanualproject.com/tOCMP/wiring/5765wiring diagrams/Ford/MWire5765-203.jpg


1957
http://www.oldcarmanualproject.com/tOCMP/wiring/5765wiring diagrams/Ford/MWire5765-195.jpg
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[1930artdeco]

Cool thanks guys. I just wanted to make sure I got the correct coil and I need to find where the resistor is anyways. As soon as I can get her back on her wheels I am going to hose out the engine bay so I can actually find things. Eventually I will rewire the whole car with a stock harness as I don't need anything fancy other than maybe a circuit to charge the phones.

Mike

 

[paul2748]

On the Birds, the resisitor was mounted on one of the bolts hold the coil to the intake, right near the distributor. Original looked like this. I assume the sedans used the same one.

 

[KULTULZ]

I assume the sedans used the same one.

The 57 FORD and BIRD used the same mounting -

 

[1930artdeco]

Cool, thanks guys, my engine did not come with a coil or resistor but now I know where to bolt it up.

Mike

 

[dmsfrr]

... I don't need anything fancy other than maybe a circuit to charge the phones.
Mike

Most any place that sells electronics & phone accessories will have a USB converter for the lighter socket, so nothing else needs to be added.
FYI, the older lighter socket in a '57 may be deeper than a short style USB adapter, which may not reach the contacts.
Example:
https://www.classictbird.com/USB-Power-Outlet-Kit-12-Volt---1-Per-car/productinfo/15052PO/

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