Do I need a Ballast resistor with my mallory dual point??

[BenBaron]

Do I need a Ballast resistor with my mallory dual point??

what do they do anyway?


cheers

Ben

[russell_ram]

Ben,

It entirely depends on the voltage of your coil.

Ballast resistors were used to allow the ignition system (coil) to run a 6-8V under normal operating conditions but then allow a brief 12V usage when the starter motor is operating for a fatter starting spark and to reduce the effect of voltage drop from the battery when the starter is drawing big current.

Not really too much of an issue with todays high current output batteries, and with vehicles that aren't used at minus 20 degrees when battery output falls.

However, reduced voltage on the points might make them last slightly longer - but again not really an issue with 'normal' Cobra usage.

And of course, the wiring for a ballast resisted system is more complicated and potentially prone to problems.

Russ

[BenBaron]

Cheers Russ,

I say Bo**ox to it then, anything that makes it more complicated will only allow me to 'almost' start more fires :P


I say almost cause that what was happening when I didnt know what wires went where, so I guessed with a method of suck it and see.
Saw lots of smoke as I burnt out the wires in my dizzy DOH!

[Rossco]

If you dont run a ballast resistor with your dual point the points will last about 1000 miles if you're lucky. You could run a Hyfire ignition unit with it and that gives you a full electronic system with added spark ooomph and digital multi-spark up to 3300rpm. I've got a couple of spare brand new units, if anyone is interested pm me.

[mylesdw]

As Rossco said, if the coil needs a ballast, things won't last long if you run without one. You can just wire the ballast permanently in series with the coil and not worry about the start-up bypass wiring.

If you go for an electronic system, even the simple type that use the points as a trigger you can chuck out the leading point set from dual-point set up and run with one. Much simpler.

[Phil McCann]

Hi there

I run a dual point with a Mallory 12V coil through a Ballast resistor. Have done away with the 12V bypass and it starts first time every time.

Phil

[mylesdw]

Phil: if it really is a 12V coil you don't need the ballast resistor at all.

[Phil McCann]

I'm running a Mallory Dual Point Dizzy. If you run them at 12V they get through points and condensers at an alarming rate!!!

Cheers

Phil