Re: 504 ballast resistor ignition

From: Mike Aube (maube@idirect.com)
Date: Sat 08 Apr 2000 - 13:50:55 UTC

  • Next message: Jim Lill: "Re: 504 ballast resistor ignition"

    The idea of the resistor is to lower voltage at the points. The sticker on
    your new coil indicates an internal resistor. Voltage at distributor end
    should read between 6 to 7 volts. NO MORE THAN 7.5 or you will have some
    unpleasant surprises not too far down the road.
    Mike Aube

    -----
    From: Jim Lill <jpl@vectorbd.com>
    To: Adrian O'sullivan <browndog@gofree.indigo.ie>
    Cc: <peugeot-l@egroups.com>
    Sent: Saturday, April 08, 2000 7:50 AM
    Subject: Re: 504 ballast resistor ignition

    > On Thu, 6 Apr 2000, Adrian O'sullivan wrote:
    >
    > > I am replacing a coil in a 504 which has a ballast resistor attached
    > > to it. I got a standard 12v Lucas coil as I couldn't get an original
    > > one. I thought maybe I could just use the ballast resistor with the
    > > new coil but I am not sure because
    >
    > > a) my Haynes manual says 'since the coil and resistor
    > > are matched they must be renewed together if faulty
    > > b) on the side of my new coil there is a sticker which
    > > reads 'use with contact breaker ignition without
    > > ballast resistor'.
    >
    > > will it just not work if I try to use the new coil or could I do
    > > damage to something ?
    >
    > The purpose of the resistor in a breaker type ignition is to limit the
    > peak current through the contact points during the inrush period of the
    > coil's "charging". An inductor is a little like a capacitor in that
    > regard. Remember that you don't even get a spark until you open the points
    > and the magnetic field of the coil "collapses".
    >
    > Most ballast resistors fail in the open circuit mode. So if yours has
    > continuity it is OK.
    >
    > I can't comment on that Lucas coil sticker, lacking the Lucas P/N or
    > specifics on the coil.
    >
    > Here's are the downsides of any combination:
    >
    > - use of new coil and resistor may mean a weaker spark at high RPM as the
    > "charge" time of the coil will be longer.
    >
    > - use of the coil without the resistor could cause premature point
    > failure.
    >
    > I have driven 100's of miles in American cars with a jumpered out failed
    > resistor.
    >
    >
    >
    >
    >
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    >
    >
    > Recommended format for your email subject lines:
    >
    > Model # [Model Letters] Year Subject
    >
    > Examples:
    >
    > 505 88 V6 Mileage
    >
    > 405 Mi16 89 Ignition Coil source?
    >



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