is a ballast resistor supposed to get too hot to touch after running the engine ten minutes?

Question

I re-used a ballast resistor from an older Mallory coil when I replaced it and the old Mallory dual-point distributor with a new Mallory dual point distributor but switched coils to a new MSD Blaster 2 that is supposed to have an .8-ohm resistor. Is there some way other than buying an ohm-meter (which is is short supply here as are parts stores that sell resistors) to tell if the resistance is too great? The engine runs perfect but I worry I will burn the new dual points. Any old school car guys out there who have reccommendations?

Answer 1

Think of it like a burner on an electric stove... When its turned on and the current moves through it... It gets HOT....



Yes ... Totally Normal...

Answer 2

A full MONTH at a resort? I would be bored to tears, and I'm not easily bored. I will take the ten minutes on the moon if they can get me there without my having to be in that tiny space capsule. I get a little claustrophobic in extremely small spaces. (The cat scan type) There aren't enough adjectives to describe how amazing and awesome a trip to the moon would be! It's not so much the moon, but looking back toward this beautiful blue planet we live on would just be spectacular! I hope to see it all up close and personal as I am escorted by my angel into heaven some day.

Answer 3

Yup. They sure do. That's why they make the insulator out of ceramic.



It's designed to reduce the operating voltage to the coil down to around 9 volts dc. And yes, you need it. Unless you like replacing ignition coils.



ADDED:

Without buying a multimeter, the realy is no way to know for sure.

9 volts DC at the coil +.with the engine running. (give or take)

Answer 4

Yes. I have a mallory unilite and a blaster 2. I ve been using a ballast and it gets very hot, but Ive never had any problems....the wire connection on my coil got a little charred but thats it.

Answer 5

yes they do get really warm after just a few minutes of running one,but that's normal,that's why they are made of porcelain so they can resist high temperature,s it wont hurt it none though,good luck.

Answer 6

Why are you sill using point ignition?Even if this is a collector car you can upgrade and still have it look stock,

Answer 7

Hot is normal.