Technical stuff > Ignition

Wiring coil and ballast resistor

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JohnFol:
Morning all, just taken delivery of a new coil and was about to connect it when spotted something not right with the ballast wiring. 1st picture was taken before I started playing with things and yes, the resistor does appear to be neither in parallel or series with the coil (I've super imposed the wires as they run under the coil but they both join on the +ve terminal)

2nd photo is the Lancia owners book showing the wiring (37 - resistor, 28 - coil) however I hear they do not always match reality. For completeness, Haynes doesn't show the resistor at all!

So, for an electronic ignition, carb spyder, should I rewire to match the Lancia diagram or is there a better guide out there?

JohnFol:
And the Lancia owners book's wiring diagram

peteracs:
Hi John

Haynes only has pre facelift and hence pre electronic ignition diagrams if I remember correctly, so no ballast resistors.

I guess my question is, why is there a ballast resistor in the first place, maybe to limit current through the electronic ignition? I assume the original coil is a 12V one? Out of interest what is the value of the ballast resistor?

In the old days I remember the ballast resistor being used to allow for a better spark whilst starting the engine. The ballast resistor would be shorted out whilst the starter was engaged.

Peter

hutch6610:
Ballast resistors purpose is to reduce the voltage sightly in to the coil so it runs cooler. Your coil is most certainly receiving full 12v and i bet it runs hotter.
You are quite correct that the wiring diagram does not always match reality
Electronic ignition is supplied its own 12v & earth, it triggers the negative side of the coil, this also gives you the rev counter signal, think its a blue wire.

Connect the wires as follows:
Positive (+ Red) feed connects to the ballast resistor first and then connects to the coil via a short length of yellow wire. You should have only three wires to the coil. The short yellow to the +side of coil, Two wires go to the negative - side of the coil (trigger from ignition and rev counter)

Its possible the ballast has failed so its by passed? Also what are those two green wires?

JohnFol:
I took an engine bay photo a while ago before taking bits off, so not the best image of the coil or wires going to or from. The green wires are actually just 1 wire from -ve to the electronic ignition (which I guess drives the rev counter??)

I had a look at the part number for the electronic ignition and found this diagram. So, I've followed the diagram (and it matches Lancia diag), but take your point someone might have shorted out the ballast if it was faulty. I will check

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