Ballast Resistor

[Dan J Benoit]

Well, about 3 weeks ago I came on here not even knowing what type of tractor I have. Since then with many hours of research and much help from you guys, I have learned more about it then I ever though possible. I"ve learned that it is an 841 Powermaster, and I hope it"s alright to post this question in the N forum (You guys helped me out so much last time)

It has been converted to a 12 volt, got new plug wires, distributer cap, coil, condenser and points. I finally got it running!! My question now is about the ballast resistor:

It has a 3 inch long ceramic piece that resembles what Ive seen online being called a ballast resistor. From what I understand, it is supposed to drop the voltage from 12 to 6 volts, but when I test between the OUT pole and ground, I still get 12 volts. Is this one of those jobbies that starts working when it heats up? If that IS in fact how it works, how would I go about testing it, and should I remove the wire from the 4th post of the solenoid? Seeing as the coil would still be getting 12 volts until the resistor heats up anyway. It tests as 1.4 ohms across the posts also, and it"s not grounding out. Thanks again so much for all the help. I really appreciate it!

 

[JMOR]

(quoted from post at 19:52:19 10/04/11) Well, about 3 weeks ago I came on here not even knowing what type of tractor I have. Since then with many hours of research and much help from you guys, I have learned more about it then I ever though possible. I"ve learned that it is an 841 Powermaster, and I hope it"s alright to post this question in the N forum (You guys helped me out so much last time)

It has been converted to a 12 volt, got new plug wires, distributer cap, coil, condenser and points. I finally got it running!! My question now is about the ballast resistor:

It has a 3 inch long ceramic piece that resembles what Ive seen online being called a ballast resistor. From what I understand, it is supposed to drop the voltage from 12 to 6 volts, but when I test between the OUT pole and ground, I still get 12 volts. Is this one of those jobbies that starts working when it heats up? If that IS in fact how it works, how would I go about testing it, and should I remove the wire from the 4th post of the solenoid? Seeing as the coil would still be getting 12 volts until the resistor heats up anyway. It tests as 1.4 ohms across the posts also, and it"s not grounding out. Thanks again so much for all the help. I really appreciate it!

resistor does not drop any voltage until it has current flowing thru it. Bump the starter until points are closed, then current will be flowing thru resistor & coil.......measure your resistor voltage now.

 

[souNdguy]

ditto what jmor said.

ps... if it was me I'd loose the resistor and 6v coil and put a napa IC14SB coil on it and not worry about it again.

16$ investment to not guess about ohms and whatnot..

soundguy

 

[Dan J Benoit]

Just went outside to try what you said (In the dark) I've been testing with the air cleaner off, and I sure am glad I did. I forgot the gas on, and I came back to see gas *pouring* out of the intake. I figure it's not a good idea to turn the tractor over when the whole left side is covered in gas... I'll try again this weekend when I have time again.

Soundguy, I JUST bought a new coil! Why didn't you call me first?? lol. I'll probably go that route at some point, but for now I'm going to stick with what works.

About that test: Do I have to bump the starter until the points are closed, or can I just ground from the negative side of the coil? Seems to me like it would be 6 of one, half a dozen of the other.

 

[JMOR]

(quoted from post at 20:44:31 10/04/11) Just went outside to try what you said (In the dark) I've been testing with the air cleaner off, and I sure am glad I did. I forgot the gas on, and I came back to see gas *pouring* out of the intake. I figure it's not a good idea to turn the tractor over when the whole left side is covered in gas... I'll try again this weekend when I have time again.

Soundguy, I JUST bought a new coil! Why didn't you call me first?? lol. I'll probably go that route at some point, but for now I'm going to stick with what works.

About that test: Do I have to bump the starter until the points are closed, or can I just ground from the negative side of the coil? Seems to me like it would be 6 of one, half a dozen of the other.

es, just ground the wire between coil & distributor. 6 of one 1/2 doz of other.