Just received pertronix kit and coil to install in the truck. Looks pretty easy to install in the distributor, but have a question about where the red wire goes? My truck is converted to 12vlt and has a white ballast resistor on the firewall. After reading the instructions just want to make sure what to do. Does it just hook to the coil or do I need to run it somewhere else?
My Dad used to say, "When all else fails, look in the trash for the directions." That said, I'm pretty sure you ditch the ballast resistor.
Ok thanks, I went back and re-read the instructions and must have misunderstood what it said. I did not need the resistor anymore. So got it all hooked up today. Was pretty easy really. Truck seems to run a lot better and have more power at idle. Thanks again!
Interesting, I checked my installation and I connected the red wire in front of the ballast resistor. I have been running it that way for about a year with no problems. It seems to me there are a couple of old threads on this. Dave Ps good to see Nate back, I to am slowly getting use to the new format. Just have to use it.
As long as it works , don't mess with it ! . There are different units depending on how much voltage reaches the dizzy and if it's pos. or neg. grounded . NEVER leave the key on with the engine not running ! this might fry the unit and it's not cheap to replace .
Nate, thanks for the hint on leaving the unit on with out the truck running. I hopefully remember that. My system is a 12 volt system with negative ground and all is working good,,,,,touch wood.
Nates right about that "key on" thing. I had a push button rigged up to start my panel before I started the resto and looked out one afternoon after having run it earlier in the day an saw some smoke rising from the hood. I thought I had maybe ignited some loose grass it was sitting in until I looked it over and opened the hood to find the coil in full melt down and the oil oozing down the engine. What I need now is a warning buzzer to tell me when I leave it on !!!
I have given this very topic some thought recently. If an "idiot light" were implemented from an oil-pressure sending unit, if the engine isn't running (but key ON), the light would be illuminated. I too plan on having (an illuminated) push-button to start the truck, and want it lit when the truck is NOT running.
I like these ideas too!. I'm still running a generator so I'm going to go with the LED when I do the rewire.
