External coil resisters

External coil resisters don't look the best on an antique tractor in my opinion. How far away from the coil can one be mounted (hide) without hurting voltage?
 
Buddy, when I converted a Farmall H to 12 volt I mounted the resistor on the radiator support rod above the valve cover up under the hood where it can't be seen even if looking for it. I would guess it was something like 18" from the coil. The main thing is not to locate it near any flamable item or fuel as they generate a lot of heat, Hal.
 
A ballast resistor can be mounted ANYWHERE will fit and and it will work fine. The extra length of wiring won't hurt a thing. Just don't stick it where resistor heat will be a problem - like on the gas tank(!)

I like to hide the resistor on a bracket fastened to a rocker box bolt so the resistor is positioned above the rocker box. It's hidden away nicely, and it has plenty of cooling airflow.
 
Sort of in line with Bobs concern about heat dissipation and airflow, I like the metal mounting bracket attached to a good heat sink like a larger bolt etc that goes into heavy metal versus any thin screw into sheet metal etc and where air is circulating. If youre drawing 4 amps and it drops 6 volts (typical) thats 24 watts of heat that needs dissipated......I prefer they be used between the IGN switches output and the coils input....

John T
 
With respect and at risk. There were a few coils (aftermarket) that had a (lightbulb) resistor built into the housing, and some 6v Ford car coils in the early 1950s had a resistor in a curved housing on the top of the coil. all available coils are just wound to use 12 volts. (more turns on the primary winding) None use an actual resistor inside. The confusion comes from printed words on coils (No External Resistor Required) that implies that there is an internal resistor, but there is not. Jim
 
I use VR-1 resisters from O'Reilly's auto parts stores. The are small and can be mounted where few can see. They mount sort of like a switch but with out the lever so if done right you only see a nub if that much
 
(quoted from post at 05:29:17 03/06/13) would a resistor help the charging part?

No. The resistor is for the coil only.

It has nothing to do with the charging part.
 
I been tellin em that for years Jim, but I cant get it to soak in lol

NOTE there was at least one car or coil manufacturer in the late twenties I believe THAT ACTUALLY HAD A "RESISTOR" in the coils can botton in a seperated ring compartment, wish I could find that picture.....BUT NO SUCH TRACTOR COILS OR CAR COILS EVEN THAT IVE SEEN IN OVER 50 YEARS OF WORKING ON THE CRITTERS

John T
 

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