Dead 12v conversion resitor

Charlie M

Well-known Member
Last fall I wrote here how the resistor as part of a 12v conversion had died on my H after shutting it off in the yard. Same thing happened on my M yesterday while plowing my garden. I had make a couple of rounds when the tractor stopped just like I had turned off the switch. About 20 trips to the shop for the right tools, new connectors, bolts and fixing the wire to the switch after I pulled it from its connector and I was back plowing the garden again. I did both conversions back in 1988 so I don't know if I can really complain. One thing for sure if you have this kind of set up having a spare resistor should be in your tool box at all times. Only one left not changed is on my 300U. My other tractors all have mags so don't have to worry about resistors going bad.
 
It happens. More so it seems with aftermarket resistors made in Mexico, India, etc. My experience has been they don't hold up as well under the vibration, etc. as the old Mopar "made in USA" resistors.

Back in the 60's when I drove Chrysler vehicles (and every Chrysler had a ballast resistor....) I always kept a spare in the glove box. But I never needed it. However I've had to replace the resistor a couple times on my 12 volt converted Super M. Now I keep a spare wrapped up and tucked in the battery box.
 
I like to use the original style that the IH tractors with factory 12 volt systems came with. I am sure it was a Delco Remy. Deere used same one. Never liked the ones that have a slip on connector that some kits apparently send along. When IH came with the 560 gas, they used a weird looking one. I only remember seeing it on the first 560 we sold and it failed shortly and they stuck with the newer version, (actually same thing they had used on previous 12 volt systems) until they went to the resistance wire in wiring harness instead.
 
I have been running an Echlin ICR13 from NAPA for 15 years. I don't know if they are as well-made today, but easy to find. It mounts perfectly to the outboard coil bolt.

http://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/C...gnition-Coil-Resistor/_/R-ECHICR13_0362730394

If you have to, you can run without the resistor temporarily. Long term it will kill the coil, but if you need the tractor....

Somebody else changed the coil on mine and put an 'external resistor required' coil on it and I never saw the writing until at least two years after it was installed. That's the coil that's on there today with probably 17 years on the clock.
 

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