I've noticed that the ballast resistor of my electronic ignition is really hot... but I do mean it. You can cook something there.

Is it normal or is there a problem? Should I replace it?

Thanks,


Ed

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My other car is... another DUSTER!!! .·.

The ballast resistors do run hot under normal circumstances -- that's what resistors do! It's also why they fail if the hood-to-cowl seal goes bad and rainwater splashes down on the hot resistor. CRACK!

If yours is running too hot, it would tend to indicate that the control module or the coil is drawing too much current. With a factory manual (hint! hint!) and an ammeter, you can measure this and see.

You may want to install a GM HEI module instead. Not only is it smaller and stronger, but it also does not need a ballast resistor.

Thank you Dan, I will work on that as soon as I can... I suspected it was not normal.

I promise I will get the manuals right away...

Ed

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My other car is... another DUSTER!!! .·.

yep the resistor is the most prone-to-failure component of the stock chrysler EI. Dan's advice is great, moving to an aftermarket system that doesn't require ballast resistor. I don't know about GM modules, but I've used some magneti-marelli Peugeot OEM modules with great success also. I dn't mean that GM ain't work, it's just that I can't get GM hei's down here in argentina. Most of the time, modifying some stock system is about grabbin what you'll be more likely to find in yur country/area.
I'm using a MSD 6 AL rebranded Mopar Performance unit. I'm happy with that, but its really not that diffrent from any other modern electronic ignition module.

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Juan Ignacio Caino

Please use e-mail button istead of PM'ing. I do log in sometimes but I'll be answering quicker thru e-mail.

Some opels have the same modules, if they can be found down there?

yeah they have that, but their EI module cost x7 magneti-marelli. I don't need upgrade for my car right now since I've installed a MSD box and I have to say that I'm really happy with that. My spark plugs are gaped 1.15 mm and it works heavenly. I do have a plain points distributor in my trunk just in case the MSD decides to crap out on me.

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Juan Ignacio Caino

Please use e-mail button istead of PM'ing. I do log in sometimes but I'll be answering quicker thru e-mail.

I think I will go with Dan's advice... here in Mexico the big three American automakers have been the most popular brands... actually there were no other European brands between 1970 and 1994 other that VW.

Ed.

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My other car is... another DUSTER!!! .·.