Burning up points and condensor

[hangemhorns]

hi newbie here.... i have a 1959 ford 841 with a 172 that has been converted to a 12 volt system....but i keep burning up points and condenser... if anyone could help please let me know what i need to do... it has a 12 volt alternator and 12 volt battery im not sure what else has been done but thats what i can see....thanks toby

 

[KennyV]

Is the coil a internal resistance coil? It sounds like you are running a coil that is not equipped with an internal resistor and needs an external resistor. Coils are not intended to run on a full 12 volts.
Get an ignition dropping resistor also called a ballast resistor, at any automotive supply store. It is around 3 to 4 inches long made of ceramic with a wire wound resistor inside. Without it your points will burn up. KennyV

 

[MJPetersen]

Or simply replace your coil with a coil that has an internal resistor. They are not that expensive--probably less than a couple sets of points. The ballast resistor will also work, but I personally just prefer the coil with the built in resistor.

Mike

 

[Soundguy]

forget the external resistor and 6v coil.. and don't even bother trying to find a modern coil that actually has an internal resistive element.

get a napa IC14SB.. it's about a $16 coil here in florida.. up north or on the other coast.. might be a few more bucks..

most of my ford gassers on 12v are running this coil. including an 850 and a 951, 541 naa.. etc.. all of these are using the 134/172 ci engines..

soundguy