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Balast Resistors in 1931 Model 199

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russ model 199
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Balast Resistors in 1931 Model 199

Post by russ model 199 » Wed May 24, 2017 6:35 pm

I am in the process of rewiring my 1931 Model 199 (17' Split Cockpit Runabout). It was repowered with a Kermath 6cyl (CC-H) and converted to 12v before I acquired it. The pix below show the two ballast resistors that were/are in place. They do not show on the wiring diagram from the factory and I am wondering if they were necessary with the conversion, unnecessary or exactly what they do. Have converted ignition to Pertronix.
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jfrprops
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Re: Balast Resistors in 1931 Model 199

Post by jfrprops » Wed May 24, 2017 8:01 pm

someone with a better memory than mine will chime in here on that. Those resistors kept the high voltage off the coil from burning out stuff like points and etc....and with the breakerless ignition you may find you don't need them any longer.

John in Va.
1980 Fairchild Scout 30
19?? custom Argentine Runabout 16'
1954 Whirlwind deluxe dual ckpt 16'
1921 Old Town Charles River 17' (founding Captain, James River Batteau Festival)

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island time
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Re: Balast Resistors in 1931 Model 199

Post by island time » Thu May 25, 2017 5:38 am

Exactly right John,
The only purpose a ballast resistor serves is to reduce the voltage through the contact points.
With your Pertronics ignition system they serve no purpose, in fact if they are still connected they may be reducing the voltage to the pertronics system which you don't want. Not sure why or how two are connected to the wiring in the boat. Even in a points ignition system there should be only one.

Craig W.
Craig Wilson
Churchville, NY
Alexandria Bay, NY

1968 23' Chris Craft lancer
1971 31' Revelcraft
1988 25' Fourwinns
1972 19' Chris Craft Lancer
1957 18' Chris Craft Sea Skiff
1958 18' Chris Craft Sea Skiff
1968 23' Chris Craft Commander

cc-woodboats
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Re: Balast Resistors in 1931 Model 199

Post by cc-woodboats » Thu May 25, 2017 5:46 am

I wonder if the resistor mounted under the dash is to drop the voltage to the instruments?
the original gauges would be 6 volt.

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mbigpops
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Re: Balast Resistors in 1931 Model 199

Post by mbigpops » Thu May 25, 2017 7:15 am

If the one under the dash goes to the horn it is because you still have a 6 volt horn in a 12 volt system.

Mark
1953 CC Rocket Runabout "Rocket Man"

russ model 199
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Re: Balast Resistors in 1931 Model 199

Post by russ model 199 » Thu May 25, 2017 7:51 am

Thank you all for the really helpful information. Russ

jfrprops
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Re: Balast Resistors in 1931 Model 199

Post by jfrprops » Thu May 25, 2017 8:16 am

good advice all. I had not thought about the fact that some stuff might have still be 6V and thus the two resistors.

John in Va.
1980 Fairchild Scout 30
19?? custom Argentine Runabout 16'
1954 Whirlwind deluxe dual ckpt 16'
1921 Old Town Charles River 17' (founding Captain, James River Batteau Festival)

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Doug P
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Re: Balast Resistors in 1931 Model 199

Post by Doug P » Thu May 25, 2017 11:56 am

mbigpops wrote:If the one under the dash goes to the horn it is because you still have a 6 volt horn in a 12 volt system.

Mark
Thanks Mark....I learned something.

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