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  • Ballist resistor

    Just finished rewiring some of the spaghetti left by PO. Noticed that ballist resistor had been removed. Does anyone know the exact purpose for it and if I can do damage by running without one?

    Ernie

    79XS1100SF
    Ernie
    79XS1100SF (no longer naked, now a bagger)
    (Improving with age, the bike that is)

  • #2
    Never listen to me.

    It's there to confuse members of the Commonwealth. It can be removed without problem.

    Actually it's supposed to lower the zaps at start-up but my mail is it's not needed.

    Dan.
    Automotive Imbecile.
    Proud owner of 'The Swiftcicle'. (Swifty for short)
    '78E Full Vetter Dresser.
    1196 Big Bore Kit.

    Comment


    • #3
      Actually...

      It's used to reduce the primary voltage to the coils when running. Full voltage to the coils, if they're stock, will overheat them. When running the starter the ballast resistor is bypassed giving the coils full voltage for easier starting, and when the starter is released the ballast resistor is in the circute again.
      You can't stay young forever, but you can be immature for the rest of your life...

      '78E "Pathfinder" Show bike...
      Lovingly restored by Dave Delzell
      Drilled airbox
      Tkat fork brace
      Hardly mufflers
      late model carbs
      Newer style fuses
      Oil pressure guage
      Custom security system
      Stainless braid brake lines

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      • #4
        Stock or Not?

        Noticed that ballist resistor had been removed
        If you have aftermarket coils, may not need it.
        Would need to check coil reistance with a multi-meter if not sure to deturmine if resister needed.


        mro

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        • #5
          Checking coils tech tip

          http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread...=&threadid=583


          mro

          Comment


          • #6
            I'm pretty sure the coils are stock, NGK plug ends. I have a spare off my other 79. Maybe I should just replace to be on safe side. I'll check the coils at the same time.

            Thanks all.

            Ernie

            79XS110SF
            Ernie
            79XS1100SF (no longer naked, now a bagger)
            (Improving with age, the bike that is)

            Comment


            • #7
              Hey Ernie,

              The concern is to whether the right lines to the ballast resistor are still present, and still wired to the harness correctly? Like Dick said, the TCI routes full power to the coils during startup, but then uses a different route thru the ballast resistor to the coils to lower the voltage during running to not burn up the coils!

              So...if the PO did a lot of hacking on the harness, then he may have severred the lines from the TCI that go to the ballast resistor?? You may need to start the bike and then test the remaining wires where the ballast would plug into to see IF you have 12 volts coming to them/one side of them? If so, then it'll be relatively easy to wire the BR back into the loom. But if you don't have power there, then it may be a bigger PITA to try to put the BR back in line, than to get coils that can handle the full 12 volts all the time!?
              T.C.
              T. C. Gresham
              81SH "Godzilla" . . .1179cc super-rat.
              79SF "The Teacher" . . .basket case!
              History shows again and again,
              How nature points out the folly of men!

              Comment


              • #8
                Hey TC,

                As the BR plugs in, with the two red wires, one is male and the other female all the PO did was pull the BR and reconnect the lines. I pulled a BR of my spare bike last night. Bike fired up no prob and kept running. I also double checked resistance on BR before installing was maybe 0.1 ohm high but book says 1.6+/- 1% at 68 degrees f. It was cooler than that last night.

                BTW do you have any fuse blocks left? If so can you PM me with the cost and where to send the mulla.

                Ernie

                79XS1100SF
                (Improving with age)
                Ernie
                79XS1100SF (no longer naked, now a bagger)
                (Improving with age, the bike that is)

                Comment


                • #9
                  Hey Ernie,
                  Yes I do, and if you'll look at this tech tip, scroll to bottom you'll find the info you need to place an order!
                  T.C.
                  T. C. Gresham
                  81SH "Godzilla" . . .1179cc super-rat.
                  79SF "The Teacher" . . .basket case!
                  History shows again and again,
                  How nature points out the folly of men!

                  Comment

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