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Faulty External Resistor
Question: I have a '57 thunderbird and it will start just fine, but it wont stay running when I let the ignition switch spring back into the "run" mode. If I hold the switch in the start position the engine continues to run. I've tried a new universal switch, a new starter solenoid and did the trouble shooting steps in the shop manual. The specs on the resistor are a little higher than those in the book. Could this be my problem? ( 1.8 ohms verses 1.4 ohms) Any suggestions?
John, Peachtree City. GA
.Answer: John, Your ballast is open. It is out of the circuit during the crank mode, which is why it runs while cranking. To verify this, and in an emergency, you can put a jumper wire across the resistor terminal ( or connect the two terminals together ). The engine will run. DO NOT , however bypass the resistor for any extended length of time, as it will QUICKLY degrade your points. The resistor in question is the one next to and connected to the coil.
Bill Brown
Reprinted from the January 2002 T-Bird Times of the Virginia Classic Thunderbird Club, Inc.
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