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'78 z1R question about Ballast Resistors

Posted: Fri Oct 09, 2020 4:59 pm
Author: Cwiseguy
Hello Team:

I have recently upgraded to Accel 3 Ohm coils/wires and a Dyna-S ignition. I get two different opinions. One is to remove (loopback) the two Ballast resistors? One is to leave them alone?

Does anyone know for sure?

Both the '78 and the '80 model z1R have these Ballast Resistors. The '78 model had factory points. The '80 model had factory CDI.

Thanks.......CwiseGUY

Re: '78 z1R question about Ballast Resistors

Posted: Fri Oct 09, 2020 10:03 pm
Author: warren3200gt
This what google has to say about it.
"Is a ballast resistor necessary?
And while ignition coil life may be compromised without a resistor, the additional secondary voltage (at the spark plug) is increased which generally improves power. So does your application require a ballast resistor? Quite simply, if your ignition has breaker points the answer is yes; if not, the answer is no"

Re: '78 z1R question about Ballast Resistors

Posted: Sat Oct 10, 2020 7:03 am
Author: chrisu
3 ohm coils?

Bin it

Re: '78 z1R question about Ballast Resistors

Posted: Sat Oct 10, 2020 7:07 am
Author: KeithZ1R
With 3 ohm coils, it aint necessary, put it on one side or bin it

Re: '78 z1R question about Ballast Resistors

Posted: Sat Oct 10, 2020 11:40 am
Author: steve452
Interesting explanation regarding BR's here

https://www.randakksblog.com/ballast-re ... components.

Specific to the Hobnail GL1000 and references the Lead Boot but offers useful info on testing etc if you must have one.

Re: '78 z1R question about Ballast Resistors

Posted: Sat Oct 10, 2020 1:20 pm
Author: Cwiseguy
chrisu wrote:3 ohm coils?

Bin it
Yes, 3 Ohm Accel coils.

Thanks. Cwise

Re: '78 z1R question about Ballast Resistors

Posted: Sat Oct 10, 2020 1:25 pm
Author: Cwiseguy
steve452 wrote:Interesting explanation regarding BR's here

https://www.randakksblog.com/ballast-re ... components.

Specific to the Hobnail GL1000 and references the Lead Boot but offers useful info on testing etc if you must have one.
Thanks, I read that.

ANyway, the thing is this (twin) resistor is not attached in the circuit to the coils themselves. The schematic has them going through the lighting. They are called Ballast Relay Regulator Resistors.

I notice some of the other schematics, kz1300 for instance have a resistor in the circuit with the coils.

Of course, all a bikes wiring trickles over to a COMPLETE circuit.

Thanks, Cwise

Re: '78 z1R question about Ballast Resistors

Posted: Sat Oct 10, 2020 6:12 pm
Author: Cwiseguy
warren3200gt wrote:This what google has to say about it.
"Is a ballast resistor necessary?
And while ignition coil life may be compromised without a resistor, the additional secondary voltage (at the spark plug) is increased which generally improves power. So does your application require a ballast resistor? Quite simply, if your ignition has breaker points the answer is yes; if not, the answer is no"
Thanks for the info, Cwise

Re: '78 z1R question about Ballast Resistors

Posted: Sat Oct 10, 2020 6:13 pm
Author: Cwiseguy
KeithZ1R wrote:With 3 ohm coils, it aint necessary, put it on one side or bin it
Thanks...Cwise