[AT] Ford 8n Under Dash Resistor?

[Mike Sloane]

Ron Cook is correct - the original resistor that sits behind and below 
the instrument cluster is to reduce the voltage to the coil - the old 
front mounted coil/distributor (found on very early 8Ns) is a 3 volt 
coil and it will overheat and burn out if subjected to the full 8 volts 
for very long.

I have not had good luck with the replacement resistors that I have 
purchased from places like Valu-Bilt - they fail "open" after a short 
time in operation or even when the tractor is stored.

Mike

william.neff.powell at comcast.net wrote:
> Hello,
> 
> My brother-in-law let his 8n sit for about two years. Before he let
> it sit I had given it a tune up, carb rebuild, points, condenser, oil
> changes, plugs, coil, and I had it set up for 8 volt, it was
> previously 6 volts. Took generator to local auto-electric shop and he
> set the regulator for 8 volts.
> 
> So, it had been sitting un-tarped for a while. I kept bugging him to
> get it going. Last Sunday I helped him start it. Bought a new 8 volt
> battery, opened the petcock and fuel started dripping out of the
> carb. Took the carb apart, lots of oxidation, was starting to
> varnish. Cleaned that out.
> 
> It would not start after cleaning the carb. Checked the spark, there
> was none. Before bothering with take the distributor off (which is a
> pain as most 8n owners know) I checked the coil line for voltage
> using his headlight wire because he had no voltmeter. No light.
> Started tracing the wire back from the switch, I had light at the
> switch. Then I noticed a small block under the dash that had a
> wrapped wire resistor. The ignition toggle switch (no key on tractor)
> sent a wire to the resistor and after the current went through the
> resistor it was on to the coil.
> 
> So, that little resistor was rusted out and useless... I bypassed the
> resistor and the tractor started right up.
> 
> Is the resistor necessary? I'm guessing it's there to stop the points
> from frying up? Or it is in there to compensate for an 8 volt system,
> although I put in the 8 volt system  I did not add the resistor. (Who
> knows if it was 8 volt in the past?)  If the resistor is necessary
> where can I find one?
> 
> Regards,
> 
> Will Powell Pottstown, PA 
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