Stupid Question

[shadowfax101]

I am looking at my wiring diagram for my 85 V8 wag and I need to replace a resistor wire. I went to auto zone and asked the person behind the counter if they had any and they looked at me like I was crazy. Well if auto zone has no idea any ideas of where to look for it. Also, does it need to be 35 ohms to kill the blackflow power from the alternator? Thanks. I guess I will carry the diagram into auto zone and maybe they will know what I am talking about. Thanks

[Bob Barry]

There are two resistor wires that I know of in the harness; one feeding voltage to the coil, and one to the plug in the alternator.
The one for the alternator is to replicate the resistance of an idiot-light, so as to prevent the current from the alternator backfeeding into the wiring and keeping the truck running when you shut the key off. I think a diode (like the one supplied by MSD for use with their boxes) would do the same trick.

The one for the coil is to keep it running off lower voltages after startup, a relic from the days that systems using points needed lower voltage to keep from burning up, but retained by the Duraspark system requirements for some reason.

As you have found out, the workers at a chain store will likely have no idea what you are talking about (and will frequently deny the very existence of such an animal). I last bought a length of resistor wire at a local non-chain parts store in my hometown that I'd been using all my life; they knew exactly what I was talking about, and cut me a length from a big roll they had. Unfortunately, places with such stock and know-how are harder to come by, so you'll have to search them out in your area.

[wagdriver]

The resistor wire should be available from the the dealer if you cannot find it any where else. Of course the premium price goes along with it. Some of the other guys probably have a better source. ;)

[Gladi8r]

Maybe Radio Shack???

[SpruceMoose]

sorry, no help on the wire, but good username! i really like the group. cool music! i have several of their cds.

sm.

[oldyellowwagoneer]

Forget about the wire and get a diode(1-way
switch)from radio shack then wire it in with the flow toward the alt. dennis