Ballasted coil query

[andrew_27]

Hello! Ive been doing a bit of reading about ignition systems particularly about ballasted and non ballasted systems and it got me thinking... My Toledo has a ballasted system but i believe its running a 12v non ballasted type coil (i know its not the coil itself that contains the ballast but is the type of coil for a non ballasted system)... My query is, is this liable to reduce the life of the coil or cause any damage to the system in any way? Its been running this way for about 5 or 6 months

[Edin Dundee]

If your car still has a ballast set-up, then you are running a 12v coil at a wee bit over 6v, except during cranking.
I would think you'll have a weak spark, but I'm not sure it would do any damage.

[MIG Wielder]

Yes, exactly as Bill says, but it would be worth checking that the ballast resistor hasn't been electrically linked out. With the engine running check with a voltmeter the voltage on the ignition coil L.T. + terminal. If the ballast resistor is present with a 12V coil it will be about 9.5V. ( ~ 2/3 of the battery supply ) Without the ballast it will be about 13.5 V.
Tony.

[Jon Tilson]

I would have thought a Toledo would have a separate ballast resistor and not one in the loom.
What year is it? If it has grey rubbery loom joiners it wont have the ballast in the loom.

A cheap test meter will tell you all you need to know.

If its starts ok then all is well....

Jonners

[andrew_27]

thanks for the advice! Its a 1971 car, it has the seperate resistor (white ceramic rectangular job) bolted next to the coil. Checked against the wiring diagram and it doesnt seem to have been tampered with or bypassed etc in the past.