Hey GT out of curiosity what causes the ignition wire to lose voltage over time I had this happen to 2 different boats over the years both times low voltage from the ignition wire was the problem (from key switch to distributor) I always wondered why
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Several factors cause major voltage drop like that.
First, it's important to remember that the power comes from the battery, which is at the back of the boat. So figure 20 feet of wire and at minimum, two terminals prone to corrosion, then from the contacts in the switch, to another terminal to another nearly 20 feet of wire to a resistor, then to the coil.
I always recommend an internally resisted coil for this reason.
The ballast resistor is not there for performance, it's there to keep the coil from overheating if the key is left on and the contacts of the points closed. It keeps the coil from boiling out the oil causing a fire or explosion.
It's otherwise unnecessary.
Wrong wire (too small, wrong material), loose connections, tarnished contacts and corrosion all contribute to undesirable voltage drop. It's difficult to use too large of wire. And soldered terminals really help.
GT
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