ballast resistors

[kingqa69]

hi all, have got abit carried away on servicing my v8s. once id got it on axle stands i decided to do abit of cleaning up around the engine bay before i started changing fluids.

Now with the front suspension removed, radiator and all coolant pipes removed, to facilitate abit of touch up where needed. I have noticed a pair of very rusty Ballast Resistors mounted at the same point as the front engine earth strap.

Could someone recommend appropriate replacements (incl new coil) and explain why i have two resistors fitted??

Also, any recommendations on who could re-core the radiator??

[phillpot]

kingqa69 said:

explain why i have two resistors fitted??

The ballast resistors are in the instrument lighting circuit on my V6 to give dim and dimmer settings.

If coil is ok I'd be tempted to leave well alone, if original it is probably genuine Ford Rover/Lucas and better quality than many after market units around today but if you must change it Intermotor are a reasonable option (imho).

Edited by phillpot on Tuesday 3rd December 21:02

[The Big G]

phillpot said:

The ballast resistors are in the instrument lighting circuit on my V6 to give dim and dimmer settings.

+1

They are on the interior circuit for mine too. Replaced them during my body off but it still doesnt quite work right yet though! Also agree with mike, if its not broke, dont fix it. It can really upset the cars happy equilibrium!

[Ragtop]

Regarding a re-core, I've had good work done by:

Anglia Radiators, 4 Stanley Rd, Cambridge CB5 8LB
tel [phone]

It certainly builds confidence when you walk in clutching a dead radiator, and the receptionist takes one look at it and says "is that off a TVR?"

Possibly not too far away for you.

Good luck,
Graham

[Ragtop]

If you REALLY need a new coil, the correct Bosch one is not the cheapest but probably the best. For example:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/RANGE-ROVER-CLASSIC-V8-I...

Graham

[v8s4me]

Make up a neat cover for the ballast resistors – out of sight out of mind. I used a tomato fertilizer bottle, just the right shade of red to match the chassis

[phillpot]

Bit more discussion here

v8s4me said:

Make up a neat cover for the ballast resistors – out of sight out of mind.

I wouldn't cover them up too much, they are resistors, they get hot, need some free air around them ?

[kingqa69]

thanks all for your very useful comments. Should of realised they werent connected to the coil seen as they are mounted so far away from it. you live and learn.

will clean them up, then grease up the connectors before fitting.

the tomato lid will not blend in with my "white" chassis!! but prefer to keep them in the open for cooling anyhow.

thanks for the contact to anglia radiators, yes they are just up the road really, will get a quote. Mine has no problems at present, but it does have small damage to one part of one core rail so never know when that might change.

[Oldred_V8S]

Ragtop said:

Regarding a re-core, I've had good work done by:

Anglia Radiators, 4 Stanley Rd, Cambridge CB5 8LB
tel [phone]

It certainly builds confidence when you walk in clutching a dead radiator, and the receptionist takes one look at it and says "is that off a TVR?"

Possibly not too far away for you.

Good luck,
Graham

At least she didn't "Is that off a Sherpa van?" which she would be quite correct in doing so.

[Ragtop]

Hi Paul!

I didn't tell the whole story, because you wouldn't believe it. The conversation continued along the lines:

"Yes, you're spot on! But do you know where TVR sourced them from?"

"Ummm, was it a Sherpa van or some such?"

True!!

Graham

[v8s4me]

kingqa69 said:

..........will clean them up, then grease up the connectors before fitting.

Greasing the connectors after connecting up would be a better idea

[glenrobbo]

v8s4me said:

kingqa69 said:

..........will clean them up, then grease up the connectors before fitting.

Greasing the connectors after connecting up would be a better idea

For good electrical conductivity & corrosion proofing, petroleum jelly ( vaseline ) us hard to beat.
For outer layer protection, silicon grease is an excellent barrier, but not very conductive.
Don't get then mixed up.

[phillpot]

Or try Contralube.

[AutoAndy]

kingqa69 said:

the tomato lid will not blend in with my "white" chassis!!

...easy..washing up liquid bottle...or don't worry and just drive it!...