Crazy8 55 #1 Posted May 9, 2023 Once again I'm new to the Wheel Horse world and getting to know my C-121. I cut my teeth on 1960's points and condenser ignitions, and have spent more time than I'd care to admit working on a 69' Mercruiser I/O with a GM 250 straight six engine. In most of those there is a ballast resistor or resistor wire used to drop the ignition volts down from 12 volts to around 6 volts at the coil. This is done to save the points from burning up. Do the Kohler engines run straight 12 volts to the coil and points or is the coil itself ballasted? Thanks Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 67,549 #2 Posted May 9, 2023 6 minutes ago, Crazy8 said: straight 12 volts No resistor in the wires. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rmaynard 15,498 #3 Posted May 9, 2023 Wheel Horse/Kohler coils have an internal resistor. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Achto 27,594 #4 Posted May 9, 2023 1 hour ago, Crazy8 said: Do the Kohler engines run straight 12 volts to the coil and points or is the coil itself ballasted? When you replace a coil on a Kohler engine you have to make sure that the new one is labeled "Internal Resistor" , this should be printed on the side of the coil. This style of coil is readily available at Napa. You can use a external resistor coil if you also install a resistor or resistor wire. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 55,276 #5 Posted May 9, 2023 1967 -1976 Volkswagens used an internal resistor coil and can be found at any auto parts store. The kid behind the counter probably won't know what an internally resisted ignition coil is but he can look up an application by year and manufacturer. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wayne0 457 #6 Posted May 9, 2023 3 hours ago, 953 nut said: 1967 -1976 Volkswagens used an internal resistor coil and can be found at any auto parts store. The kid behind the counter probably won't know what an internally resisted ignition coil is but he can look up an application by year and manufacturer. The kid behind the counter will be lucky to know what a coil is! 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RandyLittrell 3,884 #7 Posted June 1, 2023 This one from Amazon will work or one like it. Internal ballast with 3ohm resistance just what the guys said above. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00WMOB1ZU/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Randy Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
