American Motors/cj5 blues

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Expert: Kevin Pilotte - 11/3/2006


Question
Kevin,
here's an update.  I heard that the problems I was having could have something to do with the ballast resistor, which is on the coil on the jeep.  I took the coil and ballast resistor off and found about 10 years of dirt caked on the terminals of the coil and the ballast resistor.  I cleaned the coil, terminals, and resistor thoroughly and have not had any problems since.  I do plan to do a tfi ignition upgrade as well as an msd module, including wires, etc.  I just didn't want to have to do it before Christmas.  While it's still running fine, I wait till then to do the upgrade.    I appreciate the help!

Thanks,

Jim

Answer
Jim,
I see, snuck an external ballast resistor in on me, eh?
The external resistor is not from the factory, someone installed it. Glad you got it going. I had an MSD 6A on my AMX, it worked well. Be sure to waterproof your connections if you go off road with it.
Kevin

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Kevin Pilotte

Expertise

I can answer many technical questions relating to AMC vehicles prior to 1979. I also have experience with Rambler & Nash vehicles.

Experience

I am a former AMC technician, service writer and service manager. I have worked in AMC dealers in Illinois in the 70's. After college, I was a Field Service Rep for American Motors Sales Corporation, working out of the Chicago Zone office. I traveled to AMC dealers assisting in the diagnosis and repair of AMC vehicles. I was also the Area Training Manager for DeLorean Motor Company. I have 10+ years as an Automotive Instructor. I have modified and restored
numerous AMC vehicles. I have been working on AMC vehicles for over 30 years.

Organizations
I have been an ASE Certified Master Technician since 1975. This includes L1. I am also currently a Toyota Certified Master Diagnostic Technician.

Publications
I have articles in "American Motoring", the official publication of the American Motors Owners Association. They are the largest AMC club in the world.

Education/Credentials
I have a certificate I printed out from a website.

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