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I have a 1973 Datsun 240k that will only run while I’m turning the key and engaging the starter. As soon as I let go of the key the car immediately dies

What would cause this?

Barney Chambers
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1 Answers1

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That is usually a ballast resistor fault.

Some cars had a resistor mounted next to the ccoil which provided about 9v to the coil when running. When starting the coil was supplied with 12v to increase spark voltage.

On some cars the ballast resistor was a length of resistance wire built into the wiring harness.

Try putting a supply from an ignition feed source and testing again, if it runs then you need to replace the ballast resistor. Or you can fit a standard 12v coil instead.

Solar Mike
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