742 bobcat electrical issue

[ojodyo]

I've got a 1980 742 (it has the 4 cylinder Ford engine) and it won't stay running. It fires fine but the only way it will stay running is if you hold the key over, engaging the starter. What's going on? Thanks jo

 

[OldMachinist]

Should be 2 wires going to the coil. One comes from starter and supplies full voltage to the coil for starting. Second one comes from the igntion switch when its in the run position going thru a ballast resistor. Likely the ballast resistor has gone bad. Wiring diagram says it should be a 1.3-1.4 ohm ballast resistor. Any good auto parts store should have one.

 

[ojodyo]

Should be 2 wires going to the coil. One comes from starter and supplies full voltage to the coil for starting. Second one comes from the igntion switch when its in the run position going thru a ballast resistor. Likely the ballast resistor has gone bad. Wiring diagram says it should be a 1.3-1.4 ohm ballast resistor. Any good auto parts store should have one.

Thanks I'll give it a try