<VV> Resistor Wire Question

[Doug Mackintosh]

Bill, on page 12-27 there is a 20 B/Y wire running from the Coil (+) terminal to the connector for the starter solenoid harness. At that connector, the 20 B/Y wire joins a 20 W/R/B wire which runs to the connector going to the main harness running forward to the ignition switch. I believe that 20 W/R/B wire is the resistor wire. Here is how it works:
 
When you turn the ignition key to Start, the 12 PPL wire wire energizes the solenoid, which then connects full 12 V power to the solenoid R terminal. The 20 B/Y wire from the solenoid R terminal connects through the 2 blade connector to the 20B/Y wire to deliver 12 V to the Coil (+).
 
When you let the switch return to the Run position, the solenoid disengages, breaking the circuit from the solenoid to the 2-blade connector. But the ignition switch sends voltage through the big connector to the 20 W/R/B resistor wire, which joins the 20 B/Y wire at the 2 blade solenoid harness connector. The 20 B/Y wire then delivers the reduced voltage from the resistor wire to the Coil (+).  
 
Stated another way, when starting, 12 V is delivered by the solenoid through the 20 B/Y wire to the coil; when running, 12 V is delivered through the ignition switch, then the 20 W/R/B resistor wire (which drops the voltage), then the 20 B/Y wire to the coil.
 
Hope that helped.
 
Bill Hershkowitz asked:
 
<<Hi all.  I am sure this question has been asked over and over, but I can't seem to find the answer.

The question surrounds the "resistor wire" that connects to the coil in Late models.  There is NO mention of this wire that I can find anywhere in the 1965 Shop manual.  Nor is it shown in any of the wiring diagrams I've been able to locate (including the one in the shop manual).

In my 66 Monza, this wire is taped (hidden) into the harness and isn't connected to the coil (or anything else at the remote end).  The coil simply has the yellow wire (12V?) from the starter connected to the plus side of the coil.

I do know that the resistor wire keeps the coil from getting too much voltage, but how does the car keep running with no resistor wire?  I haven't touched anything in the engine bay, this is the way the car was when I got it.

I had the resistor wire connected to my 69's coil, but I forgot how that was wired.  

I thought the 12V yellow wire provided full 12V from the starter when the engine was started, then that wire should provide no voltage, and the resistor wire "takes over?"

Can anyone clear up the confusion?  Am I ruining my coil (if it isn't already ruined) by not having a resistor wire hooked up to it?

I plan to check voltage to the coil with the engine running, but I'm willing to bet that during normal operation I'm putting a full 12V to the coil.

Why isn't the resistor wire included in the factory wiring diagram?

Thanks for your help guys...Bill Hershkowitz  66 Monza Sport Sedan 110 PG A/C>>

-- Doug Mackintosh
Corsa member since 1996
Corsa/NC member since 1996, Virtual Vairs member
Corvair owner 1969-1971 and 1996-on