On a points dist, all the power that goes to the coil passes through the points. Running constant 12v through the points usually burns the points up faster. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/Twocents.gif" alt="" />
CORRECT!! the purpose of the ballast resistor, or resistance wire used by GM and Ford was to limit the current going to the coil thereby prolonging the life of the points in the "RUN" position / condition. By limiting the current it not only prolonged the points but limited the heat the coil would generate and prolonging it's life as well.
There are different coils that are designed to be used with the "resistance" IE: dropped voltage/ Current,
and those that are designed to run at full voltage. the full voltage coils typically are not used on a points system
Running full Current / voltage through a set of points will shorten their life substantially.
