How do I test a ballast resistor?

I have a buddy working on a 1968 Dodge pickup. He brought me the ballast resistor and asked if there is a way to test it. I told him I knew where there was a smart group of people to ask. Thanks

It's just a resistor, measure with an ohm meter to make sure it's not open

They can measure fine cold and fail hot

It is a wire wound resistor, 1968 had points so it should be around .5 ohms cold It will change under a load so it will read with more voltage when under a load cold than it will when it warms up, it doesn't take long for them to heat up

Rick did he mention a specific issue? My last point ballast measured 1.6 ohms cold

The 68 FSM shows 0.5-.06 ohms for all applications listed.

Assuming it's still a stock 68 ignition system.

He said it wouldn't start and thought it was an ignition issue. I told him I didn't think it was because of the ballast resistor. (Even though I've forgotten what it does exactly.)

The ballast should be bypassed when in start.

It is only used in run.

Did he check to see if the coil had any voltage in start?

I will tell him to check that.

Weigh it?

Sorry, I couldn't resist.