Ballast Resistor

I have a 75' Cordoba, 318. When car is running the ballast resistor gets hot and starts smoking. Can anybody steer me towards the problem or what I should check for?

Thanks, Tom

If you feel it excessive, coil primary resistance could be a cause, but the resitor getting hot is Pretty normal.

If there is foriegn debris on the resistor, it will smoke. It is quite common for the wire element to get hot enough to glow.

A brand new one? Stock 4 terminal type ballast? Some smoke when new and it's a good idea to carry a spare

Thanks guys.