02 won't run unless starter is engaged

["David A. Leonard" <dleonar1@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

It was written">>>>>..My '75 2002 won't keep running unless the starter is
engaged. It dies as soon as I release the key.>>

Back in the bad old days,  12v points and condenser ignition systems ran on
two voltages to the coil..12v whan cranking, and 6v or so when running, to
reduce the sparking and pitting at the mechanical points.  On a 1602 or
2002, somewhere in the power wire(there  are two) to the hot side of the
coil, there is a "ceramic Ballast resistor" which lowers the voltage after
the starter is disengaged. If this is burned out, the 12v circuit will fire
the engine while the starter runs, but as soon as it is released..the 6 v
will not be there to keep the system running  My memory vaguely remembers
the firewall or inner fender locations for this resistor, but I can't quite
reach that far back..its been 20 years or so!

Try rigging a hot wire from the battery + directly to the  + side of the
coil primary lug, then start the car..it will run just fine for a while
..couple days not seconds.... if the ballast resistor is the problem.

Only downside is increased point wear.

Good luck,  Dave Leonard

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