Ballist resistors, etc.

[Terry F.]

I have noted that ballist resistors and light switches have this sort of white ceramic stuff caked into and between the coils of the wire resistor. Any idea what this stuff is? Is there a substitute that someone can use to replace it with when it falls out or starts to flake away? Just wondering, Terry

[Dave Suesz]

Yes- Paste

type muffler sealant.

[Terry F.]

Re: Yes- Paste

Hmmm, interesting! I will give it a try. Do you know if it is white in color?

Thanks, Terry

[Gary Bishop]

Re: Ballist resistors, etc.

What about a white silicone?

[Terry F.]

Re: Ballist resistors, etc.

That might work. The stuff that is in there looks like a ceramic paste. I would just like to replace it with something that looks and functions as original. Terry

[Mike M.]

Re: Ballist resistors, etc.

Yes, they were originally white-white.
Might that get a little too warm for anything other than that ceramic type material?
H. a. N. D.

[John H.]

Re: Ballist resistors, etc.

Don't even THINK about using silicones or RTV-type materials - that coil gets HOT! The original material was some sort of ceramic slurry.

[Dave Suesz]

Yikes! The color

of muffler sealant paste is usually an off-white, similar to the ceramic base. I would advise against using silicone sealant, the ballast is ceramic for a reason, it gets too hot to touch!

[Terry F.]

Re: Yikes! The color

Do you know of a particular brand of muffler sealant to use that is white. I agree, silicone would not be something I would try but you never know what you can get away with. The stuff that is in there is a white ceramic paste looking stuff. Looks like it was just smeared in there. I happen to have several early balast resitors off of cars. I wonder if they are still good. Terry