Ballast resistor is bypassed during start.**
How it works, using a points system for the example.
1. When the key is turned to start current flows through to the key switch and then splits,
a. Some current takes the path of the S2 wire (yellow) to the starter relay, through the neutral safety switch to ground.
b. Some current takes the path of the J3 wire (brown) to the coil whenever the distributor points are closed.
View attachment 1716158029
Take your finger and trace the path to the coil.
The rest of the sequence to get the starter turning happens very quickly.
2. Power through the relay's bottom terminals internally connects the big stud to the solenoid terminal. Current flows from the battery to the starter's solenoid.
View attachment 1716158030
3. The starter solenoid (inside the starter) closes and the starter draws battery battery power to spin it.
View attachment 1716158031
The starter draws a lot of power.
Battery voltage will get pulled down during starting, but if it drops to 9 V its probably not going to start. Recharge the battery with a charger.
**With electronic ignition, the 1/2 ohm resistor is needed for the ECU to get power during start.
View attachment 1716158034