I have just found out that the wire going into the So called ballast can slide out and I am sure that the this could be the source of the problem. I wish to post photos of the part in question but I couldn't. Maybe I can send it to you by email if I have your email address. My email is ch.vassallo@gmail.com
Not sure a photo will help as it may vary depending on manufacturer and may not be an original fitment anyway.. Ford engines from that era were certainly fitted with ballast resistors but usually in the wire from the ignition to the coil rather than coil to distributor. If your component IS a ballast resistor, it may well be in good condition but simply a poor connection. If connections are found to be satisfactory after wiggling them around with the engine running, the next step is to replace the ballast resistor itself as they are not expensive. You still haven’t said if the old coil was labelled to say a ballast is required (or another clue could be if it is rated at about 9 volts)
