Practically Classics Forum

Hi Kevin,

Yes I agree, and already tried it with the old plugs back in but the lifter on the old points has had it so binned as soon as it came off and a stupid fatbloke stood on the old condensor so not really worth putting that back on

However Kevin, I am very dissapointed in you. Clearly you have not paid attention when reading this blog. As I stated above, the car is on my drive at home and as clearly stated in line 4, post 8 page 4 (these details are not necessarily correct!) The lock up is 3/4 of a mile away!

Seriously! I don't know why I bother sometimes!

In that case looks like you need to do your testing on a very cloudy night at the stroke of midnight, or just close your eyes to make it go dark. if you choose option 2, please get a beer assistant to take a picture whilst you are in the midst of testing

Oh, one other thing you could try is holding a spark plug(whilst its inserted into a plug lead) whilst said beer assistant cranks the starter..That will tell you instantly if you have a spark.
once again, please get some one to film this.

Failing all the above, as I previously said, throw it all away and convert to electronic. £20 max for the kit, you are already swapping the coil so for me its a no brainier.

Kev

I'm starting to think electronic ignition is not a bad Idea!

but what will you do when it doesnt break down anymore?

Fatbloke wrote: I'm starting to think electronic ignition is not a bad Idea!

Could you not go through my suggested testing regime just for our entertainment?

Seriously though, I would look at the Accuspark replacement distributor thats available, £58 delivered and is really worthwhile imo.
Hassle free to fit and gives good performance out of the box..

Kev

I had one of those on the landrover before I went fully mapped, at first I had all sorts of problems, it would conk out as it warmed up, a decent dizzy cap fixed it though.

My lotus has had lumentation on it for the 18 years I have owned it and it looked well used even back then, never missed a beat.

Your problems sound like low tension, I would check there is no short to earth (frayed wiring or missassemled points) or breaks in the wires.

Also what about the power to the coil, does it have 12v to the coil (if ballasted check while cranking).

Kev s

Kevin, It looks like I may have plenty of opportunity to use your regime by accident!! but not on purpose, even for you.

New coil fitted and still no action!

I'm starting to think LT too KStrutt1. wiring on that side does look rather old! Or even original!!

I'll keep you all informed.

Son's Mini had an intermittent electrical problem we put down to a poor earth somewhere - I suggested he check the earth strap between the engine and body to be told that there wasn't one. The guys who had restored the bodywork for him didn't fit one when they replaced the engine. No electrical problems after that . . . . .

Mike

Yeaaaay!! Poppy sings again! And yes Kevin, I inadvertently may have used one of your spark testing regimes!

Fatbloke wrote:Yeaaaay!! Poppy sings again! And yes Kevin, I inadvertently may have used one of your spark testing regimes!

did you film it for us?

what was the solution?

Kev