5 replies to this topic

[mini_morley]

Model: 1000 HL With City E A+ engine
Year: 1981
Description of problem (please be as in depth as possible):
Today I had my mini running, and was adjusting the timing to get it running right. I stopped that car, adjusted the points and went to restart the car- nothing- no spark at all. I took the cap off and looked- No spark at the points- so far simple enough, or so I thought. I substituted a spare condenser to no avail, so I cracked out the multimeter and measured the voltage beteween the +ve side of the coil and the points- me- 26.4v! I'm guessing this is the cause of the problem- everything is frazzled, however i'm at a total loss as to WHY I have 26v at the coil. The voltage seems to be 12 everywhere else- noting has gone pop or started smoking, but its a bit dark to go out poking now so I will have to check this with the multimeter in the morning.
The car is running with a Lucas gold sports coil, otherwise its a standard igniton setup.
Help!
James

[Dan]

Sure you had the meter set to the right range? How exactly did you do the test? What did you connect the meter to?

[mini_morley]

Certainly- one lead on the +ve post on the coil, one on the slide on connector that connects the condenser to the actual points. I also get the same reading when im on the -ve post. The multimeter is in the correct range (0-200v) I'm stumped!

[mini13]

its likley you are measuring the sum of the back emf of the coil primary.

measure from the positive of the coil to the block or body,

the negative of the coil turns on and off quickly so you wont get a very readable voltage.

[Dan]

I also get the same reading when im on the -ve post

That's not really possible. It's not possible for there to be a voltage between the negative coil terminal and the condensor terminal, they are wired to each other directly. Is there a chance you've damaged the meter by dumping the condensor energy into it?
I'd agree with Mini13 but if the points aren't opening or closing there shouldn't be any return current in the coil should there? Unless the condensor is broken. What were you trying to test for?

[mini_morley]

Thanks, I shall try that and report back.