8 replies to this topic

[Pavel]

Right the car im trying to start has been standing for 2-3 months. Until then it ran.. then i no longer needed it so it just stood there.

I took off its carburator and manifolds, and took its spark plugs out to use in another car.

The car now wont start. I've used new spark plugs, i tried a different coil, and i've tried changing the lead going from the distributor to the coil.

The engine is getting fuel, but its not getting a spark (tried 2 spark plugs). Since the sparking problem isnt only on one plug, im assuming its something other than HT leads. I could swap them from my other car to try out but i really don't think that's the problem.

Any ideas what else could cause me not to get a spark?

[bluebottle]

is there a spark at the points?

[dklawson]

What vintage is the car? There are so many possibilities to check, some of which depend on whether or not the car has ballasted ignition and the like.

I wrote a PDF document for Lucas points ignitions. I could email you a copy of it to you if it would help. It's around 384 kb in size. Let me know if you're interested.

[Bluemini]

Have you got the wires on the coil the rite way round?

[Pavel]

Yeah, even tried both ways afterwards...

[siggy]

Check the points gap, check for a live feed at the coil (LT side)

Siggy

[philster]

Have you checked dizzy cap, i bought a brand new lucas one from halfords other week and it wouldn't start. We messed about for hours (even changed the electronic dizzy) only to find the carbon wotsit on the spring in the dizzy cap wasn't there!

[Pavel]

I'll check the cap alrite but seeing as it hasnt been touched and the car started before i dont see how it could suddenly become useless

[cowboy]

have a look at the points and see if they are opening alternativly to see if they are working get a 12v light and take the wires of the coil and put the light in its place then turn the engine over the light will come on and off, if not check or change points, and check power supply :wales: