2 replies to this topic

[jac123]

Hi guys, odd problem, but I am sure I`ve read something about this on the forum before. 1989 mini rose, in constant use up untill a few months ago but still in regular use. always been a good starter but never seems to fire until I release the ignition key, not a sign of life until I release the ignition key and then it fires up straight away. Getting a little out of my depth here but is it the ballast circuit that is cut out during start up to give a boost, could that be the root of the problem? The car is, and always has been run on a dlb102 coil. The car has no other running problems, well none worth mentioning here, it has electronic ignition fitted and I assume that it should be a ballast resisted coil (pink wire to coil?). It is only the cold damp weather that has caused the usual starting jitters so has highlighted the problem to me again.  Any ideas guys?

[richmondclassicsnorthwales]

I have had similar problems, when it is cold or damp, no joy in starting, and yes, I have found this down to this pink / white wire problem.

 

The idea behind it was so more power was allowed to crank the engine over, and a reduced voltage given to the coil side..

 

What I did was run a positive feed, through the ignition side though, you only want the feed when the ignition is on.

 

Then, I used a Lucas gold coil, refitted as per set up, but replace the loom pink / white wire, with the wire i have through the ignition.

 

So, instead of just having 6v to the coil, you are back to 12v, and mine turns and starts first turn of the key every time now.

 

Give it a go, nothing to lose trying this. You can easily take it out if you don't like it.

[Cooperman]

If/when the pink/white wire burns out it takes most of the front loom with it. I have had to repair two of these and it is a six hour job and a lot of wire of the correct codours.
The best thing is to replace the 'effing pink wire with a normal white wire and use a normal 12v coil. I got concerned about the quality of Lucas coils and I use Delphi coils now.