46 replies to this topic

[Readers14]

OK, stupid question of the day is, how do I tell if I have points or electronic ignition?

Background to that question is that my engine seemed to be misfiring. Checked the float level in the carb & topped it up with genuine SU oil. Also changed the spark plugs as the old ones were looking pretty worn.

It fired up but was still misfiring, struggled to run smoothly. I could tell it was going to cut out, gave it a little bit of throttle.
This helped but still misfiring. Came off the throttle & it died immediately.
Whipped the plugs out, cleaned them, put them back in, tried to fire it up again........nothing.
It turns over, but not firing.
Next I checked the dizzy cap & rotor arm. A little bit of corrosion on the contacts of the dizzy cap, so gave them & the rotor arm a clean.
Put everything back, tried to fire it up again........nothing.
Whipped the plugs out again & they are wet with fuel.

So, was going to check the points, but can't tell if I have any.
When I took the dizzy cap off, I didn't see any points, just the rotor arm.
Are they hidden behind a plate?

I noticed what looks to be a condenser hanging below the coil bracket with a wire going to a connector on the coil.
Coil is a Lucas Gold Sport item. Don't know which type as the previous owner fitted it.

[nicklouse]

if you have a "condenser" then you have points but you would see them.

 

sounds like some loose wires or poor wiring.

 

year of car?

 

pictures?

[Readers14]

1994 Rover Mini Sprite 1275cc.
Previous owner had done some work to it - HIF44 carb, LCB, etc.
Unsure of the ignition side of things, other than the coil.

I'll put some pics up later, as I've been in the garage most of the day & enjoying a beer or two now!

[DeanP]

For the record there is nothing wrong with the original set up. Just make sure all replacement bits are the best money can buy, not cheapo. distributor doctor is that bit more expensive but I've never experienced any running issues after buying from him.

[cal844]

That engine will have a 65DM4 with the module on it, it may be the module has failed?

[nicklouse]

and the black module should be screwed onto the body of the dizzy.

[Readers14]

That engine will have a 65DM4 with the module on it, it may be the module has failed?

Is that attached to the side of the dizzy?

[Readers14]

and the black module should be screwed onto the body of the dizzy.

You've just answered the above question! Haha!

[nicklouse]

 

and the black module should be screwed onto the body of the dizzy.

You've just answered the above question! Haha!

 

there are two electric connections that are made when it is attached.

[Readers14]

Take it that if I have the ignition module on the dizzy (which I have) then it's electronic ignition?

[nicklouse]

yep. the 65DM4 is an electronic dizzy.

[gazza82]

I noticed what looks to be a condenser hanging below the coil bracket with a wire going to a connector on the coil.
Coil is a Lucas Gold Sport item. Don't know which type as the previous owner fitted it.

 

You sure that isn't there to reduce radio interference? But it should be earthed ..

[gazza82]

Double-post ..

Edited by gazza82, 12 June 2017 - 10:41 AM.

[Readers14]

 

I noticed what looks to be a condenser hanging below the coil bracket with a wire going to a connector on the coil.
Coil is a Lucas Gold Sport item. Don't know which type as the previous owner fitted it.

 

You sure that isn't there to reduce radio interference? But it should be earthed ..

 

 

 

That's possible.

I think it's connected to the positive side of the coil. It's mounted to the coil bracket which is fixed to the engine block/cylinder head. So, I guess it's earthed that way.

It's pretty rusty, whatever it is!

Edited by Readers14, 12 June 2017 - 11:16 AM.

[Ethel]

Google 65dm4 it looks different to points dizzies. Note you must use the matching coil GCL143, or equivalent.