8 replies to this topic

[jackson-minis]

heyy, had a problem with my points burning out every 300 or so miles, i was told that there is a ballast in the loom that reduces power down to is it 10v? as opposed to 12v, however the reading at the coil fluctuates reading a maximum of 12 ish volts, could this higher voltage have been the problem as to why it was burning points out so often? or could anyone help me as to what it might have been because of? i have put electronic ignition on the car but it doesnt run right and has flat spots and bogs under part acceleration so i am looking to put the points back in but overcome the breaking down issue lol
cheers gazz

[danie garry]

would u have the wrong coil??? not sure but an idea tho

[jackson-minis]

i did change the coil to the correct one but it seems as though the supply goin into the coil is 12v is this right or should it be less?
gazz

[samsfern]

when i checked my coil once it was only putting out 8v, not sure what it should be though

[Sherlock]

The main reason for points burning out is a failed condenser, voltage doesn't have much effect, whether it's 9 or 12v. I've also had the plastic heel melt on cheap replacement points, use Lucas or Unipart if possible.

Edited by Sherlock, 15 December 2009 - 12:53 AM.

[Dan]

How are you measuring this voltage? Was the coil connected? Was the engine running? You can't just connect a DC voltmeter to the wire and hope to get a good reading.

Can you tell us more about the car and the ignition system?

Moved.

[jackson-minis]

okay, the points and condenser were replaced with new ones at least 4 times before changing over to the eleccy dizzy, and the voltage was measured with a multimeter with the coil connected and the car running. The car is a 1982 mini city, stage one kit, aau needle, decked head, single box exhaust. i wouldn't mind keeping the electronic dizzy on if it didnt have flat spots or bog, ive replaced dizzy cap, rotor arm, leads and plugs and it still doing like gentle acceleration only runs right when you boot it otherwise it like hesitates and judders then power comes in. noone seems to know why its doing it, frustrating
appriciate the replies guys gazz

[Dan]

What type of meter did you use? If it was a digital meter set to DC you would have to have used a very expensive meter to be able to accurately read the voltage across the coil. A moving coil meter would be more accurate if you have one.

Although a 1982 Mini doesn't have ballasted ignition anyway, it was introduced in 1984. What electronic system have you fitted?

[lrostoke]

Regarding the bogging down power issue, I'd try changing the needle to AAA or AAM
Its a very common problem with stage one kits the AAU needle supplied with the kits doesn't suit all cars.
Obviously that won't solve your points issue but could be the cause of your bogging down.