8 replies to this topic

[stevede]

998 City E
1991

Have finally got my car on the road and first time out after a few miles began to missfire.

Wasn't firing on No 1

Checked & changed the HT leads, & distributor cap with no joy.

Traced the problem to the fact that the points had closed up (but strangely, was only affecting No1 spark)

Re set the points and all was well but 70 miles later the problem re-appeared.

Again, have re set and running fine, but I want to go to Stanford in it - 130miles each way and don't want to get stranded.

I'm thinking possibly worn distributor shaft (there is a bit of play) and that I could cure with a britpart electronic module or similar.

But, with only one day to go and my nearest Britpat agent closed, I'm a bit stuck. (don't want to pay £70+ for what appears to be the same thing from the specialists)

Distributor is a 59D with the self cleaning points.

Any ideas please?


As always, help much appreciated

Regards

Steve

[pikey7]

lock washer on the points?

[dklawson]

Over the past 5 years there have been many complaints about the quality of "new" points and rotors. My first advice would be to buy the best name-brand points you can.

Did you apply a little bit of thin grease to the 4-lobed cam that opens the points? The 45D dizzy points have a felt wick that you soak with oil to keep the dizzy cam lubed. If that is not present, a bit of thin grease (like Vaseline) may help for a while. Of course, you could use a thin layer of a graphite or moly filled grease (like is used on CV joints). It doesn't take much, just a thin film. Anything will help.

Obviously the electronic ignition will eliminate the points and therefore eliminate the problem.

[stevede]

Thanks for the prompt replies gents.

Pikey7: The screw was tight both times so I'm certain that is not the issue.

Doug: I've just packed all my stuff away as it's going dark & wet now but what you have said would seem to fit.

There was a felt pad with the points and I fitted it but I thought, (wrongly), that it was to keep the rotor clean so didn't apply any oil. The first check saw some of the pad loose (most likely because I didn't oil) so I removed the pad and discarded it for fear that it would clog the contacts.

The spindle does look a bit dirty (possibly slightly contaminated) so if I have understood you correctly, this may actually be wearing the plasic arm down?

I'll remove and check tomorrow and regardless, get a new set of contacts & fit with the oiled pad after cleaning the spindle thoroughly.

I still think an electronic module may be the option to negate the effect of any wear in the spindle?

Thanks again chaps, I'll let you know how I go on.

Regards

Steve

[Ivor Badger]

Are you using genuine points. The Intermotor and other pirate ones without the slipper cam don't work. Did you lubricate the cam? Is the cam rusty with lying?

[PhilipGCaldwell]

luminition electronic ignition is fantastic, cant reccomend it highly enough, since i put mine in i have never looked under my dizzy cap

[Dan]

I have had similar problems in the past with dizzies that have been serviced poorly by previous owners. People tend to loose the points screw and fit whatever they have lying around. This can either lock the baseplate up completely or prevent the points being clamped down tightly enough nomatter how tight the screw is, depending on what screw is used.

[stevede]

Thanks again for the replies.

Ivor Badger: I'm not certain to be honest re the points. I bought them from minispares and they have the slipper cam but can't remember the make. I didn't lubricate the cam (no rust but dirty), looking back now it's obvious I should have done so.

Philip: Will bear your comment in mind if / when I go the electronic route.

Dan: Thanks for the pointer on the screw. Bearing in mind some of the "modifications" this car has had in the past, anything's possible. The points are certainly tight and the timing light suggests that both the mechanical and vacuum advance are working. I'll pick a new screw & washer up from MOSS this morning when I go over. I'll be able to check the plastic arm for wear against the new set as well then.

Regards

Steve

[stevede]

Just a quick update and to say thanks for your help.

I pulled the dizzy to clean it and there was what looked like old pitting on the spindle when I cleaned it.

The slight roughness and lack of lubrication had caused the plastic arm on the contacts to wear away.

I thoroughly cleaned the spindle, fitted the new contacts, and with the felt pad lubricated, replaced the distributor and re-timed.

Perfect.

Did the 250 mile round trip to Stanford and never missed a beat.

Thanks once again for all the replies.

Regards

Steve

Edited by stevede, 13 September 2010 - 06:10 PM.