37 replies to this topic

[PaulColeman]

I'm restoring a 1976 Mini 1000 for my daughter and the last time it was started was 2 years ago when it did actually run. I've replaced the points with an Accuspark electronic ignition module but I can't get any spark out of it. Does anybody know if the 1976 Mini 1000 has a ballast or standard ignition as this affects how I need to connect the module.

 

I've checked the coil, leads, plugs etc but I don't get any spark at all that I can see. The coil has definitely got +12V to the +'ve terminal.

 

Thanks, Paul.

[lrostoke]

76 will be non ballast..you should be able to connect the module direct to the coil

 

red to positive, black to negative.

[KernowCooper]

If the coils got 12v to the positive terminal with the ignition on and it has a single white cable to the + and a white with a black tracer then its a standard 12v system which it should be for that year.

 

So you should have a White on the coil + And the White/Black on the coil -

 

The Accuasparks wiring should be a pair of wires coming from the trigger unit you placed inside the distributor, a Red and a Black. The red goes to the coil + should be room to push on the coil terminal and a black which goes to the coil - thats all the connections are.

[PaulColeman]

Thanks for the replies. I have it connected exactly as you described but I don't get a visible spark out of it with one of the plugs out of the block and earthed via a jump lead. I've tried another coil and checked the plug leads. I've ruled out the distributor cap by connecting the HT lead straight to a plug, again no spark. I unscrewed the Accuspark unit and the trigger ring and tried them off the car and I think it's switching. I guess the timing will be different without points so I'll go and try rotating the distributor to see if that makes a difference as I'm running out of ideas.

 

Cheers, Paul.

[lrostoke]

did you connect the little earth wire back up to the backplate from the dizzy body

[PaulColeman]

did you connect the little earth wire back up to the backplate from the dizzy body

Yes, I've got the earth wire connected but can't get anything out of it at all?

 

Very strange

[lrostoke]

well very possible your one of the unlucky ones whose got a dodgy unit

 

Is there an air gap between the rotor part and the sensor unit

Edited by lrostoke, 28 June 2013 - 07:13 PM.

[PaulColeman]

Yes there is an air gap. I thought about rotating the distributor but I don't think that's going to stop it sparking?

[Tamworthbay]

I had exactly the same recently on a unit for my MGB GT. I returned it and they tested it and said it was fine. Would not and will not work on my car though. I have used Accuspark in the past and had no problems at all.

[PaulColeman]

I've put the points back in and it's sparking now, so I'll return it on Monday.

 

I'm now unable to start the car so I've posted a new topic here...

http://www.theminifo...a-2-year-sleep/

 

Cheers, Paul.

Edited by PaulColeman, 28 June 2013 - 09:00 PM.

[PaulColeman]

Okay, I figured out what was wrong with this at great expense to my nervous system hahaha So I'm posting the result here in case anybody else does a search for this in the future and to spread the knowledge.

 

I bought this unit as it was a lot cheaper than those on eBay... http://www.mm-4x4.co...-kit-2720-p.asp

 

From what I can see, Powerspark and Accuspark also sell these electronic units to replace the points but by the looks of it they're all made by the same place (probably in China somewhere).

 

So I replaced my working points and then I got no spark. So I took it all out again and tested it on the bench using a bulb and battery and it worked correctly. Then I put it back in the car and... nothing. I checked all the wiring which was fine and by now I was beginning to doubt my own sanity.

 

Eventually I figured out what the problem was. Now this may have been mentioned in the instructions but I lost them!! The shaft on the distributor allows you to fit the ring which contains the magnets at various positions and if you slide it too far down the shaft it won't work. So you have to fit it so that it is just under the rotor arm and then it's within it's operating range.

 

I used a light bulb in parallel with the positive and negative connections on the coil so that I could see it flash as I turned the car over.

 

Phew!

 

Paul.

[lrostoke]

how have you stopped it moving though, surely it can slide down further if not fixed.

 

our m&m kit came with the ring and also a rotor arm with built in magnet ring, so we used the combined rotor arm

Edited by lrostoke, 02 July 2013 - 06:40 PM.

[PaulColeman]

Yes I've got to find something to stop it sliding down. It's quite tight but it does need holding. I haven't figured out how to do it yet as there was nothing in the packet. I'm just relieved I've got the damn thing working as it was driving me nuts hahaha

 

Hmmm... cable tie around the shaft beneath the ring?

 

Paul.

Edited by PaulColeman, 02 July 2013 - 06:50 PM.

[Tamworthbay]

how have you stopped it moving though, surely it can slide down further if not fixed.
 
our m&m kit came with the ring and also a rotor arm with built in magnet ring, so we used the combined rotor arm

I wonder if you can buy those rotor arms separately?

[PaulColeman]

 

how have you stopped it moving though, surely it can slide down further if not fixed.
 
our m&m kit came with the ring and also a rotor arm with built in magnet ring, so we used the combined rotor arm

I wonder if you can buy those rotor arms separately?

 

Yes you can. Go to... http://www.accuspark...pare_parts.html

and it's the 5th one down by the looks of it. I might invest in one.

 

Paul.