32 replies to this topic

[mikedaf2]

Have you tried the minispares one? I might get one and leave it in the boot just in case!

No I haven't yet, think I might get an original one now as it seems to be an issue with cheap modules.

[mikedaf2]

I need some help in getting to the source of this issue as its driving me insane!
I have a 1990 mini cooper carb model and it keeps burning the ignition module out (black module on the side of the distributor). So far I have changed the module 3 times...

 
Could you post up a pick of one of the failed modules please or from where you've bought them from.
 
As in the last few years I've had 2 non genuine ignition modules fail, one only a few weeks ago while doing over 60mph. What I seem to be finding is they go from working to complete failure with no warning, so having the effect of switching off the ignition while driving. And this is despite using the correct coil, plugs etc.

The first module that failed was the original one, the next two where bought from powespark so not original, where should I buy one from?
Thanks
Mike.

 
Same place as both of mine came from. They wouldn't happen to be black with a white square section on the front by any chance?
 
My curt working replacement is a 20 year old genuine local/rover original picked up in an auto jumble, funny how a 20 year old park can be more reliable than a new part made yesterday.

Ah yes, they are black with a white square on the top. So I need to find an original item then?

 
Pretty much, either source a used or new genuine lucas module. As from my experiences these non-genuine powerspark modules are crap, with one failing after just a mile and half of driving and another after a few weeks.

Both of mine have lasted around 8 weeks.

[racingbob]

seems to be about 5 makes for this module

 

what make is the minispares one

 

the lucas one is £29 but been told lucas not much good anymore

[CityEPete]

I can't see a name on it on the website, new old stock ones sound like they are worth grabbing when they pop up!

[mikedaf2]

seems to be about 5 makes for this module
 
what make is the minispares one
 
the lucas one is £29 but been told lucas not much good anymore

So if the Lucas ones are no good either which one should I buy?

[CityEPete]

The more expensive ebay ones claim to be good OE quality?

[mikedaf2]

I've had a look and there is two manufacturer's of these modules that may work? I've found an intermotor one and a magneti marreli one. Has anyone else tried these?

[mikedaf2]

If you look on E bay the Lucas ones are actually being sold by Power Spark so does this mean they manufacture them now?

 

Im now confused and don't know which one to buy for reliability?

 

Anyone got any experience on a reliable replacement?

 

Thanks in advance for any help from a very frustrated very large Mini ornament owner!

[mini13]

these do need the heatsink gunk too,

 

another thought, what grille do you have? i found that the modules can cause issues of theres no air flow to them, took ages to find that when mine started missing and cutting out when warm taking the innocenti grill off cured it.

 

 

 

 

are you putting heatsink compound on the modules? if not they can overheat and die.

These are the plug in black modules on the side of the dizzy body not the ones housed inside the dizzy.

Edit-posted at the same time, do the black boxes have the white gunk too then? I might keep an eye out for good spares if these are becoming an issue?

 

[mikedaf2]

 

these do need the heatsink gunk too,

 

another thought, what grille do you have? i found that the modules can cause issues of theres no air flow to them, took ages to find that when mine started missing and cutting out when warm taking the innocenti grill off cured it.

 

 

 

 

are you putting heatsink compound on the modules? if not they can overheat and die.

These are the plug in black modules on the side of the dizzy body not the ones housed inside the dizzy.

Edit-posted at the same time, do the black boxes have the white gunk too then? I might keep an eye out for good spares if these are becoming an issue?

 

 

Yes i am putting the heatsink compound on them and i have a standard Cooper grill with the standard weather guard. 

Edited by mikedaf2, 02 December 2015 - 04:28 PM.

[1984mini25]

If you look on E bay the Lucas ones are actually being sold by Power Spark so does this mean they manufacture them now?

 

Im now confused and don't know which one to buy for reliability?

 

Anyone got any experience on a reliable replacement?

 

Thanks in advance for any help from a very frustrated very large Mini ornament owner!

 

Power spark/Simon bbc seam to sell both the non-genuine (works for a short while) and the genuine Lucas ones. with the crap non-genuine ones being the one sold on eBay and with there dizzy kits and the genuine Lucas ones being sold on there website.

 

 

 

these do need the heatsink gunk too,

 

another thought, what grille do you have? i found that the modules can cause issues of theres no air flow to them, took ages to find that when mine started missing and cutting out when warm taking the innocenti grill off cured it.

 

I'm sort of dismissing that. As I can't see how running a previously used (so have no idea of its true age) ignition module for 7 years in all weathers with no problems with a standard pressed steel grill and later weather shield. compared with the same grill/airflow with the non-gen modules both of witch fail within a month. One I had a few years back that failed after just one and half miles was in the snow with minus, so I can't see excessive running temps being to blame for that one.

 

I have also smashed one of these failed modules to look at the inner workings and some of the connections inside (I'll post pics) are crap and the circuit board is/was superglued to the heat sink. With nothing more than a wire the thickness of a hair for what I can assume to earth it to said heat sink.

Edited by 1984mini25, 02 December 2015 - 05:47 PM.

[KernowCooper]

DLB 198 is the O.E part number for the distributor with the factory electronic ignition, or the after market GCL 143, can you remove the coil connections off the + and - terminals and check the ohms reading of the primary circuiit, your looking for a reading of 1ohm, if its a lot higher then you have your answer on the modules dying. Otherwise it could be a batch of faulty modules.

[racingbob]

it makes you wonder just to try the lucas one

 

im in the same boat as you with this

 

I carry a spare as well

[1984mini25]

I don't know about the OP, but I've just tested both the coils I've been using and have got 0.8ohms and 0.9ohms.

Edited by 1984mini25, 03 December 2015 - 12:00 PM.

[mikedaf2]

I've tested mine and i have 0.8 Ohms, As previously mentioned I have the Lucas DLB198 and ive been told its the right coil for the car.