7 replies to this topic

[Iguana]

I've been having big issues last month or so and the mini has been off the road for this time (With the odd unsuccessful trip thrown in)!  (1987 Mini 30)

 

Anyway, after swapping Coil, condenser, Dizzy cap, HT leads etc and still having same issues, I've finally managed to work out that the points keep closing or moving after a short period of time, and I gradually loose the spark for each cylinder (Adjusted points this morning, running on all 4, then gradually lost no1 spark after 10 mins or car running)

 

I have therefore decided to do away with the points and go down the route of electronic ignition and have purchased a mini electronic ignition for Ducellier type distributor:

https://www.minispor...istributor.html

 

I'm preparing to install it today, but my mini has a ballast ignition and coil and therefore, i think i need to feed the 12v to the distributor from before the ballast resistor. I’ve had a good look around but can’t locate the resistor, any idea where this is?

 

Thanks in advance, I'm hoping that removing the points will cure the problem, but I'm sure life is not as simple as this 

 

Thanks

[dyshipfakta]

The pink and white wire is the resistor you need a new feed from the fuse box

[Anthony30]

As above, It's the pink/white wire.

[cal844]

I've been having big issues last month or so and the mini has been off the road for this time (With the odd unsuccessful trip thrown in)!  (1987 Mini 30)
 
Anyway, after swapping Coil, condenser, Dizzy cap, HT leads etc and still having same issues, I've finally managed to work out that the points keep closing or moving after a short period of time, and I gradually loose the spark for each cylinder (Adjusted points this morning, running on all 4, then gradually lost no1 spark after 10 mins or car running)
 
I have therefore decided to do away with the points and go down the route of electronic ignition and have purchased a mini electronic ignition for Ducellier type distributor:
https://www.minispor...istributor.html
 
I'm preparing to install it today, but my mini has a ballast ignition and coil and therefore, i think i need to feed the 12v to the distributor from before the ballast resistor. Ive had a good look around but cant locate the resistor, any idea where this is?
 
Thanks in advance, I'm hoping that removing the points will cure the problem, but I'm sure life is not as simple as this 
 
Thanks

You need to fit a new wire from the white wires on the fusebox

[Iguana]

Thanks all,  wrong kit!  Couldn't get it to fit, so need to go back to the supplier.

 

Re-fitted the condenser and did the points and got it firing on all 4 perfectly, ran for 10 mins, before cutting out and now no sparks at all :-(

 

2 hrs wasted!   Need a break from the 'beep' thing

 

Can't understand why points seem to close on their own all the time!

Edited by Iguana, 27 November 2016 - 02:34 PM.

[sledgehammer]

the points closing , could be the plastic heel softening when points warm up (some do when condensor is getting old)

 

or you aren't greasing / oiling the rotor cam ?

 

also sometimes the points move when the clamp screw is tightened

 

also check for excessive movement of the rotor shaft

Edited by sledgehammer, 28 November 2016 - 10:17 PM.

[Iguana]

Fairly sure it's not clamp screw as still got decent gap when tight. Condenser is new so can't be heel, i'm thinking perhaps its the shafts, will check to see if I have play

[tiger99]

My Lucas distributor on my Avenger went exactly like that, seemingly needing constant adjustment to get home. It was in fact the shaft and its bearings so you are right to suspect that. I needed a new distributor. It was basically the same as the Mini.

One way of ruining the bearings is to get the drive dog to engage 180 degrees out, which results in a massive side load. I had not done that, it was just a random failure or maybe abuse by a previous owner.

One symptom is brass swarf from the bearings.