36 replies to this topic

[nicomasala]

ah just seen all the added tests above, will try tomorrow. Thank you everyone that took the time to respond. 

[nicomasala]

Hi All, 

 

Been out and spent a little more time today. 

 

Coil and Distributor have been tested and working fine.

 

However still no spark when all is connected to car. 

 

I have it hooked up to a large pickup truck for testing, and measure 14.5v at the starter main feed, and then on to the fuse box etc just fine. Same at the distributor module feed etc. 

 

One thing i have noticed is that when i turn the ignition key, the voltage at all points drops to 9v whilst cranking, before shooting back up to 14.5 when not. 

 

My ignition switch is a little old a worn, but will turn the engine over consistently, so despite the ignition lights flickering as you move the key, it seems to do the job (unless you tell me otherwise etc).

 

Now i have ready that the module needs consistent 12v to function, so can only presume that the voltage drop is rendering the module useless during cranking, hence no spark, so does anyone have any reasoning / suggestions for the voltage drop. 

 

I know this is a 998 car, so will have had ballast ignition, so 9v would have been ok?, but as im feeding the coil and module direct from the fusebox, there should still be 12v getting through. 

 

Sorry for the long post, but not sure where to go next.

 

thanks

 

Nick

 

 

[nicklouse]

The drop to 9v is concerning. Check your earth straps.

[Ethel]

The voltage drop is normal, when the motor's turning it makes a big voltage divider with the rest of your electrics.

 

https://www.theminif...agnosis-repair/

[nicomasala]

Hmm, two earth straps are in good order, and the starter is turning at a decent speed. 

 

So question is, if 9v is normal (IE entire car receiving 9v while cranking), how do you get 12v to the module to keep it working?

 

thanks

 

Nick

[nicklouse]

ok some info.

first drive position.

check it

 drive.jpg   46.07K   2 downloads

note the drive rotor offset. not the same as Mini

 65DM4.jpg   45.48K   5 downloads

[nicklouse]

then

 check.jpg   46.91K   12 downloads

[Spider]

Hmm, two earth straps are in good order, and the starter is turning at a decent speed. 

 

So question is, if 9v is normal (IE entire car receiving 9v while cranking), how do you get 12v to the module to keep it working?

 

thanks

 

Nick

 

At 9V, it's just on the cusp of being to low / just enough voltage for the Electronics.

Some causes, as already mentioned, is bad earth connections - check the one on the battery too, battery is on the way out or not charged enough, poor main battery cable connection, starter motor on the way out.
 

[timmy850]

If you have an extra battery (which I think you mentioned in a prior post) you could also try to power the module directly from it, rather than from the coil. This might give the module enough voltage to run

I know my old system didn’t like under 10v, and I had to rewire to get more power direct to the module

[nicomasala]

Ok thanks guys, will get out there and have another go. 

 

Nick

[nicomasala]

Hello all, me again. Sorry for the delay but u had a stroke on 19th December, anyhow I got back out there recently, and have since done the following

Checked tdc
Checked dizzy drive is correct
New powerspark distributor coil and leads
New battery

Still no spark, scratching head again, any more ideas?

Have good 12v everywhere, and good earth at all components.

My brain is scrambled

[cal844]

Hello all, me again. Sorry for the delay but u had a stroke on 19th December, anyhow I got back out there recently, and have since done the following

Checked tdc
Checked dizzy drive is correct
New powerspark distributor coil and leads
New battery

Still no spark, scratching head again, any more ideas?

Have good 12v everywhere, and good earth at all components.

My brain is scrambled

Not good to hear about the stroke, the good news is you're recovering well.

Id now resistance test the coil (there's a how to in the FAQ section)

[nicomasala]

Thanks, two new coils tried, resistance tested fine

[Spider]

Sorry to hear of your stroke, I sincerely hope you have pulled up OK from that with no added complications.

 

Not sure where you are measuring the voltage, you'll likely need an assistant, but  measure also direct at the battery while cranking, it could be a battery that has a high internal resistance. Also, just to double check that the voltage drop is the issue, if you have another 12V battery (even an alarm battery), disconnect the car's loom from the ignition system and connect this in to check it will start and run.

[nicomasala]

OK I will give this a try, I have ordered a new starter as I think It should be turning faster, hoping that's it.

I'm ok, I was real lucky, but off work and not driving yet so loads of time