8 replies to this topic

[wurzel1974]

Hello I’m at a loss to work out why my classic is running so badly, I’ve brought a new battery, alternator, ballast coil, and spark plugs and leads, and new electronic ignition,

What’s happened is when I’m driving along and put the lights on and the heater I lose power and the Mini becomes sluggish going up the slightest hill, if I turn them off the mini runs perfectly,

Also the number 2 and 3 spark plugs are black with soot, but numbers 1 and 4 are perfect, I’ve done a compression test today and got pretty much 175 all the way along,

Please can someone help please? I’m pulling my hair out, lol

Could someone please tell me the correct battery and alternator I should have brought?

The mini is a mini Mayfair 1983 Y reg thankyou very much everyone

[PACINO]

Hello! First of all, you should show up at the right place.
That said, it sounds like you have two problems. An electrical problem and poorly regulated carburetor, as two spark plugs remain black.
The first thing I'd ask is if the alternator is connected correctly.
Second, what idle speed do you have stopped? If the idle speed is below 900 rpm, the alternator may not be charging correctly.
Do you know if that coil with ballast is the correct one for your engine?
Greetings

[sonscar]

There are special considerations when fitting electronic ignition with ballast coils,Google it.You may have poor earth or battery connections at the boot or engine wiring.Steve..

[bpirie1000]

There are special considerations when fitting electronic ignition with ballast coils,Google it.You may have poor earth or battery connections at the boot or engine wiring.Steve..

My thoughts are with this.. bad earth point... try cleaning up or replacing the earth strap. Or try a jump lead on the battery -'ve and one on the body somewhere first... see what happens.

[cal844]

I use an 063 size battery but you need to use extreme caution as the battery terminals are on the side that the battery clamp sits.

I suspect you have a charging fault and also need the timing, advance curve and carburettor optimised

[68+86auto]

It sounds like there is a poor connection somewhere. Do not buy any more parts until the problem is diagnosed using test equipment.

 

What you can do is with it not running turn on the headlights and heater and see where the voltage is dropping (if it is the problem). Start at the solenoid and work your way along. check both the positive and negative.



Test, don't guess.

Edited by 68+86auto, 21 November 2023 - 12:40 AM.

[timmy850]

Which electronic ignition did you buy?

Where have you got the power source for the electronic ignition?

As mentioned above, it’s critical that the ignition module gets 12v and not the reduced voltage from the ballast wire

Did you gap the spark plugs to the correct gap? Are the spark plug leads on in the right order?

[68+86auto]

I missed the part about the electronic ignition, that means the coil could be incompatible too.

[sonscar]

Did you fit the new parts because it was sick?or has it become sick after fitting the new parts?Steve..