21 replies to this topic

[xchickyx]

Does the car have a tach? If so, watch the tach as you rev the car. When the engine dies, does the tach needle fall to zero instantly (ignition system fault) or does the needle drift toward zero (fuel or other fault)?

If the tach falls instantly to zero, look inside the distributor. Check the points as I mentioned in a previous post and also look for the grounding wire that runs between the breaker plate and the shell of the distributor. The points need to be gapped properly and the flexible ground wire needs to be in place. While you're in there, make sure no wires are loose that may be touching ground when the car revs and the advance plate moves.

im not really sure what a tach is pal but im pretty sure i dont have one, just revs and speedo.

i just went down again and tried starting it, no luck. Looks like i'll be replacing the windows tomorrow then

think it'll help me getting it started tomorrow if i charge the battery tonight.

also, anyone want a 1987 mini advantage with like 40k on the clock? I'm getting fed up with it.

[Teapot]

im not really sure what a tach is pal

tach = tachometer = rev counter

[xchickyx]

The revs instantly drop when the engine dies. I'm not really sure of what points you want me to check as i am a complete novice when it comes to electronics. Pictures maybe?

i appreciate your help tho, its scary not having the car safe at home.

[dklawson]

I don't have pictures I can send. However, please visit the following links.

These are points:
http://www.aptfast.c...ition_A/CS8.jpg
They are on a moving plate inside the distributor (under the cap).

Since you're not familiar with ignition systems start here:
http://www.howstuffw...tion-system.htm

Then move through the subsequent pages. Be sure to see the page below:
http://www.howstuffw...ion-system4.htm
There are both static pictures and animated GIFs to show how various parts of the ignition system work. The points are identified by the "B" callout in the second picture down this particular page.

Here's a pic from eBay.
http://i5.ebayimg.co...3/b0/769e_1.JPG
This isn't a Mini dizzy but it is a Lucas unit. The points are visible below the center shaft of the dizzy. They are the part with the red looking block that rubs against the square cam on the center shaft.
This may or may not load:
http://members.aol.com/nicklefrog/dist
Again... in the bottom left view, the points are the part with the red block riding against the square cam on the shaft.

When you've got a chance, read over all the ignition links off of that first page. It's a good, graphical overview of ignition systems.

[Tomf]

I had this happen to my old mini before. I found out that there was a lose connection on the coil.

[dklawson]

Very true. The wiring to and from the coil can also cause this type of failure.

The bit about the tach dropping immediately toward zero is the thing to note. It indicates a sudden and complete failure of the coil to fire. This can be from a break in the power to the coil (main wires, ignition switch, etc.) Or it can be a failure of the ground connection for the coil ( black/white wire to dizzy, points or condenser, little ground wire in dizzy, things touching in dizzy that shouldn't, etc).

I didn't post this earlier because I didn't know if it would help. I put together a PDF on Lucas ignitions. You can download it from:
http://home.mindspri...tsIgnitions.pdf

After you've looked over the How Stuff Works web links, you may find the PDF helpful in sorting this out. Ignition systems aren't too complicated. Once you've got a basic understanding of what's supposed to happen I'm sure you'll sort this out.

[xchickyx]

christ, thats a lot to take in, i'll tackle it when im a little more sober and in the zone.

Cars still at the car park i really worry for its safety.