spridgets
[Top] [All Lists]

Re: Bug won't start

To: "Jeff Church" <jchurch@exis.net>, "Sprite List" <spridgets@Autox.Team.Net>
Subject: Re: Bug won't start
From: Stan Fickes <fickes@acm.org>
Date: Tue, 28 Apr 1998 12:10:19 -0700
In-reply-to: <005f01bd7261$97a1cf00$564afccd@jeffchur>
Reply-to: Stan Fickes <fickes@acm.org>
Sender: owner-spridgets@Autox.Team.Net
Jeff-
Try going through the system in order, starting at the ignition side of the
coil.  Use a 12v troubleshooting light, if you have one!

1. With ign on, hot side of coil should have power.
2. When cranking, point side of coil should cause light to flash.
3. Remove the center lead from the dist, hold near earth.  Should generate
sparks when cranking.
4. Remove the lead from each spark plug, hold near earth.  Should have
spark when cranking.
5. Connect a timing light, watch the timing while cranking.  Should be
close to static timing number.  If it's within 10deg or so, it's probably
OK.  If you move the dist, be sure to check it after the motor runs again.

At this point, you should have a working ignition.
Between each test, replace anything you've removed.
I insert an unfolded paper clip in the spark plug boot to check spark.

>From your description, I would suspect the condensor or the coil.  I have
seen several bad condensors; you still have the old one, right?  Check that
the secondary ignition wire (from coil to dist center) is fully inserted at
both ends.

Happy wrenching!  sf

At 09:53 PM 4/27/98 -0700, Jeff Church wrote:
>[...]
>tight.  I towed her home and look again -- still nothing.  She is getting
>fuel, has plenty of cranking power.  Checked for spark at plugs -- there is
>none! (Spark at points though!) Points, condenser, rotor, dist. cap all new
>(Lucas).  I can't figure it out.  Plug wires???  Hell, I don't know.  All I
>know is that I am missing these lovely spring days.  All help/suggestions
>will be gratefully entertained.
Stan Fickes        '65 Austin Healey Sprite
Software Engineer  '57 Chevrolet Bel Air
I-Cube, Inc.       '51 MGTD, '25 MG 14/28

<Prev in Thread] Current Thread [Next in Thread>