An interesting comparison, David.
The problem with the Ford ignitions and the problem with the Lucas Opus
on the Midget 1500 were one and the same, even though they were
different companies, using parts from different manufacturers. Both
used thin-film solid state amplifiers, mounted in locations where there
was inadequate heat dissipation.
Thin-film solid state + too much heat = circuitry that goes "poof!" very
soon. Both systems were designed "to the edge", and got a little too
close. It happens, particularly in the early years of any technology.
What gave the trial lawyers a chance to get paid was the fact that Ford
(or their suppliers) insisted (for a very long time) that there was no
problem. (Lucas quickly redesigned the Opus with a separate amplifier
unit, and MG quietly slipstreamed the change, including retrofitting
cars with the original type Opus.)
I had a Ford Escort that had the ignition problem (new amp modules every
20,000 miles or so). On my 1500 Midget, when the original Lucas Opus
went "poof!", it was replaced with a Crane XR-700, with adequate
heat-sinking and mounted in a cooler location.
The advantage to points over the electronic ignitions being complained
about is that points degrade before failure (i.e. the car runs badly
before it quits). Personally, I'll take a little warning. The Escort
would run great right up to the moment it DIED, usually at some
inconvenient location. As my wife often drove the car by herself, and
it was our only car at the time, this did not make us happy.
Not meaning to start a flame war here, but the comparisons and contrasts
were too interesting to ignore.
Chris K.
David Riker wrote:
>
> > I just read that Ford has to recall a whole buncha cars for bad ignition
> > modules.
>
> And what, cars with points ignitions never fail? Heck, the British invented
> the intermittent electronic ignition. It came standard on the Spitfidget
> 1500. Just a bunch of trial lawyers getting fat. (not you Steve). I'm in a
> mood tonight. Sorry to take it out on the list, but I work at a dealership,
> and this kind of stuff is just rubbish.
> David Riker
> 74 Midget
> 63 Falcon
> 70 Torino
> http://home.pacbell.net/davriker
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