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Re: Ignition question update

To: coday@localaccess.com, triumphs@Autox.Team.Net
Subject: Re: Ignition question update
From: DANMAS@aol.com
Date: Mon, 19 Oct 1998 23:06:35 EDT
In a message dated 98-10-19 10:39:21 EDT, coday@localaccess.com writes:

> Maybe I am wiring something up wrong?  The low tension lead connector 
>  goes under the nut on the pivot end of the points right?  The 
>  condensor connector goes under the same nut, right?  

Geezer,

You're right, but the wire is insulated from ground by means of a plastic
bushing. The only time this wire should see ground is when the points are
closed. It is very easy to get this wrong, and the car will not run if you do
(been there, done that!). Remove the distributor lead from the coil, use a
match book cover or similar to hold the points open, and check for continuity
to ground on the coil/distributor lead. If all is OK, there won't be any. If
the plastic bushing is not installed correctly, you will get a ground reading.

If you get a ground reading, and I suspect you will, dis-assemble the points
and check the bushing very carefully to ensure the points are not grounding
here. It's been a while since I've done this (I have a photo-optic unit now),
but I seem to remember it becomes fairly obvious which way everything goes
once you know what to look for.

Hope this helps.

Dan Masters,
Alcoa, TN

'71 TR6---------3000mile/year driver, fully restored
'71 TR6---------undergoing full restoration and Ford 5.0 V8 insertion - see:
                    http://www.sky.net/~boballen/mg/Masters/index.html
'74 MGBGT---3000mile/year driver, original condition - slated for a V8 soon
'68 MGBGT---organ donor for the '74

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