A TR3 doesn't use a ballast resistor. Does the ignitor need one? Did you
change to a ballast type coil when you did this?
If you bypassed the resistor and got no luck from changing the coil or
replacing the ignitor, I would check for an open connection between the
negative side of the coil and the battery. That could include the wire
from the distributor to the coil, the ground wire inside the
distributor, or the ground connection between the engine and chassis
(unlikely if the starter works). Try connecting a small 12Volt bulb
across the coil in the fashion used for static timing. If you turn over
the engine, this bulb should flash on and off. If it does, you've got a
bad coil or maybe condenser. If it doesn't then you're going to have to
track down what's missing. Try just grounding the negative side of the
coil directly to the battery with the bulb connected. That should light
if you've got power. Then you can use the bulb to track down the break
in the negative side. Connect the negative side at each point between
the coil and the battery itself: engine, distributor body, points
connection. When it fails to light, you've found the break.
Good luck.
William Hook wrote:
>
> Well Folks, I need some help..
> The good news was that last week I finally got the TR3 tuned and running
> the best I ever have and drove it
> all week. Love that new OD and rebuilt carbs!!!!
> Sat AM we joined other TRs and LBCs in a drive from Seattle to the
> Columbia River gorge. First 40
> miles or so were pouring rain but then cleared up and was beautiful for
> the next 100 miles.....until...
> Bad News.. the engine just died.. we were going approx. 50/60mph 2500rpm
> with the OD. There was no
> sputtering or loss of power except the OD just poped out of gear (elect
> disengage?) and the rpms went to
> 3000 with no power and died.
> The engine would crank over fine but not catch and start.
> 1. We checked the fuel line and filters..OK but thought it could be a
> pump mal function. I have a elect
> pump that I keep on line as a backup so I bi passed the mechanical.
> Both pumps seemed to produce plenty
> of fuel to the carbs. Fuel system OK...
> 2. Started checking Ignition. I had installed the Petrox Ignitor
> with a resistor (very hot piece of
> porcelan!) Couldn't get a spark at the plugs or the coil. We took out
> the Ignitor and put in a new set of
> points and condensor (didn't really try to set them other than see that
> they opened and closed) and by
> passed the resistor. Same result.. engine turned over just fine
> wouldn't start...still no sparks.
> 3. Checked the coil... Power to the (+) side of the coil.. but
> nothing coming out of the top center.
> Pulled out my old coil (trunk ballast) but the nuts were diff size so
> couldn't give it a good test.
> 4. Having exhausted the combined TR knowledge of 6 drivers and time
> to let others get on down the
> road we towed the 3 to a state park with a TR6 (that was scary...
> tailgating at 40 mph).
> 5. Thought maybe the ignition switch? so I cliped a wire directly
> from the battery to the (+) side of the
> coil and turned it over ....still the same.
> 6. I located a coil at a NAPA and got the AAA truck to swing by
> after we got the car loaded ($15 phone
> quote turned into $40 at the store ;-).oh well.). Coil didn't make any
> dif. and the AAA driver was as
> stumped as I was..... so .... 150 miles later I'm back in the garage
> scratching my head...
>
> I would appreciate any thoughts or suggestions you folks may have. As
> always, thanks in advance,
> Bill Hook, 57 TR3 sulking in the garage again
--
George Richardson
Wyvern - '57 Triumph TR3, TS15559LT -
http://www.merlingroupinc.com/tr3.htm
Griffin - '71 Triumph Stag - undergoing restoration
Pikachu - '75 Triumph TR6 - undergoing repair
Kitty - '83 Jaguar XJ6 Vanden Plas - Daily Driver
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