First of all, my apologies if my note got posted several times, (not
used to the home computer and kept getting bounced.)
Second and most important. Many thanks to the folks (particularily,
George Richardson and Randall Young) who responded while watching the
Indy 500 ;-). You guys were right on the mark.....in my haste to get
the points back in I failed to properly isolate the internal wires from
the post. Car starts up and runs fine now.
I assume that the coil was OK and that the Petrox Ignitor failed.
Now for another question. I still like the idea of a very simple
ignition system without points... but several other folks have noted
similar problems with Ignitors in the past. How can they be tested for
failure and how has Petrox dealt with problems/complaints?
Thanks again, Bill Hook 57 TR3 (happy and ready to try again)
William Hook wrote
Well Folks, I need some help..
snip...
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
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