Jay Laifman wrote:
>
> The urge has overwhelmed me, and I'm back on line with the Alpine group
> (though I have not re-subscribed to the Tiger/British/911 groups)!
>
> I recently had a problem with my Alpine that I just finally solved after
> going through many dead ends. Every so often, the car would be very hard
> to start. It would turn over and over and nothing would ignite. I was
> certain it was a question of the spark not being strong enough. At first,
> I thought it was dirty spark plugs from the Webers and not keeping it at
> high rpm all the time. Usually, after changing the plugs the problem would
> go away for months. Then changing the plugs only lasted a few days. I
> ended up getting it started after someone helped me jump it - even though
> the starter was turning with my battery. I then suspected that the battery
> was holding some charge, but not enough to spin the engine fast enough.
> Nope, new battery helped for the first time, but same problem for the
> second time. New coil and wires didn't help either. Then jump starting
> wouldn't help either. All that was left in my spark circuit was the
> Lumination electronic points. I followed their testing suggestions, and it
> seemed to be ok. Rick has a version that uses magnets and fits inside of
> the distributor. I was tempted to use it, but the coil, wires and battery
> (with exchange) were cheap (and now I have extras, anyone want a new Bosch
> blue coil for $20?). In thinking about it some more, I began to suspect
> the ground wire to the Lumination - which would explain a weak spark, and
> why some slight improvements in the ignition circuit would temporarily
> help. Sure enough, that was it. User error - I installed that ground.
> Rest assured, the ground to the Lumination unit is now the best ground on
> the car! (Well, the tail lights are pretty damn good too).
>
> So, the moral, if all else fails, check the ground - even the ones that are
> not 30 years old.
>
> Aaah. It feels good to be back.
>
> Jay Laifman
Welcome back Jay - I/we missed you !!
Tony Leeming
Series II
Gabriola , Canada eh
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