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MGB Sparkless ignition

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Bob Claffie

Bob Claffie

Jedi Knight
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This is a sequel to my hydraulic clutch problem. On this derelict '72 MG there is also a lack of spark after 14 years of sitting. I tested all the simple things and have electricity as far as the wire going into the distributor. And here is the problem, nothing in the distributor is isolated from anything else. There is continuity wherever I touch my test probe. This is not right. I have the distributor out but not apart. The nylon insulators appear to be in correctly but not doing their job. The car ran when parked and nothing has been done to it since. Where did the electricity go or better yet why is it going everywhere ? I am not an electrical genius but I do have a multi-meter and test lights. Give me some direction, please. Bob
 
Well, if the insulators are in correctly, they would be insulating. There should be no continuous metal path from the moving arm of the points to the mounting plate. It's very easy to get these parts installed wrong. It's also possible, but less likely, that there is a short in the condenser. Of course, if these are very old parts, it's essential to replace them. They're bad enough when they're new.
 
I agree with Sarastro the condenser it suspect. To check it take it loose from the distributor where it is mounted to the breaker plate insulate it from the disrtibutor body and re-do your meter checks. The comdenser is a simi-mysterious but esential part of the system and MUST be working corectly for the system to work
 
MGB sprung into life this PM. First time started since 1999. After all the testing of components with good results and still no start frustration set in. Distributor was in and out so often it should have had a handle on it. Basic problem was a "bubba" (probably me many years ago). I had connected the condenser lead
ON TOP of the insulator instead of under it. What baffled me is that I'm pretty sure it was running like that way back when the car was put in storage ! I ran the oil pressure up on the starter before I corrected the condenser connection and the car started right up, idled well with no funny noises. Some more routine maintenance to be done but major stumbling blocks are history. Bob
 
Excellent!
 
Hey, Bob -

Can't (won't!) tell you how many times I've made that mistake when doing a tune-up! One of the first troubleshoot items to check.

Glad you're back on the road!

:cheers:
Mickey
 
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