TR6 TR6 towed on Sat night, electrical problem

[hondo402000]

I went out crusing last night and just when I about decided to go home, My TR6 sputtered and then died! I thougt maybe gas? no 1/2 tank,spark? pulled the coil wire and lots of spark, fuel pump? no, well got toed home and they guy didnt even charge me, Idid give him a 20.00, all I had. ACE towing in Charlotte NC. this morning pulled a plug and crank the engine and NO SPARK checked the MSD unit, functioning well. Pertronics module, checked out ok( I thought that was the culpret) could it be the cap or rotor??? all looked good but I found a new rotor PO had left in the stash of parts put it in and the car fired right up.

all I can figure is there must have been that carbon type of material on the end of the rotor and it came off and the spark couldnt bridge the gap, So will purchase new cap and rotors to keep in the car.

 

[RomanH]

The old rotor is the culprit. There has been a rash of problems with "new" rotors for a while. It probably has a small crack in it under the metal arm to the center causing it to ground out on the distributor shaft.

 

[Tinster]

Man, I feel your pain!!

At least mine broke down in the garage when the
brand new, out of the box rotor failed.

My TR6 is rarely operational. When it is running,
here is what I carry in my trunk for break downs.
Includes a complete spare ignition system except
for the alternator. Plus 2 spare coils, 2 sets points
and condenser and 3 rotors.

Man, I feel your pain.

Dale

 

[hondo402000]

Yep I think its time to put together a tool kit for the trunk

 

[TexasKnucklehead]

I drive my 74 TR6 when I can. Only about 4,000 miles in the last 2 years. Twice in the past 4K miles, I had the rotor fail. I'm told there is a crack allowing the spark to ground out, but I can't see it, or any signs of it. Both were new Borg Warner rotors. I now have a new LUCAS rotor/cap insalled and a spare in the trunk. The spare rotor saved me from being towed home recently. I also carry a spare plug in a (plug) wire so I can quickly check the rotor/cap.

 

[Keoke]

Hi Tinster, Can you show me a picture of the type rotor that is failing?---Keoke

 

[Guest]

I just went through three (count'em, 3) brand spankin new Lucas rotors from TRF before I found one to work. No bull.

 

[Guest]

I currently am running Pertronix ignition but keep a complete stock ignition set in a box in my boot with plenty extra rotors.

 

[DNK]

Keoke- There was a post a few months back where there was photos of a bunch of different buttons. The good ones and the bad ones. I know Jeff was involved in the discussion but don't think he started it. Check the search and maybe somebody has an idea when this was discussed.

 

[Tinster]

Keoke- I posted a photo of the busted rotor
on a thread containing much good info about
rotors. I am thinking this was mid October?

d