What have I done wrong?

[silverdorking]

Hi All any ideas appreciated- just done engine service (incl plugs, points, condenser, rotor & cap- all from reputable supplier) Now no spark at all. What should I be checking please, engine was missing/ running unevenly following winter - hence the service!
Thanks Andrew

[charlie_morris_minor]

did you also change the leads as well? Could it be that you have not pushed the lead in properly in the cap / coil..

you do have put the rotar arm in? not that i have ever forgotten to put mine back in having reset the points gap.

[silverdorking]

Thanks Charlie
Rotor in place, leads not changed but pushed on firmly. Points set HT &LT leads all seem to be OK! Could it be the coil? I've removed single plug but no visual spart on cranking!
Andrew

[bmcecosse]

Yes - it will be the coil - NEVER! It is something you have done incorrectly. Look again to the points and condenser connections - or just put the old ones back on...

[Trickydicky]

Have you got a spark from the king lead to the dizzie cap? to check hold the king lead with a pair of well insulated pliers againt the block while cranking the engine, you should get a nice fat spark.
If you have then its just a matter of working forward to find the failed component.

[aupickup]

did you put th pointsin correctly

[callyspoy]

I've had to run an abrasive on new points before, almost like a coating or glaze that nade it not spark. It's a quick thing to do.

[beero]

did you put th pointsin correctly

That's the most likely thing to go wrong. The washers with the wires on must be insulated from the post that the small nut screws on using the special shaped plastic washers. (Sorry if I am trying to teach you to suck eggs!)

[aupickup]

ive done that before when was in a rush

[JOWETTJAVELIN]

I've had to run an abrasive on new points before, almost like a coating or glaze that nade it not spark. It's a quick thing to do.

+1.

The points need running over with emery to remove the said protective stuff.

[silverdorking]

Thanks for all the helpful suggestions. Still can't get it to go! Did try Richard's suggestion and DID'NT get a spark from the coil lead. Does this suggest that coil has failed or is it still more likely to be my bumbling servicing skills!
Andrew

[bmcecosse]

Why on earth would the coil fail - just when you are fitting points...?? Have you refitted the old points and condenser to try them? The new condenser may be faulty. Ignition parts these days are notorious.....better with good old parts if you can.

[Trickydicky]

If the coil was working before and not now then it could be that the LT lead is at fault? Have you reconnected it correctly?

[blues2rock]

Hello, assuming you have 12 volts at the SW terminal on the coil (ignition on) take the distributor cap off and using a small screwdriver on the contacts of the points just twist it a bit to make them open and close, you should see a bit of sparking. If not then problem is in the low tension circuit - most likely points not installed correctly and earthing out or maybe the condenser faulty.

If you do get some little sparks then the LT circuit is ok and you need to look at the cap and rotor arm.

Unlikely to be the coil.

Let us all know how you get on!

[silverdorking]

Well all I can say is what a twirp I've been! Should have realised the significance of the plastic washery-thing on the points connection- what a dunderhead I am. You were all right with your helpful suggestions - the wife's '60 convertible is now running a treat- all set for atrip to soak up the sun in Hay and take in the atmosphere of the literary festival.
Thanks very much - a really useful forum!

[bmcecosse]

Well done! It's never the coil...

[beero]

Just glad you sorted it. You are not the first!