Remove distributor cap - should be spark?

[nam]

Hi,

If I take the distributor cap off and try the starter should I be seeing a spark at the points everytime they open and close? Because I am.

[katy]

Yes, when the key is on. It should only be a small spark, if it's a large spark that usually tells us that the capacitor (condensor) is bad.

[nam]

Ok. Someone told me it could be condenser fault as the Haynes manual also says if there us a spark its losing voltage.

[bmcecosse]

If no spark - something is wrong - it could even be the COIL! Gasp...

[nam]

BMC you get me wrong there is a spark. Lots of spark quite strong everytime the points open. It just contradicts the Haynes manual...

[bmcecosse]

Hmmm - the Mini lads call it HBOL = Haynes Book of Lies....... The 'point' (!) is - when you spark the points - IS there a nice fat spark from the king lead - connect it to a spark plug and earth the plug.

[nam]

Thought as much. Yes I checked that too. It's never the coil lol. Nice fat spark from king lead. So I have a new rotor so my next idea is new dizzy cap as I've lost spark at the plugs.

[bmcecosse]

If it's there on the king lead - then yes - look to the cap (is the carbon brush present and correct?) and rotor arms are infamous too.......

[nam]

I've changed the distributor cap for a new one. And tried it, I was starting to get a spark but only after the engine turned over a few times. If i'm right in thinking should I not be getting a spark at plug 1 everytime the rotor arm goes past the lead 1 connection?

I then loosened the dizzy clamp and moved distributor around bit by bit and lost the spark at plug.

[bmcecosse]

Yes it must spark every time - and if you move the cap too far, so the contact is away from the rotor arm at the moment of points break - then the spark won't be able to jump the gap, and will be 'lost'....

[nam]

Ok thanks, it's this spark that is getting lost. I will work on it further now I know I need to achieve a spark everytime.