Condenser problems

www.xing.com/profile/Neil_Shorney · Post by **hornmeister2000** » Tue May 04, 2004 10:57 am

Hi,

Naomi has a problem with her condenser. If I do any long-ish periods of high-speed driving (well... 55-60mph!), she starts missing and is almost undrivable. I've narrowed it down to the condenser, but I change them and they last about 700 miles before the problem reoccurs.

Am I just being really unlucky with some dodgy spares, or could there be something making them go? Also, the plastic "washer" on the points had melted last time I had to change it...

Thanks in advance,

Neil

PS: Wish me luck - she's in for her MOT today...

Post by **simmitc** » Tue May 04, 2004 12:50 pm

I've been driving Minors for over twenty years, and always used to fit genuine Lucas ignition bits. I never had a single problem - until last year when I started using the new bits that are around. There's been correspondence in MM about poor rotor arms, and I've experienced that problem. Then earlier this year I had a condenser fail. Replaced it. Failed after about 300 miles. Repalced it. Failed after about 400 miles. Reaplced it, and so far so good. I think that the modern units just aren't built to the same standards.

www.xing.com/profile/Neil_Shorney · Post by **hornmeister2000** » Tue May 04, 2004 12:54 pm

Where do you get your higher-quality bits from then?

Post by **57traveller** » Tue May 04, 2004 3:43 pm

Halfords still appear to stock Lucas bits for Minor 1000's. I was in a Liverpool store a couple of weeks ago and there were c.b. points, rotor arms, distributor caps and coils. Didn't spot condensors but I bet they were there.
I'm sure a lot of Motor Factors still stock or can get Lucas bits for a Minor. Don't know where they're made though, could be anywhere now even in a Lucas box.

DSB101 = c.b. points
DLB101 = coil
DRB101 = rotor arm
DDB106 = distributor cap.
All Lucas part numbers.

www.xing.com/profile/Neil_Shorney · Post by **hornmeister2000** » Wed May 05, 2004 9:18 am

Hi,

Just in case anyone else has similar problems, here's what happened...

Naomi went in for her MOT yesterday so I got the garage to look at the ignition system as well. He reckoned the coil was broken so replaced it and said that should stop the condensers burning out. As a side issue (and I'm not quite sure why), she's like a different car... REALLY (relatively) quiet, smoother and easier to drive. Dunno why!

Post by **nonosh** » Wed May 05, 2004 9:20 am

Nice car!

Post by **Matt** » Wed May 05, 2004 12:59 pm

Don't suppose you can make your pic larger can you ;)

Post by **salty_monk** » Wed May 05, 2004 1:36 pm

As a side issue (and I'm not quite sure why), she's like a different car

Probably getting more power with your new found full spark! More power, cleaner burn; you might notice some savings at the pump too....

www.xing.com/profile/Neil_Shorney · Post by **hornmeister2000** » Wed May 05, 2004 1:55 pm

Hope so! BTW, Salty Monk... you must live near me - I'm in Barnehurst!

Post by **salty_monk** » Wed May 05, 2004 4:55 pm

Not far at all then.... Barnehurst is about 20 mins from Bexley I would guess. Not been there too often.
If you see us out in "Pootle" as Em calls it we'll be the ones beeping & waving like nutters!

Luckily most local owners I have seen enter into the spirit!

www.xing.com/profile/Neil_Shorney · Post by **hornmeister2000** » Wed May 05, 2004 4:57 pm

We'll be the ones at the side of the A2 with the bonnet up

Morris Minor Owners Club

Condenser problems

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