electronic ignition

[a8pte]

looking to put a electronic ignition on my morris .anyone know of the best suited for me.thanks

[chrisryder]

I'd recommend accuspark - http://www.accuspark.co.uk/

Just tell him what dizzy you've got, and if you're positive or negative earth.

Dizzy code can be found here (in the red circle):
[frame][/frame]

[Alec]

Hello Chris,

just to clarify, what you have ringed is the type of distributor (which you correctly say is needed to order the kit), the code is stamped on the side and is a 5 digit number, the code identifies the curve.
The distributor you picture is looking in need of a bit of maintenance

Alec

[chrisryder]

ok, but it's the 'type' that's important for getting the right electronic ignition kit.

it is in need of a bit of maintenance, it's a picture someone posted a while ago asking what type they had. i had saved it and put the red circle on to point out where to find the marking. so it was still saved on my computer for posting it again here!

[Alec]

Hello Chris,

"ok, but it's the 'type' that's important for getting the right electronic ignition kit."

yes, that's what I said, but the code is little known it seems and is important when replacing a distributor. Note that the vacuum module also has it's own code and again should be matched, if possible, when replacing that.

Alec

[a8pte]

as i was asking.can anyone advise me which one to buy.

[chrisryder]

buy the accuspark kit (link in my first reply).

the actual kit you buy depends on what setup you've got.

[orb596]

Accuspark can sell you a whole kit including a new distributor. The price is very reasonable and I know that quite a few members from the Dorset branch have now fitted the complete distributor kit and are very happy with the result.

[derek-b]

Accuspark looks ok dave

[JOWETTJAVELIN]

Just out of interest - why do you want electronic ignition? I've done over 10k miles in under 2 years on one car with points/condensor system and my current car has points/condensor. Never had any problems with either and would never dream of swapping for elec. ignition.

Points are reliable as long as you maintain them:
gap and reface them at the specified intervals;
clean and inspect the dizzy cap for wear,
oil the distributor, cam etc sparingly at specified intervals,
check plug leads for deterioration etc.
Gap and clean spark plugs.

I always carry a spare set of points and a condensor just to be on the safe side, although I've never had to use either yet, even though most of this was motorway driving in the old Austin.

[a8pte]

thanks jowettjavelin you got me thinking now

[chrisryder]

the big issue i find with points and condenser setup is having to regularly check and gap the points when you do a lot of miles, and also, modern repro condensers don't seem to last very long. there was certainly a dodgy batch around at one point! On the 'Minors on Tour' trip last year, about 10% of the minors suffered condenser failures.

Electronic ignition is just fit and forget! Especially when kits are as cheap as £30, it seems silly not to fit it!

[JOWETTJAVELIN]

You're welcome for the advice! Glad to be of help. Yes modern condensors can sometimes be a bit dodgy, but it depends what you buy. Intermotor make decent parts. Condensors can run for about 10,000 miles without trouble - you'll know about it when one goes wrong. Points can be refaced easily with a nail file or fine sandpaper when they become pitted.

It is an extremely simple ignition system which works exteremly well.

Just make sure you do carry a spare set of points and condensor with you - a 5 minute job to replace them which could save you a lot more time and expense.

[Alec]

Hello JJ,

"Condensors can run for about 10,000 miles without trouble "

I would say that is extremely pessimistic, in fact I can't remember ever having a failed condenser in over forty years of driving.
I've had a couple of electronic ignition systems fail and I reverted back to points, far more reliable.

Alec

[MarkyB]

The heel on modern points seems to wear down a lot faster than it should meaning more regular adjustment needed to maintain performance.

When I say modern that's about the last 20 years!

[a8pte]

thanks all i am very confused now..dont know what to do now..points or electronic...??????

[Alec]

Hello A8pte,

what made you think of doing it in the first place?

Do you know what condition your distributor is in the first place, is there play in the shaft if you try and move it side to side, are the springs and weights free to move and does teh vacuum advance work. All those are more important than points versus electronics.

Alec

[a8pte]

hello alec my distributor seems fine thought i would change to electronic for a change as i have changed nearly everything anyway. thanks

[lambrettalad]

this topic should be a sticky in the electric section ?,along with all the others on this frequently reoccurring theme