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Quick Question - No Spark at Points

Posted: Mon Mar 18, 2013 8:07 pm
by Dean
Car wouldn't start.

With ignition on and dizzy cap off, pressed solenoid button thingy and no spark.

Checked gap, all is okay.

Changed condenser, this gave a one spark, then no more.

My electric tester has packed up too, so any pointers before I go down the local motor factors with the debit card?

I'm thinking new condenser? Condenser wire is wired up correctly to points and earth wire.

Need to check fuse perhaps? And check power to points..

Oddly, the old girl has actually given me something to do on her in three years! Looking forward to the dabble..

Re: Quick Question - No Spark at Points

Posted: Mon Mar 18, 2013 8:36 pm
by Tom and Maria
Bad condensers do crop up from time to time, certainly a good place to start.

Ive spent ages resetting the points gap in the past only to find I've knocked a spade connector off some where, so maybe also worth a check?

Good luck.

Tom

Re: Quick Question - No Spark at Points

Posted: Mon Mar 18, 2013 9:19 pm
by bmcecosse
There is no fuse........ Check the coil connections - and the little 'low volts wire' inside the dizzy. Best to fix the meter first I think....

Re: Quick Question - No Spark at Points

Posted: Mon Mar 18, 2013 10:21 pm
by beero
I guess you mean there was no spark between the points contacts.
I know you say the gap is correct but it needs to be flat (no pitting) and very clean.
You can test whether the points are making and breaking okay with a test lamp if your meter is faulty.

Re: Quick Question - No Spark at Points

Posted: Wed Mar 20, 2013 9:12 pm
by Dean
fixed meter and electrical current flows through everywhere but no spark. There was even current across both contacts (in the points), but still no spark on opening. Even after a cleaning.

Anyway fitted an old set of points and condenser.. vroom, she fired up straight away.

Something must have been up with the points, so they've gone in the bin.

Pays to check the obvious first.. :D

Re: Quick Question - No Spark at Points

Posted: Thu Mar 21, 2013 12:43 am
by bmcecosse
Make up a complete spare dizzy - fit it and make sure it works - then carry the old one as a 'known working' spare.