| Author | Message | ||
     Patrick Lockyer. Grand Master Username: pat_lockyer Post Number: 1668 Registered: 9-2004 |
To-day the engine developed a bad misfire and would cut out, after cooling down the engine would start after a few attempts and had to nurse it back.  Not wanting to destroy another set if a new condenser does not solve the problem I refurbished the old set of contacts.  Fitted a new condenser and the set contacts. Started and ran ok.  To-morrow I will do some resistance checks on the ballast resistor connections etc. | ||
| Mark Aldridge Grand Master Username: mark_aldridge Post Number: 483 Registered: 10-2008 |
Sounds like condenser failure,or coil overheating due to a partial primary winding failure. Have had both in the past ( 6 volt Morris 8). Coil failure could be due to ballast failure, but these usually go open circuit and fail completely. Mark | ||
| Maxwell Heazlewood Prolific User Username: tasbent Post Number: 123 Registered: 9-2017 |
Patrick, as a point of interest, how many miles on the car and how old are these points? The heel looks a bit worn down which will affect the dwell angle. That condenser is new old stock....who knows how long that will last. As these things age, devices like coils and ballasts should be replaced as a matter of course....working down the ignition chain. Come on, don't be such a tight arse...chuck another set of points at it  Check the ignition timing while you're at it. | ||
| Patrick Lockyer. Grand Master Username: pat_lockyer Post Number: 1670 Registered: 9-2004 |
Mark yes confirmed condenser failure, all else tested ok thanks. Maxwell, The old contacts have plenty of gap confirms the heel has just bedded in well. Pix confirms the gap.  Contacts are set at 15th Note old rotor arm.  Condenser new old stock yes better than the failure rate of the new green boxed type. BTW I always check a condenser before fitment. new rotor arm fitted. Only replace a ballast or coil if it shows up a problem. Dwell set only one turn needed to get 27 degrees.  Dwell variation at revs confirms distributor is in first class order.  Timing always checked after contact fitment or gaping adjustment as a matter of procedure. BTW I run LPG with no dist vac so will set more. 40degrees at 3000rpm. Now do I need new contacts not yet. | ||
| Geoff Wootton Grand Master Username: dounraey Post Number: 1876 Registered: 5-2012 |
Patrick How do you check a condenser. Is it sufficient to use a meter and check for resistance each direction or do you have another method that puts a load on the condenser. Geoff | ||
| Mark Aldridge Grand Master Username: mark_aldridge Post Number: 484 Registered: 10-2008 |
Patrick, at least a nice simple ,inexpensive fix, Mark | ||
| Patrick Lockyer. Grand Master Username: pat_lockyer Post Number: 1671 Registered: 9-2004 |
Geoff I use an old faithful Robin analog meter. the digital will not do. Using the ohms max in as you say each direction. A voltage test can be carried out, connect the condenser to a 12v battery for a few seconds, remove the battery and measure for DC volts you should see the same voltage as the battery it will then slowly drop down to zero if OK.  BTW make sure the meters battery is in a good state. New rotor arm fitted, should have posted it in last thread pixs!  | ||
| Geoff Wootton Grand Master Username: dounraey Post Number: 1878 Registered: 5-2012 |
Thanks for the info Patrick. | ||
| Robert Noel Reddington Grand Master Username: bob_uk Post Number: 1607 Registered: 5-2015 |
My points and condenser are at least 28 years old because I have never actually touched them apart from a nail board pull through, lub and dwell check which is always about right. I run LPG I have advanced the sparks at bit. Too much and the engine will kick back against the starter. Petrol max advance is 36 degrees and for LPG 40 plus maybe as much as 45 degrees. Unfortunately the dizzy fitted hasn't the range. The engine starts easily runs sweetly, don't mess with whats works fine. | ||
| Maxwell Heazlewood Prolific User Username: tasbent Post Number: 126 Registered: 9-2017 |
Patrick....that's what I like to see, a man with his finger on the pulse and does things correctly. If only so may other owners did the same thing, there wouldn't be so many downtrodden and neglected RR&B's floating around....too much dusting the bonnet but never look at what's under it | ||
| ross kowalski Grand Master Username: cdfpw Post Number: 660 Registered: 11-2015 |
Patrick, Hear hear on condensers. Most new ones are junk. I was researching condensers a while back for a Lucas bike magneto ( real evidence for the Lucas myth) and found Bright spark easy caps. They work great and are a lot better in term of vibration and heat resistance. I also found evidence on the internet that modern condensers are junk. I pulled a couple open to see and yes they are junk. Stick with new old stock, Mallory, aviation ( check capacitance), or Brightspark. Stay far away from Standard Motor Products modern replacements. Also, You're dizzy looks like mine but your dwell adjuster is a rod, mine is a hex. Any idea which is correct? | ||
| Robert Noel Reddington Grand Master Username: bob_uk Post Number: 1608 Registered: 5-2015 |
Patrick said make sure battery in meter is in a good state. Important that the meter is accurate. Condensers used to be the most reliable bit of the Kettering ignition system | ||
| ross kowalski Grand Master Username: cdfpw Post Number: 663 Registered: 11-2015 |
Patrick L, I was looking at your dizzy on the phone ( which I have to do all to often these days) and I can see you have a hex shaped dwell adjuster just like mine. Ooops. | ||
| Patrick Lockyer. Grand Master Username: pat_lockyer Post Number: 1672 Registered: 9-2004 |
Ross, yes 1971-1974 non exhaust emission Shadows in general did not have the Vac advance, starting near SRH 8000 to SRH22117. At SRH 22118 onwards the opus ignition system was fitted. | ||
| Maxwell Heazlewood Prolific User Username: tasbent Post Number: 128 Registered: 9-2017 |
Patrick....in the Jaguar world the Opus was referred to as the 'opeless ignition The system was notorious on the V12's but it was also in a very hostile environment which didn't help. |
