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Message |
    
L Linders
Yet to post message
Username: olazz
Post Number: 1
Registered: 03-2026
| | Posted on Tuesday, 17 March, 2026 - 23:41: |    |
I have a silver shadow series 1A with Opus electronic ignition
Car has been driving faultlessly until yesterday when descending a strep hill, I dropped gear from D to I to control descent.
The engine just died immediately.
Fuel tank 50%
Ignition and fuel pump fuses all ok.
Gbox cutout reset.
Can't see any loose or disconnected wires.
Engine will turn and spin in D and N, but will not start. Had to be flat-bed recovered home.
Diagnosis tests I can carry out.
Test power to + on coil.
Test primary and secondary coil resistance.
Test opus is working by ground looping -ve on the coil with test light.
Is there anything else I should be looking for?
I'm assuming it's not HT leads as the car would at least start.
Could the gear change have shorted something?
Any help would be greatly appreciated. |
Brian Vogel
Grand Master
Username: guyslp
Post Number: 3462
Registered: 06-2009
| | Posted on Wednesday, 18 March, 2026 - 00:15: | |
Because you say you were out on a drive, I am presuming that the car was thoroughly warmed up when this happened.
Remember that the Lucas Opus ignition (distributor, specifically) tends to have an initial failure mode that only occurs while hot, and can cause exactly the sort of "sudden death" you describe.
If you are testing it again once cold, everything may appear just fine.
I still suspect a Lucas Opus ignition system in the early stage of death throes.
Brian |
L Linders
New User
Username: olazz
Post Number: 2
Registered: 03-2026
| | Posted on Wednesday, 18 March, 2026 - 03:36: | |
Thank you Brian.
Just an update.
No spark.
I've now checked that there is power to the coil.
I've checked primary and its 1ohm
Secondary is OL !
I've also tested the Opus with a ground loop on the -ve of the coil and it doesn't flash, so assuming that is also fubar.
I've ordered a new coil and rotor, and replacing the Opus with Petronix module.
Should be with me tomorrow and I'll report back once I've fitted and tested it all.
Let's hope that is the fix!
Now to get the coil off.... who designed this... it's impossible to get a spanner or man sized hands in there to undo the collar or retaining nuts.
Is there a special tool required? |
Geoff Wootton
Grand Master
Username: dounraey
Post Number: 2373
Registered: 05-2012
| | Posted on Wednesday, 18 March, 2026 - 08:34: | |
I just remove things from the top down to get access to the coil.
For your amusement I attach a pic of the "bench" I made that rests on the suspension turrets. I just clamber on and coil access is easy (and getting to the A4 spark plug).
Failing that, if you stand on something it will help you to lean across further.
 |
L Linders
New User
Username: olazz
Post Number: 3
Registered: 03-2026
| | Posted on Thursday, 19 March, 2026 - 05:02: | |
All done and sorted.
Car now running again
Replaced the coil and removed the Opus module and replaced with a Pertronix ignitor.
Replaced the rotor and HT leads.
Car starts on the button !
Very pleased to have solved the problem so quickly. |
L Linders
New User
Username: olazz
Post Number: 4
Registered: 03-2026
| | Posted on Thursday, 19 March, 2026 - 05:05: | |
@ Geoff
What a great Idea, thanks I'll shall copy that bench ! |
Brian Vogel
Grand Master
Username: guyslp
Post Number: 3463
Registered: 06-2009
| | Posted on Thursday, 19 March, 2026 - 08:14: | |
I used Geoff's idea but my version is not nearly so pretty (scrap lumber, not fresh). It's also handy as a "just a bit of a boost" step for many tasks when working from the side as well.
Brian |
Robert J. Sprauer
Frequent User
Username: wraithman
Post Number: 888
Registered: 11-2017
| | Posted on Thursday, 19 March, 2026 - 23:31: | |
....with a fender cover I hope. |
Geoff Wootton
Grand Master
Username: dounraey
Post Number: 2374
Registered: 05-2012
| | Posted on Friday, 20 March, 2026 - 04:33: | |
Definitely. If you look closely at the pic you can see the fender cover on the right side fender and the top of the steps I use to carefully get in place. |