Electronic Ignition

[Car-Nut]

Ive brought this quote from another thread in this forum.

Personally I would not fit electronic modules to replace the points.

Alec

I have been advised to fit an electronic ignition, i havent.

But would love to here the fours againsts for them....

[stuarthardy]

I think that replacing the contact breaker points with a decent electronic system is an excellent idea as it can only improve reliability if set up properly.

I have done this on many previous cars and can report nothing but success. However, the rest of the system must be in good order and silicone plug leads are a good idea.

Regards

[piman]

Hello Stuart,

I completely disagree that they improve reliability, particularly some of the 'bargain' E-Bay ones which have a very low threshold to voltage spikes which destroys them. Even the best can fail totally so you often see the advice, "great system but keep the points in the glove box in case"

I do also believe that their benefits are over exagerated, possibly as they are used to rectify poorly maintained points, so giving an apparent gain in smoother running etc.

Each to their own but after two failures which stopped the car I've reverted to points on all my cars.

Alec

[ecosselynx]

Hi Alec

I'll join in on this one although it's not in the Mk2 forum.
I fitted a Lumination system to my car in 98 after getting sick of having to re-adjust the points on a frequent bases (1000-1500 miles). Set it up and the next time I re-set it was in 2000 when I re-built the engine, since then I have checked four times and it's still on the money and running good.
In all the time I've had it since the engine re-build I've done around 40k miles, hotest day was 38 degrees, coldest in snow at 9,500 ft, run it all day in rain, consistantly does two day runs of 1100 miles and still going strong.

my tuppence worth, but join in.

[piman]

Hello John,

I must be lucky as I've heard others say they adjust their points on a frequent basis, I don't.

When servicing I'll connect my timing light which has an inbuilt dwell function and it's rare if I have to adjust it, and the points seem to last for a very long time. Some things that can cause affect points wear, not lubricating the cam, wrong coil which draws too much current (ballast coil on a non ballast system, although the coil also tends to give up due to overload), and a worn out distributor which needs correcting, points or electronic notwithstanding.

The thing for me is that when they fail, and many do, it's a dead stop.

Alec

[ecosselynx]

Hi Alec

I have no axe to grind on points. I have used them on many engines, however the points I have used in the Mk2 did not hold their adjustment (all components working and serviced correctly) plus they are not in a user friendly place to adjust on the Mk2 which lead me to change them over to electronic. I posted my comment to let other see that they are not all doom and gloom. Everyone has an opinion that's what makes the world go round.

Clive you copied this over to get comment, how about stepping up with some of your own!

[Car-Nut]

John,

I have had the same points on my E for 2yrs adjusted them once, so far no problems.

Im just sorting the carbs etc on the 420G it used to be a bad starter hopefully the carb overhaul will have sort this,
if not I will dig deeper.

I know there are strong views from both sides of the fence on this one.

[larryd]

John,

I have had the same points on my E for 2yrs adjusted them once, so far no problems.

Im just sorting the carbs etc on the 420G it used to be a bad starter hopefully the carb overhaul will have sort this,
if not I will dig deeper.

I know there are strong views from both sides of the fence on this one.

Let me know how you get on with he carbs
Larry

[stuarthardy]

Opinion is clearly divided but I will only add that no modern cars are fitted with contact breakers.

Regards

[piman]

Hello Stuart,

very true and things have moved on, as they don't have distributors either.

Alec

[larryd]

Hello Stuart,

very true and things have moved on, as they don't have distributors either.

Alec

I bought the 420g as a car which needs some attention but usable and in the main ok.
I have done some investigation on this subject and when I have found the right person I will I belive be fitting these.
For the moment I will check all else is ok before setting up the carbs again.

Its good that I can use the car now and I am looking at three years before I retire so its a rolling project as I am commited to working at the moment.

As I do not have the skills , experience , or much time I would once again like to say thank you to you all please keep the advise flowing its a great help to a novice IE me.
Regards
Larry

[stuarthardy]

Hi Larry

You can go to extremes regarding the ignition system on your car. You can even replace the distributor with programmable electronics systems that use crank position sensors to time the sparks. I've seen these work to good effect on 1960's Porsche engines. They're not cheap though.

However, whatever ignition system you use it needs maintenance to keep it working to the best of its abilities.

So, follow the manual, ensure everything is as good as it can be and then enjoy your car, which is what its all about.

Regards

[larryd]

Many thanks to you .
I have to get t the bottom of this rough tickover .
The dist" is a little worn but the valves clearences seem fine.
So one step at a time I have gone for 123 electronic ignition system which has several tuning settings the dist"" will be replaced by this system so thats one less variable.
Next the carbs again.
Yes it expensive as I have gone for one of the best recommended by a friend who has a 1943 citeron running on it.
I will keep you posted lets hope its good news as I am £247.00 lighter + fitting.
This week a smile we will see next week.

[piman]

Hello Larry,

if you do go the 123 route, do find out what the advance curve is for your engine and set the 123 to match that. I don't know if it will come with specific timing settings for your car or not but it's worth double checking. The biggest danger is setting the system with too much total advance which can cause engine damage if taken to extreme. (And is not easily identified in driving)
Does it also have a vacuum advance facility as the carburettors are set up for that?

Alec
PS I have gone the other route and had my Triumph distributor overhauled and calibrated by the 'Distributor Doctor', not cheap at about £150 but cheaper than a 123.