E30 Zone

Got a Dolomite 1850 today, and the bitch won't spark. New plugs, leads, distributor, and a recent ignition coil. The earth has been checked and is fine.

Halp?!

CB points gapped correctly?

is the dizzy cap sitting correctly are the leads in the right order is the rotor arm connecting with the dizzy cap.

Ah good old points. I really don't have the patients for these old motors. As already said re-check everything and then check again.


Oh what about that condenser thingy under the rotor arm? You changed it/checked it?

Good luck with it though fella, i do like a Dolomite

Thanks for the suggestions. I looked into them.
The points were gapped incorrectly, and that's now been fixed. The leads were in the wrong order, also fixed.

The condenser is covered in a weird frosty-white corrosion, so it may be that, though there's was no tell-tale blackness on the rotor arm to indicate it. Nevertheless, a new one is on its way. How do I check the rotor arm is making contact? Both parts are new.

Also, is there a way to check power to the coil? I'm not adverse to buying a testing thing if I know what to actually get. What's a normal reading to get for a coil, what should I expect if it's right or wrong?

Thanks again, very appreciated.

I'd say a Digital Multi Meter is an essential toolbox item if you've got an old car.

The rotor arm and cap don't actually make contact, the metal bits just get close enough for the spark to jump across.

Good luck with it dude, and put some piccys up too! Keep toying with the idea of getting a sprint, but then reminding myself of how much maintainence older cars need

The leads on the wrong way won't stop it sparking - just running.

You need to see if there's a spark at the points first.

Take the points out, clean with you wife's emery board and refit, regap. Make sure all the wires are connected properly, with the Lucas 45, you can put it back together wongly.

With the ignition on, and the points definitely closed, use a pencil to open the points by pushing the plastic lever that operates on the cam. You should be able to see a small spark. Or connect a bulb between the CB terminal of the coil and the end of that cable at the points block. You shopuld see the bulb go on/off as the points open/close.

I think the Dolomite - in common with other Triumphs - may have used an AC Delco distributor. Points gap is essential as is dwell angle which is checked when it's running. Don't forget a smear of grease on the distributor poits cam. Check with a multi meter than the coil is being switched by the points. Or a bulb as outlined above!

It's all a thousand years ago now, but I'm sure Lucas/Delco distributors also had a plastic insulator for the points.....? I've not set points for over 20 years...............