Jaguar Repair: coil problems, ballast resistor, gm unit

Question
Hi
Can you suggest aftermarket brands of coil and amplifiers to fit xj6 australian model 1984 as my coil has been leaking oil and now will not start but plenty of cracking. No spark from the coil. amplifier I am unsure of?
Kind regards
Matthew

Answer
Hi Mat,
I try to use Lucas coils that apply to the Jag as Jag uses a ballast resistor and the coil must match the ignition system, amplifier and ballast resistor. I buy a lot of stuff on the net from Engel Imports but I don't know what the shipping cost would be to you so you may have to check. You could e-mail them and see.   

As for the Amplifier, I have many times just opened it up and found a GM amp inside, so I just took it to a parts store and they matched it up with a GM unit for $35. and installed the GM unit inside the box as opposed to the Jag price of $300.+ for the whole box.

If your coil has lost it's oil you for sure need a coil and make sure the ballast is ok then with a new coil see if the Amp works. Also test the pick up with an ohm meter while you wiggle the lead inside the distributor because it is a common failed item. That will not cause your coil to fail but needs to be checked.
Howard