QuestionQUESTION: Not getting any spark from ignition coil. Have replaced the points, condenser, rotor arm, distributor cap, HT leads, spark plugs & coil. I have 3 wires on the negative side of the coil, black goes to the condenser in the distributor, a white with black tracer which goes to the tacho & another white with black tracer which is not on the wiring diagram i have. The wire to the tacho, white/black is down to earth. On the positive side of the coil there are 2 wires white & light green, one goes to the solenoid switch, this is ok, but the other is down to earth. Are the wires which are down to earth preventing me from having a spark?
ANSWER: Hi Tony. The wires to the coil are as follows:
The negative terminal has two White/Black wires. One of these goes to the tacho (rev counter), and the other goes to the side contact on the distributor.
The positive terminal has two White/Light green wires. One of these goes directly to the solenoid, and the other goes via a resistive wire inside the loom, changes colour to plain white, and then goes to the ignition switch. The solenoid provides power while the starter is operated, after which the resistive wire provides the power when the engine is running.
I don't understand what you mean by `down to earth'. As a test, you could try disconnecting the wire to the tacho, which may be earthing out the points and preventing a spark. The engine should then run, but the tacho will not operate. Also, double check that the condenser connection is not earthed. It should be insulated from earth.
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QUESTION: Hi Barry, many thanks for the response to my previous question. This helped me resolve my ignition spark problem. However i still cant start the car as have now discovered that i also have fuel starvation. Removed the fuel line to the carbs & no fuel while turning over the engine. Made sure there was fuel in the tank but still nothing at the carb end. Removed the fuel pump & this was dry, but the filter was clear. the mechanical pump operates but the suction is very small, is this ok? How can i ensure the pump is working ok?
AnswerHi Tony, The 1500 Midget has a mechanical fuel pump which is operated by the engine. To test it, I would first remove all 4 spark plugs. Then pull the fuel pipe that feeds the carbs and feed it into a jam jar. Turn the engine over and fuel should flow from the pump quite quickly in spurts. If you are in the least dubious about the pump, just replace it. The do get tired, and the internal diaphragm can get sloppy or even split. The pump is the same as that fitted to the Spitfire and lots of other old Triumphs, so they are not expensive. There was a model change, so check your chassis number. Early pumps are £16 and later ones are £20. See the Moss Europe website for more details.
