QuestionMy 73 MG Midget, recently was rescued from a long stay in a garage, was able to be started after fuel tank cleaning, replacing plugs, wires, distributor, battery and starter. The distributor was replaced with the Flame Thrower. All was fine with the engine. Started easily and ran well.
In the process of rebuilding the other parts that were inop, mainly the lights and signal lights. Replaced the standard steering wheel turn signal set. All lights worked fine with ignition on and the turn signals exerecised including the brake pedal where pressure finally lit the stop lights.
When trying to restart the car, it would not start. Everything through the circuit was tested; plugs, coil and distributor output. All were good except distributor. Even put an old fashioned machine that by passed the distributor and the car started with the direct electrical current direct to the plugs. Engine ran for two minutes and was shut down by turning off the key. Mechanic determined that the new distributor was bad.
Another ordered and placed in the circuit. Same thing, no spark, no start.
Is there something we are overlooking such as a faulty circuit that might exist between the new light switch that ws installed and the ignition?
It is very frustrating to put so much work into the old MG and not get the care to start, when it once started very easily.
The MG Midget book does not explain the electrical circuit of the fuse box very well.
I there something you might suggest to start this car?
AnswerHi John,
I am not familiar with the "Flame thrower" ignition. All I can tell you about is the factory system of contact points which is a very simple system.
If you still have the original system it should be an easy test to just put it back original to see if it runs ok. The original system used a standard 12v coil. That way you can tell for sure (100%) that it is the new ignition system that is at fault. But is sounds to me like your test with the "old fashioned" machine to fire a coil was proof that the "Flame Thrower" ignition was the fault.
You need to contact the people you purchased the "Flame Thrower" from or do a Google search for the manufacture to see if there is any tech help for that system.
As you may tell, I am not a fan of high tech ignition on street cars. And some times not even on some race engines. The "Pros" and "Cons" of electronic ignition vs Kettering ignition on a street car as far as I can see is lopsided toward the Kettering ignition (points etc) on the "Pro" side. Especially on old MGs etc.
Howard
