MG Car Repair: 1976 MG Midget wont start, electronic ignition systems, mg midget

Question
QUESTION: I recently took my 76 midget out for the summer and it started right up.  Drove to the gas station to fill up the tank and shut off the car.  The car started back up and as I was pulling out of the lot it died.  I tried to start a few times and it would fire up then die.  I did notice that I had forgot to attach the plate that the coil sits on back to the box that covers the pushrods for the brake/cluth since I rebuilt the brake cyclinder.  I could still not get it started and had to tow it back.  I have still not able to get it started.  Is there a way to test the coil to see if that is bad?  Any other suggestions or help as to what to look for would be appreciated.  Thanks

ANSWER: Shawn, the coil is only one of many possible causes for an engine not to start. Go to my site and read the tech tip on how to test for an engine that does not start. Http://mg-tri-jag.net/tech14.htm
Let me know what you find.
Howard

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QUESTION: Howard,

Thanks for the help it is nice to know that there are people out there willing to help.  So I did some more trouble shooting and think I was able to narrow it down.  With the help of my brother-in-law who is a mechanic we determined that the coil is good.  I have an Lucas electronic ignition and I believe it is the original one.  There is no spark coming from the coil to the distributor.  Do know if a new pick-up coil for the distributor can be purchased and replaced?  I have been looking but can't seem to find it.  Thanks again.

Answer
Shawn, Most of the original Lucas/Opus electronic ignition systems failed under warranty and very few lived after that. The pick-up was wired to the box mounted on the distributor and never came as a separate piece that I ever seen. Most people just cut the three wires off and installed a aftermarket electric ignition system which many were small units that were just a pick up unit that did not require an out side module. Others just got a earlier distributor from a Spitfire and replaced the distributor with a pointed distributor.
Howard