QuestionQUESTION: Obtained a 76 Spitfire and currently trying to get it running. Replaced ignition coil, but getting no spark from coil to distributor cap even after replacing wire, any suggestions?
ANSWER: Hi Sheila,
You first need to ID what type of ignition system that is inside the distributor. The original system was a box mounted on the side of the distributor with three wires coming out of it and a pick-up unit inside wired directly to the box. The system was an Opus/Lucas system which operated the coil.
The system failed often and many aftermarket companies started making replacement unites to go inside the distributor to operate the coil. It is unlikely you still have an opus/Lucas system because of the failures of that system. Most just clipped the three wires and removed the pick-up unit inside and installed an aftermarket system. (They usually had their name printed on the inside unit.) The box was usually left on the out side because it supported the vacuum unit.
If you can take a picture of the inside of it or read a name on the inside unit, I may be able to tell you how to test it. Some replaced the whole distributor with a distributor with contact points taken from an earlier Triumph Spitfire engine.
I also need to know if the coil is a 12v coil or a 6v coil since both were used for the different ignition systems.
Howard
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: It is a 12v system and it is called a Breaker-less Ignition System.
AnswerCheck the air gap (most use about .012" air gap) and if that is correct and it has power with the key on it is most likely dead.
You said you put a new coil on and did you check for power on the (+) side of the coil with the key on? and how is the "Breaker-Less Ignition system" wired to the car and does your distributor have a box mounted on the side of the distributor with three wires cut off on it?
Howard
