Triumph Repair: 1976 Spitfire Crank Wont Start, coil wire, cable ends

Question
Howard,                                                                 Ran earlier this spring, now cranks won't start, no spark at plugs, spark at coil wire at beginning of cranking and at end of cranking. 12.3v at coil + at initial crank then drops to 9.5v .  Thank you, Bill

Answer
Hi Bill,

The drop to 9.5v cranking is the very minimum you want to see during cranking so you should add a jumper battery even if the car battery is charged to see if the voltage is any better during cranking.

During cranking the starter draws most of the current so that leaves little for the ignition. There are several things that can cause that. One is a bad battery or a dragging starter or even bad cable connections (positive or ground) A simple test of battery cable connections at the battery (common problem) is to have someone hold the starter engaged for several seconds while you put your hands on the battery posts to feel for heat. If you feel any heat, clean the posts and cable ends.

If using a jumper battery makes it start you need to have the battery load tested.

If all that checks out ok, you do need to look at the ignition system. What ignition system do you have on the car? It is not likely that you have the original Opus-Lucas system as most failed one or more times before they even got out of warranty.

Howard