Triumph Repair: spitfire no spark at points, plastic washers, pig tail

Question
hi recently bought 1973 mark 4 spitfire with no history. now trying to sort ignition and electric problems before full renovation. problem is that there is no spark at the points. check for a current at ignition lead before it connects to the lucas condenser and there is a current but once both leads are connected this current disappears? as if there is short can you explain how to bypass everything just to get a spark at the points any help would be appreciated

Answer
Hi Jonathan,
From what you say, it sounds like you installed the points incorrectly.
Follow this exactly,
Turn the engine until the points open.
Turn the key to "ON" not start.
Test the coil lead (White w/black tracer wire)for power.
If no power, disconnect the condenser wire and pig tail from the white w/black wire at the distributor.
Test the white w/black wire again.
If you have power remove the points and install one of the hat shaped plastic washers that came with the points on to the threaded stud with the brim of the hat down.
Then install the points and the points spring on the threaded stud and over the plastic hat so the spring does not contact the stud.
Now place the second plastic hat on to the stud with the brim UP and the hat slipped into the points spring so as to insulate the spring from the stud.
Now install the metal washer on to the stud against the brim of the plastic hat and the nut on the stud.
Turn the engine by hand until the points cam is in contact with the points runner (which you should have lobed with a little grease)
Now adjust the points so that the points gap is .015"
Now test the white w/black wire again and it should show 12v.
Turn the engine by hand until the points are closed and test again and the white w/black wire should be dead.
Then set the ignition timing to specs. DON'T SKIP THIS IF YOU WANT TO KEEP YOUR ENGINE!!!!
Howard