Triumph Repair: 1979 1500 No Spark, cei system, opus system

Question
Jim,

I just bought a very nice original 1979 Spitfire 1500 that has been sitting indoors for five years. I squirted marvel oil into the cylinders rigged up a temperary fuel supply, disconected the fuel pump and tried to start her. But I am not getting any spark. It has the original lucas electronic ingition with the black box mounted on the fire wall next to the clutch master.  Its seems to have a newer (non lucas) coil.

Is the lucas system worth trobleshooting? I was planning on getting a Pertronix Ignitor and coil.

Also, I tried starting it with a portable battery jump starter. Would I get a better spark with a totally new battery?

Thanks,

John M

Answer
John,

As you'll need a new battery anyway it's the cheapest way to start troubleshooting.  Yes, insufficient voltage could cause the CEI system to not fire.

If you're electrically inclined the Lucas CEI system can be repaired (I've heard) using GM HEI parts.  Otherwise, since the parts for the Lucas system are either not available or very expensive as NOS (new old stock) items or no more reliable if purchased used you're probably better off converting to the Pertonix setup.

When the Opus system died in my '78 I just "borrowed" the points distributor from my '73. Much easier to troubleshoot. :D

Cheers,

Jim