Kiajon Posted September 13, 2015 Report Share Posted September 13, 2015 Hi guys, So, currently sitting in my garage is a late model Spitfire 1500 which has not been on the road for 10 years. The bodywork seems good, interior is a little tatty (or missing) But no great concern. The problem is, the engine won't start. It turns over,pumps fuel (which is fresh) but no start. The questions are, therefore, what should I be looking at? What perils usually lurk within a Spitty that hasn't moved in 10 years? As far as the engine is concerned, there's no spark from the coil (put the lead out next to bodywork to check), should I replace it? I'm presuming I'll need to sort out everything under the dizzy cap. To that end is it worth switching to electronic ignition? Or should I sort the old points condenser system first? As far as electric ignition can anyone recommend one, and any to avoid. Right. That about covers it for now. Sorry if it's a lot but I'm new to this game so please be gentle. this car has been inherited from my dad so I'd like to get her up and running. Thanks in advance for your help, Jonathan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Lewis Posted September 13, 2015 Report Share Posted September 13, 2015 Checked the balasted coil feed is live to the coil it has two feeds a 6v line from the ign switch 'ON' and a 12volt feed from the stater solenoid both need to be working the 12v boosts the coil when cranking, and a 6v feed is used when running one could be dead pete Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simon Posted September 13, 2015 Report Share Posted September 13, 2015 As Pete says check the coil has power. I had exactly the same issue where no spark appeared and it was the condenser, its this that actually creates the spark. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Lewis Posted September 14, 2015 Report Share Posted September 14, 2015 If the points have been static for years the pivot can seize so the points stay open make sure you have a bothb feeds to the neg coil terminal one ign on and one when cranking take off dizzy cap, make sure the points have a 0.015"gap with follower on the lobe of the cam check the points actually move , old can stick on the pivot post check the condenser is secure and leads from coil pos + and condenser are connected to the sprung end of the points, if its a post with a nut , both fit under the plastic bush with nut on the plastic.if its a hook connector is it tight and clean check the small braided wire which earths the plate is complete make sure the ht coil terminal is not all green inside dont replace anything till you are sure whats fitted is the culprit new condensers have a poor reputaion , some are just an empty can, pete Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dougbgt6 Posted September 14, 2015 Report Share Posted September 14, 2015 Electronic ignition is an excellent upgrade but, don't get a cheap one off Ebay, get one from the club shop. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kiajon Posted September 14, 2015 Author Report Share Posted September 14, 2015 Thanks for all the guidance so far. Haynes manual in hand I will be spending this evening in the garage..... unless the wife finds me...... or the 21 month old son!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mjit Posted September 14, 2015 Report Share Posted September 14, 2015 Get it at least running on points before you think about going electronic. It's not working and adding a new variable in the form of potentially duff electronic ignition parts won't make your life easier. Once it's running, even if really badly then you know you've got the basic fuel+compression+spark and can look at electronic ignition to make it run better. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dougbgt6 Posted September 15, 2015 Report Share Posted September 15, 2015 Good point! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Lewis Posted September 15, 2015 Report Share Posted September 15, 2015 shouldnt that be 'Good PointS !! ha ! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nigel501 Posted March 11, 2016 Report Share Posted March 11, 2016 I have the same problem tonight on my 78 Spit 1500 No spark from the coil. Have changed coil have changed condenser. Rotor arm rotates and points have been set. Have a live feed to the +ve side of coil. If this connection is removed from the coil (it has 2 wires to 1 connector) i measure 12v . When connected to the coil i measure just under 6v. There are 2 separate connectors on the -ve side. One from the condenser and on from???. Any ideas what to check next? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Lewis Posted March 11, 2016 Report Share Posted March 11, 2016 The white /pink is the ballasted feed from ign switch to the + coil terminal there will also be white /yellow thats from the same coil + to the starter side of the stater solenoid this gives the 12v boost when cranking you dont need a condenser on the coil unless you use an old radio with MW so suggest you get rid of this. the coil -NEG only has one black wire to the points in the dizzy. If you have changed the points make sure the internal leads are not making any contact with the base plate or point mountings does this help pete Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nigel501 Posted March 12, 2016 Report Share Posted March 12, 2016 Thanks Pete I will check later. I changed the condenser in the dizzy. There is power to the +ve side of coil so I presume the issue is from the coil onwards. I will check grounding. There is 2 leads from the -ve side of the coil. 1 to the dissy and 1 I'm not sure of. Nigel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Lewis Posted March 12, 2016 Report Share Posted March 12, 2016 Second wire could be the trigger line for electronic revcounter In my days it has to get its pulse from the dizzy side of the coil there have been cases where the rev counter has a fault and runs everthing to earth, so have a easy try with it disconnected pete pete Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nigel501 Posted March 12, 2016 Report Share Posted March 12, 2016 Pete Put another "new" condenser in dizzy and we have lift off!!! Obviously the previous "new" condenser was also duff. Thanks for your help. Nigel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Lewis Posted March 12, 2016 Report Share Posted March 12, 2016 Think it was pract classics cut one open to find a few inches of foil not yhe 3 mtrs that should be inside there were some terrible aftermarket versions about pete Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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