22 replies to this topic

[SurreySprite]

Thanks Dan, but it's all too easy to get the wiring wrong on my coil.

Thanks for all your responses. My coil does not have a pink and white wire.

I tested the spark by resting the plug on the block and i saw a white spark which didn't look very powerful but i am not sure what it should look like.

I cleaned the plugs up and then tried to start it. Must have turned the key 20 times or so before it started and even then it barely turned over. Upon dabbing the throttle it just cut out.

Got it going again and left it running for 10 minutes idling. After that it was fine.

Ant thoughts?

Thanks,
James

Edited by JamesFreeman1982, 10 January 2009 - 03:55 PM.

[Dan]

If the spark's white it's hot enough. Once the plug is screwed in it will have a better ground and will perform better still. I've always been mystified by this idea of a 'weak spark', all it has to be is hot.

Upon dabbing the throttle it just cut out.

Got it going again and left it running for 10 minutes idling. After that it was fine.

It's nothing to do with the ignition system, it's fuel related. Please don't be offended by this but I'm asking because you are a fairly young driver. Have you ever been taught how the choke actually works? Many young drivers aren't because they learn in fuel injected cars.

Edited by Dan, 10 January 2009 - 03:59 PM.

[taffy1967]

[SurreySprite]

If the spark's white it's hot enough. Once the plug is screwed in it will have a better ground and will perform better still. I've always been mystified by this idea of a 'weak spark', all it has to be is hot.

Upon dabbing the throttle it just cut out.

Got it going again and left it running for 10 minutes idling. After that it was fine.

It's nothing to do with the ignition system, it's fuel related. Please don't be offended by this but I'm asking because you are a fairly young driver. Have you ever been taught how the choke actually works? Many young drivers aren't because they learn in fuel injected cars.

Ok well glad the spark is ok, my friend said he thought it was more orange than white, but i saw it as white.

Fairly young driver? I am 26 year old mate so hardly out of nappies. Yes i do know what the choke does.

Can you reccommend what i should check for fueling wise?

[taffy1967]

I'd be more concerned with the electrics/ignition first and when was the spark plugs, ht leads, dizzy cap and rotor arm last replaced?

Oh and is your engine weather shield fitted at all times? It would have come with an ignition shield when new: -

http://www.minispare...h...ld&s=Search

Without it, water/damp is going to play havoc with your electrics.

Also put some oil in your carb dashpot.

Edited by taffy1967, 10 January 2009 - 04:25 PM.

[SurreySprite]

I'd be more concerned with the electrics/ignition first and when was the spark plugs, ht leads, dizzy cap and rotor arm last replaced?

Oh and is your engine weather shield fitted at all times? It would have come with an ignition shield when new: -

http://www.minispare...h...ld&s=Search

Without it, water/damp is going to play havoc with your electrics.

Also put some oil in your carb dashpot.

I recently had it serviced and the plugs were changed not sure about the rest. HT leads definitely were not changed so i will change those.

I don't have the weathershield fitted, previous owner must have removed it. I think it's time for to get one!

Thanks for your help.

[taffy1967]

Fitting the weather shield is a must, especially when travelling behind lorries on the motorway during heavy rain.

As for the HT Leads, well I fitted a set of these from Mini Spares last year and their mucking fagic!: -

http://www.minispare......ILICON FROM...

But also replace the dizzy cap and rotor arm whilst your at it.

Your blessed with electronic ignition, so there's no contact breaker points or a condenser to fiddle about with.

Oh and only ever use WD40 in an emergency and even then make sure you clean it all off your electrics afterwards because it attracts muck and grime and causes more problems in the long run.

So clean, dry and well serviced electrics are the best.

Edited by taffy1967, 10 January 2009 - 04:33 PM.

[SurreySprite]

Fitting the weather shield is a must, especially when travelling behind lorries on the motorway during heavy rain.

As for the HT Leads, well I fitted a set of these from Mini Spares last year and their mucking fagic!: -

http://www.minispare...=...ILICON FROM...

But also replace the dizzy cap and rotor arm whilst your at it.

Your blessed with electronic ignition, so there's no contact breaker points or a condenser to fiddle about with.

Oh and only ever use WD40 in an emergency and even then make sure you clean it all off your electrics afterwards because it attracts muck and grime and causes more problems in the long run.

So clean, dry and well serviced electrics are the best.

Great thanks for your advice.

I checked the service invoice and it appears only the plugs were changed from the electrics.

I will get some ht leads, a dizzy cap and a rotor arm and see how i get on there. Thanks for the link to the leads.

Weathershield sounds a must as well