Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[David Jenkins]

My Midget has acquired a plague. I've had it 11 years, 10 years totally reliable. but the last year it has been letting me down. First the coil went kaput, then the new coil went kaput, then the condenser went kaput. I can't figure it out.
This is a car that has been converted to alternator back in the early 90s.
Any ideas on what's wrong? I'm losing confidence and that's not nice as I normally do a lot of miles each year.

[Rick]

Hi Dave, welcome to the forum. New units can go down - it does happen. Especially some electrical bits like condensers - there are some poor quality repro units in the system, which fail after a short time. Try to find original new-old-stock Lucas parts, and see if things improve on that front.

Old cars do throw up wobblers from time to time don't they!!!

rgds, Rick
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[pigtin]

Hi Dave.
Is it possible that an intermittent condenser took out the two coils before finally failing? I had much the same thing happen on my Sprite and found that I had to fit a very old condenser back on, to get me out of trouble, when the brand new one failed after a few miles.
Like Rick, I have far more faith in 'original parts' for the ignition system.
Don.

[62rebel]

which is why, in my experience of buying old cars, there's usually a govebox FULL of spare points and condensers....

[David Jenkins]

Yes I think you are all right, I have tended to buy el-cheapo parts at autojumbles in the past and I think it is time to stick to Lucas parts only.
Thanks for the input.

[Rick]

Hi David, do you have any piccies of your car to hand?

R
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[Rick]

Looks like there's a big Spridget bash planned for next year, see:

http://www.oldclassiccar.co.uk/pr_spridget08.htm



Rick
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Rick - Admin
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