Series 3 No spark from new coil, where next?.....

Sturtmoor · Mar 10, 2020

Hi
I'm no expert so nothing to advanced please! Got a 3 series (petrol) not been started for 19 yrs. Battery, starter, solenoid, plugs and points all good, just fitted new coil still got no spark at plugs nor if I take the lead from centre of distributor and hold against eng block (User manual fault diag says I should get blue spark). Where do I logically go next? I do have a multimeter but not very good with it.
Thanks in advance!

Colthebrummie · Mar 10, 2020

Check carefully that the points are opening and completely closing

Col

Colthebrummie · Mar 10, 2020

Also check the distributer cap isn't damp inside and that the rotar arm is making contact with the sprung carbon contact.

Col

TheMegaMan · Mar 10, 2020

As a matter of interest, how do you know the points are good?

If you're on conventional points, then disconnect the HT lead from the coil to the distributor, put your multimeter on volts setting between earth and the black&white wire on the coil, turn the ignition on and slowly (maybe with the starter handle) turn the engine over. If the points really are good, you should see the voltage on the coil terminals jump between around 12V and 0V. If it's stuck at one or the other, maybe your points aren't opening/closing correctly.

The other terminal on the coil should be permanently 12V when the ignition is turned on.

Do you know whether you have a ballast resistor?

Sturtmoor · Mar 10, 2020

Colthebrummie said:
Check carefully that the points are opening and completely closing

Col

thanks will do. Would that have any impact on no spark being generated from the HT from the coil that goes in to the top of the dist cap?

Sturtmoor · Mar 10, 2020

Colthebrummie said:
Also check the distributer cap isn't damp inside and that the rotar arm is making contact with the sprung carbon contact.

Col

thank you. It all seems very dry been stored in a dry area, no sign of any sort of moisture.

Shippers · Mar 10, 2020

You need to make sure that the coil is getting a supply from ignition switch when in position 2...

Sturtmoor · Mar 10, 2020

Thanks all, you gave me some clues, made me think and I just got her started and purring sweetly! First time since 2001! Thanks very much!

wireman · Mar 14, 2020

Post some photos of you Land Rover, are you doing a restoration?

Series 3 No spark from new coil, where next?.....

Sturtmoor

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Colthebrummie

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