Electronic ignition

[floormanager]

B

The other point with electronic points is setting them up on a new build engine. Can't static time them.

You can...

Get a transistor (any small portable?) radio. Set it off station so that you get a nice background hash (white noise) and place near distributor. Twist dizzie as you would to set points. When the electronic unit triggers (points open) you will get a nice burst of static. Exactly the same as the light indicating to opening of points...

Cheers, Ian

Not seen that in the Haynes Manual! Good to know, a bit off the wall. Shame I did not know this before I blew one up trying.

[Robbie224]

Well that was very interesting. Lots of different options. Living with modern vehicles points seem like a relic item but myself especially have forgot between possible 1940s up until 80s most vehicles had points ect. Reading everything here though I decided to keep my ignition old school as engine and all components are basically new. Never knew about the " Distributor Doctor " selling quality Components. Carry spares points ect and carry on as my 71 was originally built like and been like since.
Thanks folks

[mk1]

I used to convert to electronic as a matter of course. Over recent times I have transferred back to traditional. An electronic system is great when it works, but if it fails you are stuffed. Also, it is easier to set up trad points than electronic if you don't have a strobe handy.

When Electronic was VERY reliable with good quality components, it made more sense than it does now with the proliferation of cheap & NASTY electronic conversions that seem to last about 5 minutes Acuspark . . . . . Cough.

Only last weekend I spent a morning trying to trace a very odd fault on a mates Austin Seven. He had eliminated the Distributor as a source of trouble as it was a brand new one. After hours of fannying about I suggested "just trying" the old dizzy again & it ran perfectly instantly.

I reckon you have made a good call.

[snoopy64]

I think there must be a difference in reliability between the electronic ‘conversions’ you drop in and the scratch built CSI type electronic dizzy

[mk1]

Kevin,

I am certain that you are right.

I have used a CSI in my last 2 competition cars without any problems at all. I think all the reliability issues stem from the cheap under cover conversions that are sold through ebay & similar outlets.

M

[floormanager]

Reading everything here though I decided to keep my ignition old school as engine and all components are basically new. Never knew about the " Distributor Doctor " selling quality Components.

The Distributor Doctor has re-built two dizzys for me. Martin is a very helpful and like I said, when I thought I had a faulty condenser, he said he would replace it FOC (not the point - forgive the pun but he was so confident it was not the condenser, it was a safe bet for him). I've got spare sets from him, just in case.

I am sure CS1 dizzys are very good. I always wondered why minispares sells electronic kits for over £100, whereas you can get Accusparks for less than half that price. There must be a difference in quality?? Not that I've experienced it myself but I've heard of garages not want to get involved with points and condensers and will only touch classics which have electronics in their dizzys. Shame really.