Ignition problem - car won't start

[iMini]

Hi all,

I have a situation with my Mk1 1275 Cooper S. It won't start (ignition) after having a mishap when using a timing light...

When I was running the timing light recently, I took 12V from one of the spare contacts on the fuse block, connected the neg clamp to the head bolt adjacent to the heater valve, and connected the other lead for dwell angle measurements to the neg terminal on the coil. To connect the positive lead for the timing light to the fuse block, I had a small wire with aligator clips on each end that I connected to the fuse block and then to the +ve clamp of the timing light. This ran well with no problems; until the +ve clamp and lead fell and sparked on the bell housing area (for want of a better description), and the lead from the fuse block to the timing light clamp caught fire and started melting the wire insulation. I suspect that this has caused my problem!

Both 35amp fuses are intact, the starter motor works from the key, but the engine will not fire. Fuel pump is also working. I have a CSI electronic ignition distributor fitted.

The CSI distributor now no longer has the blue LED flashing when the ignition is switched on. The ign light on the dash/speedo comes on when the key is in that position. I have fitted a new coil, as that seemed to be failing previously. The wiring looks ok from a visual inspection and the new coil is wired correctly.

I suppose my question(s) are around the CSI distributor - do they have an internal fuse? Does the scenario above sound like I could have fried the distributor, or is there another possibility that I'm not thinking of?

Thanks for any and all help! Let me know if any questions.

Cheers,
Gerard

[timmy201]

When you turn the key on are you getting 12v to the coil? And is the wire to the distributor getting 12v (if it comes from a different source)?

[iMini]

When you turn the key on are you getting 12v to the coil? And is the wire to the distributor getting 12v (if it comes from a different source)?

Problem solved! Wire/plug to the distributor was loose... Thanks for your reply timmy201