HELP - Landy won't start - suspect ignition coil

[JohnboyLandy]

Hi All,

After working fine on the weekend, suddenly my 2a won't start. I have 12V on the ignition line from the switch, so I guess next thing to check is the coil.

Can anyone suggest the best way to test the coil in situ please ?

Thanks
John

[whitehillbilly64]

Hi John.
Disconnect coil. Multi Meter across + and -
should read above 3 ohms, unless it has a ceramic resistor in line.
Then more like 1.5 to 2 ohms.
How to Diagnose and Test an Ignition Coil (https://www.aa1car.com/library/ignition_coils.htm)

whitehillbilly

[Blknight.aus]

bridge the points with a 12v5w light if the light doesnt blink on and off as you turn the engine over with the crank handle and the ignition turned on its the points.

now if the light is blinking. move onto the next step.

remove the light from the system, remove a plug lead and a plug, put them straight onto the coil and anchor the plug to the rocker cover or the alternator and turn the engine over again. If it spits a nice blue spark, its not the ignition system in general but may still be the condensor.

if you're any good with a multi meter a quick google should give you the resistances to expect from the primary and secondary windings. check those and if they're on spec then you should be good for a start.

[1950landy]

Check points haave not closed up , also check points surface if it looks scaley or burnt could be condensor.

[JohnboyLandy]

Thanks guys, much appreciated, I look at this today.

[JDNSW]

Another possibility not covered - the wire that earths the plate carrying the points, inside the distributor. If this is broken you may or may not have ignition.

When my coil failed it was due to corrosion inside the socket on top.

[whitehillbilly64]

I did melt plastic insulation, causing points to earth out on the 25D Dissy, last week.
Leaving coil attached to battery caused problem. One wire Bat to coil. other , exciter wire, bat to Alt.
Just to get it running.

whitehillbilly

[JohnboyLandy]

Thanks guys for all your useful suggestions. Annoyingly I couldn't get it going myself so I called out an auto electrician, and as luck would have it the Landy started just before the auto elec arrived [happycry]. Turned out to be the high tension lead between the coil and distributor was a bit crusty, it might be the original, who knows.

Anyway, all is well now.

Cheers,
John

[JDNSW]

Thanks for letting us know, it is really useful for others coming along later and looking for solutions to their problems.