Thread: Chasing a Holden 186 expert mechanic - Brisbane

Check the points gap , sometimes new points will close & if one lobe on dist cam is worn it will cause a misfire. Also the condenser may need replacing or check for cracks in dist cap or rotor. Also that wire you were with could be broken in inside the insulation .

Just a quick one that can cause such things is the incorrect voltage on your coil. I have seen coils that are supposed to have resistors being supplied with 12 volts. This not only kills the coil, but also fries points and condensers along the way. The engine will run great for a short time, then turn to ****.

A quick and easy check.

Check that your points are opening properly, about 15 thou at the high point of the distributor lobe would be ball park. New points often wear in and close up, giving the symptoms you describe. Also check the bottom of your coil, if it says use with resistor and your car doesn't have one fitted, it will eat points. Either way an electronic distributor will solve your problems.


Cheers Greg

Originally Posted by 1950landy

Check the points gap , sometimes new points will close & if one lobe on dist cam is worn it will cause a misfire. Also the condenser may need replacing or check for cracks in dist cap or rotor. Also that wire you were with could be broken in inside the insulation .

I,m no expert on old Holden motors, but that would be my guess too. From memory they won't rev if the points gap closes up

Originally Posted by 86mud

Hi all

I am over it which is why I am chasing a good mechanic who knows Holden 186's in Brisbane (close to CBD)

Would an electronic distributor be my answer?

Thanks heaps

Hello 86Mud,

Well if you want a mechanic who knows about 186 motors contact Kerry Frank at Motor Mania in Kerners Road Yamanto (07) 3288 6282. It has been a while since I visited the shop so I am not sure if it is still in operation.

Yes, I know Yamanto is a long way from the Brisbane CBD. Maybe Kerry could point you in the right direction to someone closer to you?


Another option would be to sign up for http://oldholden.com who are fond of Old Holdens. They have a technical section or could suggest a mechanic for you.

Kind Regards
Lionel

Thanks for your replies.

I replaced the condenser then the car runs fine for one day, the next day the car will run fine until hot, then the misfire starts up at low rpm under load ie taking off from lights in first, but if I drive it like it is stolen, it does not misfire - ie, in the higher rev range.

I have brand new HT leads (Top gun), spark plugs (NGK), new rotor and cap (Bosch), coil (standard coil - Repco brand), new points and condenser (Fuel Mister brand from Repco).

I am googled heaps via Oldholden. I used this site to help me set the points. The car idles perfectly and runs very well at top speed. ( I cracked 100km per hour yesterday!!!!!...downhill of course)

I can see a little braided wire inside the distributor and it is intact.

Can the vacuum be stuffed? This has not been replaced yet.

I do have a mechanic mate at East Brisbane (he rebuilt my carby) , but he is flat out at the moment. which is a little frustrating.

Thanks!

Ditch the Top Gun leads. I had no end of trouble with them on a vehicle I had many years ago. Your symptoms and fixes sound exactly like those I went through. I installed Bosch leads and the problem instantly disappeared. My theory is that the TG leads were too low a resistance, ie electrically equivalent to too stiff springs and would "resonate" under certain conditions like during take off, mainly with a hot engine. A bit like steering wobble, only happens with too little damping in the system.

The TG lead issue led to much of my understanding of ignition systems and their fix. BTW I still recommend you find a genuine Bosch electronic distributor for your vehicle, it's the single easiest upgrade a red 6 can ever get.

Even though you have a new coil, it could already be broken if it is meant to have a resistor and you don't have one. Your symptoms fit with this. What colour and how long is your spark?
Aaron