Electronic Ignition Kits - Unreliable!
Discussion
So, when getting my sons 74 Mini on the road I thought I'd inmprove the reliability for him by ditching the points and condenser and fit an electronic kit. Simples.
Less than a year later and he breaks down (while I am working away naturally...). Fault: Electronic ignition failure. Garage converted it back to points and condenser.
Over the last two years I have bought six conversion kits from various sources for some of my cars and some customers. 4 out of the six have failed. They seem to be totally unreliable and of no benefit whatsoever.
I cannot be that unlucky can I?
Anyone else find them to be rubbish?
Less than a year later and he breaks down (while I am working away naturally...). Fault: Electronic ignition failure. Garage converted it back to points and condenser.
Over the last two years I have bought six conversion kits from various sources for some of my cars and some customers. 4 out of the six have failed. They seem to be totally unreliable and of no benefit whatsoever.
I cannot be that unlucky can I?
Anyone else find them to be rubbish?
I don't know if it's related to the unreliability or even an internet myth, but I read that with some of the cheaper magnetic systems leaving the ignition switched on without the motor running was a good way to kill them.
The logic was that if the magnet was aligned with the sensor (firing point) then it effectively overloaded the sensor internals if it was left for any significant time. When the engine's running it's only pulsing, which is what the design was for.
It's a bit like Russian roulette, most times the magnet won't be aligned and you'll be fine. I don't know if it's true or not but these days I make a point of starting the motor immediately I switch on.
The logic was that if the magnet was aligned with the sensor (firing point) then it effectively overloaded the sensor internals if it was left for any significant time. When the engine's running it's only pulsing, which is what the design was for.
It's a bit like Russian roulette, most times the magnet won't be aligned and you'll be fine. I don't know if it's true or not but these days I make a point of starting the motor immediately I switch on.
The lumenition that was on my datsun was terrible, when it failed and left me stranded i removed it and fitted a £2 set of points the increase in power and torque was really noticable.
Megajolt and megasquirt on my lpg 5 cylinder audi was fantastic, sorting it out with a nice well advanced map really perked it up a bit.
Megajolt and megasquirt on my lpg 5 cylinder audi was fantastic, sorting it out with a nice well advanced map really perked it up a bit.
Edited by OldGermanHeaps on Friday 26th August 18:19
I converted my mini to Megajolt, which is a wasted spark system so the distributor went as well. 100% reliable and zero maintenance over a period of five years or so.
Mind you, the breakerless points that were on the dizzy before were 100% reliable as well, and only required very infrequent timing alteration as the timing chain stretched. (Engine was out of an '86[?] MG Metro so had breakerless points as standard)
The ignition timing at idle was much less variable with Megajolt, but other than that I'm struggling to remember any further advantages...
Mind you, the breakerless points that were on the dizzy before were 100% reliable as well, and only required very infrequent timing alteration as the timing chain stretched. (Engine was out of an '86[?] MG Metro so had breakerless points as standard)
The ignition timing at idle was much less variable with Megajolt, but other than that I'm struggling to remember any further advantages...
mgv8 said:
The 123 system is a bit to high end to be so easly copyed.
There are several 123 copies about in the 2cv market. And, when the 123 first came out for 2cvs (one of the first fitments), it quickly got a reputation for unreliability. The manufacturer was very good about replacing failed units, though, and further development has meant it's still a popular system.B'sides, if you think the various aftermarket options are unreliable, have you seen the quality of modern condensers...?
Bellini said:
I have a Pertronix system on my Mustang and can't fault it.
It's a 'hidden' installation which nestles under a period distributor cap, so externally everything looks original.
I have this system on my 302 powered rod. Brilliant bit of kit. Can open up the plug gaps a bit to get a better burn, use a 50k Accel Supercoil as well. It's a 'hidden' installation which nestles under a period distributor cap, so externally everything looks original.
//j17 said:
Tried and failed with a couple of different electronic ignition kits before dumping everything including the dizzy and going MegaJolt instead. Probably the best mod. I've done!
It's a bit more effort but the megajolt system is great. Transformed the xflow in my 7 - was running lumenition before that, which was reliable enough but the transformation in low down torque and driveability with 3D ignition is massive.For a straight swap on a classic with minimal complication a 123 kit is hard to beat.
Gassing Station | Classic Cars and Yesterday's Heroes | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff