Where's the spark gone?

[awep]

Morning all,

Last weekend’s drive resulted in a visit from the AA man. He managed to get my S3 sparking again, by wiggling the coil LT connectors, but I think that something more sinister might be the cause. Here’s what happened:

Quite difficult to start the car on Saturday morning – The first time this has happened, and needed two attempts. Thirty minutes into the drive, there was a large ‘cough’, followed by a complete cut out (luckily there was a lay by!). The car wouldn’t start again (although did turnover), and there was the smell of unburnt fuel, so I called the AA. The man diagnosed a lack of spark, and traced the issue to the LT wires coming from the coil. As I said, after wiggling these around, including the spade connectors, the car started again and we drove off. Throughout the weekend two more breakdowns occurred when up to temperature, which were fixed by ‘wiggling’ and leaving to cool for ten minutes.

I thought that the problem might be related to the ignition module – is this a common occurrence? The HT leads are fairly new, but the coil looks pretty original. Haven't checked the condition of the ig module yet.

Alex

Ps, thanks to the grey Tamora driver who beeped and waved!

[awep]

Thanks for the input guys. The clarify, the 'cough' was a misfire.

I'll take a look at replacing the LT wires - the car has to be ready for Goodwood on the 9th! Is anyone else going?

[awep]

Also, are there any recommendations for replacement LT wires?

[awep]

We're based in Winchester so it'll be easier (and funner) to drive over in the morning.

I've bought a new coil and will relocate this to the bulkhead, using the pedal box bolt. My HT king lead isn't long enough though - is it possible to just buy a longer one, and not a whole set?

[awep]

Alas not motor parts direct, who tried to flog me the full set from a Sierra!