Help needed with electric problem.

[Gavinr]

I've been having some running probs with the SEAC lately and I thought I'd throw them out to the Wedge massive to see if someone can shed some light on it.
The problem started a couple of months ago when the car got quite hot sat in some traffic. It didn't actually over heat (fan's were working, temp never over 92ish degrees) but when I got out of the traffic and put my foot down it didn't run on all 8 cylinders. This carried on for another couple of miles while I was trying to get it cooler until it dropped of another cylinder or 2 and then just stopped all together.
I left it to cool down for a bit and then re-started it. The same happened a couple more times until the starter packed in and wouldn't re-start.
We fitted a new starter a bit later and have been having problems ever since. The problem seems to be a weak spark. We get a great spark from the dissy, but by the time it gets to the plugs it's weak and intermintantly not fireing. We've checked all the wiring, the leads, plugs. Nothing has worked. We've re-wired the box on the n/s arch as suggested. ( Sorry for the bad explanation my mechanic (Dad) is on hols).
We have also fitted a new Amplifier Module. This is where it gets even mote complicated. I ordered the one from the bible (lucas NO. DAB 135) to be told it's been supperceded by DAB 118. I ordered this and the adapter to go with the new wireing. In the bible this appears to show 2 wires, where as the one that came of had three, as does the new Amplifier.
I need to know the correct way to wire up the amplifier and also if there's anything that it looks like we've missed. At this rate it may not be fixed by BBWF! PLEASE HELP. I'm lost.

Thanks

Gavin

[cuneus]

Coil ?

Rimmer Bros stilll do the 2 wire modules

>> Edited by cuneus on Monday 20th June 19:43

[shpub]

There should be a piece of paper with the adapter that shows where the two wires go. If not go to

www.shpub.co.uk/gallery/Wedge%20Adapter.jpg

Regards
Steve

[briantvr350i]

Hi Gavin,

Have you replaced the HT leads? My 350 seems to eat them, the under bonnet temperature cook's them. I now always pop the bonnet when I put the car away with a hot engine, they do seem to last a bit longer.

Have you also made sure that the engine earth is good, clean and low resistance? Did you find anything physically wrong with the starter? With a bad earth the starter is probably the first thing that would have a problem.

I have seen a number of odd ignition problems with the RV8 some of which have fooled professionals. In one case, replacing.. Coil, leads, distributor cap, rotor arm and plugs all together cured one persistant problem.

Someone who worked for one of the TVR dealers here in South Yorkshire when wedges were on sale was of the opinion that the ignition system on the RV8 even in first class condition could struggle in certain conditions. (it was he who suggested replacing everything in one go)

Also, make sure you use good quality replacement parts, I've never had a problem with the stuff from the local Lucas agent.

Regards,

Brian (and a Red 350i)