1981 Silver Spirit Starting issues

[Vilkenkarl]

Hi!

I found a 1981 Silver Spirit parked on a backyard for a few years. I got the car towed since the key was missing.
I made a complete service on the car incl gearbox Sprayed plenty of WD40 down into the cylinders and dusted everything off. I also drained the tank from old petrol and replaced it with fresh.
Yesterday I finally got a new key from Rolls Royce and was eager to try to start the car. I cranked it a bit without sparkplugs to drain the WD40, then I made a try.
After a few attempts, the car started! However... As soon as I stop cranking, the engine dies.
I checked the ignition coil to see if there's a Coilresistor or similar (other cars such as Jaguars normally have two wires to the coil; one from the starter delivering full power and a second from a resistor delivering 9v).
I found only two wires, a + and the - going to the distributor.

Anyone having an idea of the wiring on this cars? I would be very grateful for any advice.

[Vilkenkarl]

Cliftonite said:

Perhaps the owner can help?

Edited by Cliftonite on Thursday 11th July 10:22

No, unfortunately not. He is old and have no technical skills what so ever
According to him, the car run well last time he drove it...

[Vilkenkarl]

Cleaner said:

From EX Auto Sparks now 76, can inform you of the circuits hear, the Ignition coil + Terminal will be Live 12v with the Distributor points open....points closed the voltage drops to 7/9volt this is because a Lucas 1.5 ohm ballast is used, on turning Ign Key to start the voltage rises to 11/12volt, this is produced by the starter motor, on the starter you have 2 small Terminals one is for main Solonoid excite..ie...bring the starter into full motion, the other terminal only comes live when the starter turning, this feeds the coil + Higher voltage, the connection is made at the ballast, With your fault it seems only power to coil is when cranking..ie car fires...let go of Key..stops. First thing to do is Turn on Ignition...check at coil + you have voltage...no voltage ..then the ballast needs to be located and checked is there full 12volt on one terminal there.. if not as I remember Rolls had the one fuse only for coil, sorry I cant remember many many years ago now where the ballast is, what I can tell you it wont be inside the car, as these Ballasts run Hot!....there allways inside engine compartment...tucked away...but in a cool air flow place. hope of Help. Peter

Thanks Peter!
Yes, I know the ballasts, they're common on Jags etc. However, there is only one lead to the coil and one lead out to the distributor. My thought is two possible scenarios;
1. There's a ballast somewhere which I can't find. The lead from the starter goes up to the upper connector then leading to the coil. On the lower connector there's a 12v wire from the ignition, I assume. That ballast could be burnt.

2. I experienced a few years ago on a Silver Shadow some rust on the connectors inside the ignition lock. That might be the issue even on this car, the locks looks fairly similar?

Just a few ideas...

[Vilkenkarl]

Thanks for all inputs!
Connector on ballast was loose, now she runs like a dream !