Ignition problem

[Herb Andrews]

Hi.

I have a 1990 T25 T3 1.9 watercooled camper that will not start.

It turns over fine and theres petrol but no spark at the plug. I confirmed voltage is getting to the coil, and removed the HT lead at the distributor end and touched it against the chassis which gave a spark, although a bit dull. I have also replaced the rotor arm and distributor cap.

Rather than possibly waste money on replacing both the pickup and the amplifier is there anyboby local, I'm near Lingfield in Surrey, that I could borrow some parts from, or I'm willing to pay postage if you are too far away. Has anybody had a similar problem and if so how did you fix it?

When I bought it 5 years ago it had been sitting for a couple of years, I cleaned the plugs, sprayed WD40 down the bores, fitted a new battery and away it went. Prior to laying the camper up 18 months ago it has always been a first time starter, so I was not expecting this kind of a problem.

All advice greatly appreciated, as its not fun anymore, and the hedge is starting to grow over it! Once this problem is sorted my plan is to move it, cut the hedge and then use it while the good weather is still with us.

Herb

[big red bus]

presume you have checked for spark at plug?
you have expect any kind of problems with these as they are getting older now and everything has problems. these are basic and easy to fix so thats a bonus.
plugs o.k
is the fuel fresh because you say its been layed up for 18 months?
this may be leading you down the wrong path. just a thought

[Herb Andrews]

Thats right, theres no spark at the plug.

Is there a way to check if the pickup or amplifier, so anything else you may suggest, is faulty.

So far I have gone down this process of elimination, theres fresh fuel in it by the way, and am wondering if its something simple that I have overlooked.

Thanks for the reply.

Herb

[big red bus]

so you have a spark from the coil but not from dizzy to plug?
is rotor arm spinning?
dizzy plug connected/clean?
dizzy cap seated correctly?
failing that think it may be just ignition amp has had enoguh and given up the ghost.
where abouts are you? need to have a rummage but think I have igntion amp in my garage.
will have a rummage for you tomorrow.

[Herb Andrews]

so you have a spark from the coil but not from dizzy to plug? Yes thats right
is rotor arm spinning? Yes
dizzy plug connected/clean? Yes, cleaned/connected a number of times
dizzy cap seated correctly? Yes
failing that think it may be just ignition amp has had enoguh and given up the ghost.
where abouts are you? need to have a rummage but think I have igntion amp in my garage.
will have a rummage for you tomorrow. Near Lingfield in Surrey, but as I say willing of course to pay postage

[big red bus]

o.k let me have a rummage and get back to you. Thanks,
Dan.