Electronic ignition

[crankedup]

I am considering converting the existing points/condensor setup with one of the new systems. As my cars are from the 1920's I am not sure which manufacturer system to use. Any recommendations or general comments appreciated.

[ARH]

I wouldn't bother, I have never had an issue with points, just adjust them once a year. I use points on all my old cars, you may have big issues if your car is running on 6 volts, as I believe most kits are 12v.

[tvrgaas]

crankedup said:

As my cars are from the 1920's.

Don't they both have magneto's or have they been coverted to coil?

[crankedup]

Hi guys, yes both cars have been converted by previous owners to 12v
and have 12v coils fitted. The Austin seems to run fine but my new purchase Morris 'Bullnose' simply will not fire at all. She started and ran like a sewing machine when I inspected it. On collection it was difficult to start and then spluttered away on 3 cylinders. When I got home and rolled her off the trailer she simply would not fire up.

I don't think its anything serious but the Morris is a stranger to me so I thought it is ignition issues, altho previous owner swears it has not had ignition problems in his 3 year ownership. Petrol is getting into the carb bowl ok, altho having cranked her over a number of times the plugs were not wet with petrol, just sooty and fairly dry.

Si I thought its going to be a garage job, then I discovered the rear lights dont work, altho fronts are fine, then rear offside indicator is'nt working, the others are OK. Oh dear

[ARH]

It could be the condenser, they always fail in funny ways. what sort of carb does it have? as i would say it is fuel not getting to the engine, or it could be that the fuel has gone off it it has stood for a while.

[crankedup]

Hi ARH, it is fitted with an SU carb, not sure which model but it is vintage. It has a choke control (which works via rods)actuated from the base of carb.

I was surprised that the plugs were not dripping in petrol after a fair bit of on and off cranking of the motor. Will the condensor have a number stamped on it and like wise points / rotar. This could be the only way I may find correct replacements.

Thanks for help.

Petrol tank seemed fairly empty so I put in 2 gal of fresh petrol to start with.

>> Edited by crankedup on Thursday 9th March 20:06

[ARH]

Sounds like an H1 su to me, what sort of fuel pump? If no fuel is getting to your engine I would say the float valve is stuck closed, this can happen. You can check this by lifting the lid off the float chamber, (one nut where the overflow pipe comes out iirc)and seeing if it has fuel in it. if it does it should be full to about 1cm below the top. if it is not the float level will need checking. I have a book at home I can scan some pics and stuff from which may help if we find out what carb it is.

Does the carb have a number on it, they are usually on a tag attached to the float chamber. You can find out all about it here www.burlen.co.uk/ if the number is on it.

[crankedup]

I have had a look at the carb' and a number is on the float chamber body (1216 D) it is the only number I can find. The float chamber is filling when I switch on petrol, it is gravity fed from the tank above. As a matter of interest there is not an air filter attached at all which I find strange, I was thinking of fitting one as surely it should be.

I would appreciate any material that you are able to scan across.
Many thanks.

[incorrigible]

Sound to me like the jet is blocked.

Take the top of the carb and fuel should come up through the hole where the needle sits

[crankedup]

Hi, took top off the carb and the petrol flowed nice and freely. I cannot recall ever removing jet(s)from an SU carb altho I have done so from early Japenese motorbikes. I assume the jet in my Morris carb is in there somewhere, but I have no idea where.

A little more help please

[incorrigible]

That is the jet, when the top comes off the carb you should end up with the needdle in your hand (needle goes into the jet)

So if fuel is coming up the hole in the middle you're sorted

[crankedup]

Thanks incorrigible.

[ARH]

I had a look on burlens website and that number doesn't tell me much unfortunatly. can you stick a photo of it up here so we can have a look and identify it's type.


It sounds to me like it is ok though. Back to basics i think to get it sorted.

[crankedup]

I will get a pic' up hopefully tomorrow. The carb does have an oil damper resovior. The engine fitted was manufactured in the 1927 period. I do not have an hanbook/service book for the car but intend to buy a reproduction copy from the 'Bullnose' club, but this will not help much with this current problem I suspect.

Had a look at the SU carb site and very interesting, good to know that they will do rebuilds so noted the address in my book. Thanks for the link.

[crankedup]

Brother came and had a look, found the jet was blocked, also found that the spark was generally poor so told me to get new contact breakers,spark plugs, ignition coil and condenser. On top of that also an new end cap carbon pick up brush and spring. Hope that this lot gets it running.

[ARH]

Did you get it going though?

[crankedup]

We, that is my Brother, managed to get the engine to run very briefly. I have to now obtain those replacement parts and then when fitted should run nicely. The engine is a good'en but Bro' reckons it has'nt seen much use for years and so minor recommisioning really is order of the day.

Still trying to get a pic up here, how is that done? I seem clueless. And lastly the SU carbs number we could find is 1217H. It has an oil filled damper pot and main jet in bottom of chamber. Pic to follow I hope.

On a brighter note the Austin is running and starting beautifully (done it now).

[incorrigible]

I know ARH already mentioned it, but Burlen fuel systems are the guys to talk to re SU carbs