Maxi Spark Plugs that don't!

[theorganist]

I have a problem with my recently aquired Austin Maxi.

 

The engine turns over fine but does not fire. I have discovered that there is no spark from the spark plugs!

 

The car apparently was fine when it was last started which was around six years ago so I assume it is something related due to standing for a long time!

 

The leads look in decent condition and not that old, the distributor cap also looks pretty good, clean and dry inside and out. I am going to test the coil when I can find our 12V tester from within the depths of the shed. Also I have ordered some points and a condensor from e-bay!

 

I do have two spare coils, so could put one of the those on but according to the Haynes book of understatements that is a rare cause for not having a spark!!

 

I was just wondering if any of you more experienced guys on here may be able to point me to the most likely cause?!

 

Any advice would be gratefully appreciated.

[Mr_Bo11ox]

I would be going straight to the points, have they got the right gap and clean surfaces?

[theorganist]

They look clean, to be honest they look like they were replaced not too long before it was laid up. Will check that gap when I can find my feeler gauges, thanks Mr B.

[Pete-M]

I'm with Mr. B on this.

 

It hasn't got a giffer spec "cut out switch" anywhere that you may have disturbed has it? You can normally spot them by tons of bodginess around the coil wiring.

[M'coli]

The other thing to try is to pop a sparkplug straight onto the lead from the coil, then open the points manually and see if it sparks.

[michael1703]

with distributor cap off and ignition on, pull the points or crank engine, is there spark at the points?

 

if no spark, check for 12v at the coil, if no power coming in, rig up a live straight from battery to sw side of coil, and then repeat test

[theorganist]

Thanks all for your suggestions will give them a try (when it is light).

 

@peteM- no hidden immobilisers, have checked with the previous owner.

[mouseflakes]

I do have two spare coils, so could put one of the those on but according to the Haynes book of understatements that is a rare cause for not having a spark!!

 

I had to dead R16 that fired up when I finally replaced the coil

[theorganist]

Cheers Mouseflakes, can't do any harm!

[Lankytim]

I hate points. I stuck an early R series engined Maestro dizzy on my E series Allegro. Ran a million times better!

 

FYI, the firing order is the wrong way round on these engines. Caught me out until I read the manual! Its coz the dizzy spins in the opposite direction to 99% of other cars.