Ignition System

Checking the dwell angle

When fitting new contact-breaker points in the distributor , the normal way of checking the gap ...

Checking the high-tension circuit

The high-tension (HT) or secondary circuit carries high-voltage electricity. It runs from the ...

Checking a starter circuit

If the starter does not turn the engine although the car battery is in good condition, the ...

Fitting and adjusting contact-breaker points

The contact-breaker setting is often neglected, but it is vital to good running. Ideally, check a...

Inspecting the ignition system

Inspect the ignition system whenever you make a general under-bonnet check. It takes only a cou...

Fitting new high-tension leads

The high-tension leads from the coil to the distributor and from there to the plugs may start...

Fitting a condenser

The condenser is a small electrical device connected across the contact-breaker points in the ...

Stroboscopic timing

A static timing check with the engine stationary is never fully accurate. It does not allow f...

Checking and replacing the starter motor

If testing the starter circuit (See Checking the starter circuit ) indicates a fault in the ...

Overhauling a Bosch distributor

Bosch distributors are found on many different cars and are generally very reliable. But after ...

Cleaning and fitting spark plugs

Check and clean sparkplugs every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) and replace them after 10,000 miles (16,0...

Checking the low-tension circuit

The low-tension (LT), or primary-ignition, circuit consists of the battery , ignition switch ...

Removing and refitting the distributor

On some cars, because of limited space, the only way of replacing the contact-breaker points or ...

Adjusting the static timing

The timing mechanism in the ignition system causes the sparkplug to fire in each cylinder jus...

Replacing the Bendix gear

The name Bendix gear strictly applies to the spiral drive mechanism of an inertia-type starter...

Stripping the starter motor

Remove the starter motor from the car (See Checking and replacing starter-motor brushes ).

Replacing starter or dynamo bearings

Starter-motor bearings are usually bushes made of graphite-bronze. A few starters - especiall...

Checking and replacing starter-motor brushes

Both inertia and pre-engaged starters can have one of two types of commutator .

Troubleshooting the ignition warning light

The ignition warning light, sometimes known as the no-charge light, is one of the most importan...

Curing running on

Running-on is when the engine continues to turn after you've switched off the ignition becaus...

Fitting a new coil

If your car is misfiring or running badly, or has suddenly stopped completely, the most likely ...

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