Ignition

Maybe it is good to see how all ignition components work and how they relate to each other. Click here to see an explanation.

When I bought the car it was fitted with a Lumenition Optronic system. This has functioned very good; no maintenance, no timing problems. But it gave up on me, so I am back on the old (antiquated?) point-breaker system. Original, yes, but it only gives problems. Power seems down as well. And if power is okay, it does not rev nicely; somehow this points system is always "more-or-less" right. Instead of being spot on.

On the other hand: nobody is able to check the Optronic system. The only way is to buy the optical switch (68 pounds) and the fitting kit (15,22 pounds). Quite an expensive option, because after all I still don't know if it will work.

The other option is to buy an Ignitor module. Comes at around 84 pounds for the whole kit, but ex VAT and ex carriage. This kit works with a Hall effect sensor; a magnetic trigger whereas the Optronic uses an optical trigger. The most likely partnumber is LU185, though the original distributor is not listed and the people are unsure if this is really the correct part.

The best value for money is the Newtronic optical system. The item needed is CKT05A. It is sold at 89,88 pounds, inc VAT, inc carriage. Users were positive on the functioning and the price, but were less impressed by the manual. It replaces the points altogether by an optical switch.

The last option that is a possibility is to obtain a later breakerless (not "pointless") dizzy from Lucas and fit the driveshaft of the 35D8. Or replace the oil pump gear and fit a normal SD1 dizzy.

There is one thing I did not mention. I also have a Sparkrite SX1000 capacity discharge unit. Maybe first try this one out to see what gives. It does not do away with points, but this unit seems to use the points as a trigger. Dwell seems not to matter anymore. Now if this works there should be an easy solution to points: a rotor with an optical switch. The Conrad catalogue lists some of the shelf solutions for this. A combination of LED and a photovoltaic switch. With the right electronics this should make a very compact trigger. But first fit the Sparkrite thing. It came for only a couple of euros from an acquaintance, so worth trying.

The components of the ignition system.

This system failed. I don't know what went wrong. Maybe it was the current that fluctuated too much; there was something wrong. It is now replaced with a full Rover SD1 system. The dizzy is now a fully electronic system. So no more after-market add-ons. It seems to work just fine again. But then again...initially all these systems seem to work out just fine...

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