6v Coil No spark

[Steve WrightParticipant]

Having a real problem with my 1952 11BL ignition system.   Mine is 6v system French model and I had thought about changing to 12v then came to the conclusion that I would keep it as the French intended on 6v.  In order to maximise what potential the system has and reduce further potential for problems arising, I decided to pretty much renew everything in the 6v ignition system.  This included a new battery, coil, condensor, points, rotor arm, distributor cap, leads.   Now you would expect a little thanks for the upgrades but oh no, not this baby!   I cannot seem to get any spark from the coil to the distributor try as I might.  The coil is from the club so can’t see any issues with any of the parts.  Primary readings are 1.0 at 200 ohms and 4.98 at 20k ohms.

Any help or suggestions gratefully accepted!!

Steve

[ChrisParticipant]

Hi Steve – still having problems?

1 ohm on the 200 Ohm range for the primary (+ to – terminals) seems about right. Did you measure the secondary?

Does it work with the old coil?

I’d suspect the new points and condenser before the coil. Do the points actually make contact or is there one film over the contacts? I think I had that problem once.

[Steve WrightParticipant]

Hi Chris, the secondary was 4.98v at 20k ohms.   The points seem fine and I set them at 0.50 with the feeler gauges.   I am wondering if the starter is contributing to the problem as it does struggle to turn over the engine with a fully charged battery.  Dynamo when it was running seemed to putting out just over 7v so appeared ok.

[BernieParticipant]

Steve

Are you still struggling?

First thought …. have you got the timing set correctly?  It is easy to be 180° out because the flywheel timing slot is in the same position for ignition of both 1st and 4th cylinder.

Next … I see Chris has suggested reverting to the old coil to eliminate that as a possibility.

For the same reason, I would advocate putting all the old bits back.

Assuming the engine then runs, try changing them one at a time so you know each component is doing what it should before proceeding to the next.   However, if the engine does not run with the old bits, the problem must lie elsewhere.  Fuel?

One final thought  … you say you set the points at 0.50.  Try reducing to 0.4mm, (0.015″).  I generally prefer to set points using a dwell meter but that does require the engine to be running first.  I found 56° dwell to be best setting for a 4-cyl Traction.

B…..

[Steve WrightParticipant]

Many thanks Bernie for your advice.  You are probably right and I think I will put all the old bits back on again.  Just waiting for my battery to come back as it was playing up so will have a go next week.  Thanks to you and Chris for your solid advice.  I’ve promised myself I will do at least one circuit of the Arc de Triomphe in it by Summer 2025!

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