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Classic/Antique Car Repair/MG Midget ignition problem
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Question
QUESTION: I have a '76 Midget that I restored and rebuilt the engine a couple of years ago. I store the car over the winter in a dry, heated garage. It ran well when I parked it last year. When I went to get it out this summer, it wouldn't start. After a little troubleshooting, I discovered it wasn't getting any spark. Following a troubleshooting guide, I was convinced it was the coil. I had eliminated the resistor as a problem with a meter. I purchased a new coil and lo-and-behold, the same thing - no spark. It sort of acts like it may be a grounding problem, but I can't locate anywhere in the system that is suspect. I've checked everything I can think of and am at my wits end. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
ANSWER: Does it have points or electronic ignition?
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: It has new points in the distributor as well as good ignition wires and new condenser.
If you have a voltmeter connect it to the coil terminal that goes to the points. Remove the distributor cap and turn the engine over till the points are open. With the key on you should be reading battery voltage. If not then the problem is in the coil or the wiring back to the switch or the switch. Next turn the engine over watching the points and the voltmeter, When the points close the voltage should drop to 0. If not then the problem is in the wire to the points, the points, or the distributor to engine ground.If that foes not find the problem let me know.
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | I appreciate the helpfulness of this site and especially the person that has responded to my problem. I finally got the Midget going and she is happily purring like a kitten. I'm embarrassed to say, but the "problem" was simply stupidity on my part. I have three MG's and had simply forgotten that this one had a hidden kill switch to prevent theft. Apparently I had thrown the switch when I put her in storage and forgot that I had. Hence, the root of the problem. I discovered it when I was taking the steering column cover off to check the ignition switch. I sincerely want to thank you for your assistance and persistance. | ||
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Answers by Expert:
Brad Sears
Expertise
All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.
Experience
Automotive tech instructor.
Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's.
Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's
TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated.
Auto instructor for the following companies:
Fram
Autolyte
Holly
Carter
AMF
Ford Motor
University Of Conn
Blue Hills Technical School
Sugar River Technical Center
Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.
Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.
Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember.
Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.
Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.
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