100 BN2 Possible Ignition Issue

[timkbn2]

Hi Folks. Have BN2 100/4 that is not running well. Live in Florida ex pat. It starts and runs for around 2min and then goes to heck. Loss of power, mis fires and then finally stops. Sounded like fuel so put new SU pump on and cleaned out the carbs. Still running points. Okay fired up the new pump. Sounded like a vickers machine gun, so I knew that I had fuel.. Did the same thing, missing and the died. Leave it for a few hours fires and then dies. So its has to be ignition. Anybody got any suggestions as to whether its coil, condenser or what? Any body looked at the new CSI ingition product. Thanks Tim Kingaby

 

[Editor_Reid]

Change the coil. It couldn't hurt, and it often solves odd ignition problems.

 

[DerekJ]

I assume that ‘like a Vickers machine gun’ mesns it was clacking very loudly. That usually means it’s not pumping fuel.

 

[roscoe]

Just to be clear, the fuel pump should click fairly quickly when the ignition is turned on and then taper off fairly quickly to the point where if you do not start the engine it will either stop because pressure has built up and the float has closed the jet or at least click very slowly, like once every 3 to 5 seconds as pressure can bleed off a bit. If it keeps clicking the pump is trying but either your gas is leaking all over, like out your intake manifold, something is clogged and the pump isn't sucking fuel or the pump isn't working properly.

 

[Bristol401]

The only way to know that you have good fuel flow is to take off the fuel hose where it connects to the carbs and aim it into a container. Ignition then on and see how much goes in.

 

[Bob_Spidell]

Swap the condenser and see what happens; there are bad ignition components in the wild.

 

[timkbn2]

Yes of course it clicks until pressure reached. So okay that fuel is being delivewred and presure reached. I have thought of coil and the next thing on the list is that along with condensor. Anybody used the pertex exciter removing the points. Later folks

 

[jimmyr]

I have had the Pertronix unit for 5 years in my BN2, it is running fine and never needs ignition work anymore.

 

[glemon]

I would guess coil or condenser. If you have spares swap them them out (one at a time) and see what happens.

 

[jimmyr]

Like glemon mentioned above, my thought would be the rotor. These have been a source of that very problem for years, especially the cheap imports from China. The red color rotors seem to come from a more reliable source, so look into them. As with any Healey used on road trips, packing some "good" spares on road trips can get you home most of the time.

 

[mezy]

When we used to service these oldies, allways turn the dizzy cap upside down, check the carbon rod is there and moves freely under spring pressure, then look at the four / six contacts, they usually get a build up on them like plaque on your teeth, it can be flicked off quite easily with a small screwdriver