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Grizzly

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Everything posted by Grizzly

  1. Grizzly

    Electrickery

    Hello All, Time for an update! Managed to do some more investigations last week, but was unable to find any short circuits. Removed instrument cluster and Tacho was closed circuit - ie no longer going to earth and wire to it from the coil seemed good too. Anyway, removed a bit of redundant wiring and had a general tidy up under the dash. All seemed to be OK and no obvious faults found. Put everything back together, started the car and reconnected the Tacho. Everything working as before, albeit on Points & Condensor. Hmmmm.... Did a few shortish trips and all seemed well. About 30 miles in total. Went out on Monday for a slightly longer run. My wife was following, as we had an appointment and then both needed to go to separate other places. Good job. Managed about 10 miles and then broke down - zero sparks. Had to abandon the car (secure location) until I had time to look into it further. Went back to it the next morning. Fitted a brand new set of Points & Condensor and it fired up! Ran a bit rough - it'd been out in the rain all night, but I got it home ok. Finally got around to having another look at it this morning, but she refused to start - no sparks????? This last Points & Condensor set was brand new and only done 10 miles! Did some more checks, but was getting quite perplexed now.... Fitted the new Powerspark Ignitor Unit and she fired up! Tacho working (from -'ve side of coil) too! Took the Powerspark Ignitor Unit off and put the Points & Condensor back on - Zilch. Refitted Powerspark Ignitor Unit and went out for a run, did 20 miles or more and running sweet. So,,,, this car seems to be quite happy with Electronic Ignition, but appears to be very intolerant to Points & Condensor operation. The trouble is, I cannot fathom why? As I said before. I have a very simple set-up. I bought this kit very part started. There's no ECU or AMP (sorry, I don't know if they're the same thing?). Maybe that's the problem? I've ordered some new Plugs, HT Leads, Distributor Cap, Rotor Arm, and a new 3 Ohm Coil. The Distributor was new a few years ago. Apart from the wiring, there's nothing else. During my investigations though, I did notice some lightweight (non cranking power) wires at the solenoid on two terminals. Not quite sure what all these are though. My concern is that this vehicle has not been wired 100% correct from day one and maybe runs OK with electronic Ignition, but isn't happy with Points & Condensor. But, at least we're back on the road. Not confidant going forward though, that everything is good?
  2. Grizzly

    Electrickery

    Understood and thanks Ian. I will progress this as soon as possible, but it won't be until next week now. Powerspark Ignitor turned up today, but as said, I won't be fitting it until the Tacho issue is resolved. Interestingly, on the back of the packaging, one of the Fitting Instructions states; ‘Then connect the Powerspark BLACK to the (-‘ve or 1) ensuring no other wire is on that same side” I asked them how I should re-connect the Tacho? They replied; Try connecting the tacho to the Positive (+'ve) terminal on the coil. Connecting it to the Negative terminal, will Earth out the coil/kit and prevent the kit from working. Anyone else done it this way? Strange because the Aldon Ignitor was happy with the Tacho feed coming from the -'ve for many years. I assume that this would be ok being fed from the +'ve, but I'm getting paranoid now.
  3. Grizzly

    Electrickery

    OK. Tacho wire from Neg side of the Coil goes straight to earth. I'll need to trace this wire back to the Tacho and also, get the Instrument Cluster out and test the Tacho itself. I have a spare Tacho, which measures an open circuit, but I don't want to do a straight swap until I've checked this all through. Quandry is; Did the Tacho possibly get fried by the Ignitor, or did the Tacho possibly fry the Ignitor? Either way, and going forwards, would a fuse offer any protection? Haynes Manual (Sierra) does refer to a Suppressor, but I may be looking at the wrong diagram? Many Thanks...
  4. Grizzly

    Electrickery

    Cheers Nigel, I mightve guessed youd be quick to chip in! Thanks, Ill do some checks tomorrow and report back. Yes, I went walkabouts for a while, but back in the fold now. Hope youre keeping well Sir? Thanks again...
  5. Grizzly

    Electrickery

    Hello All, It's been a long time since I've been on here, but I have an electrical issue which one of you out there may be able to help me with; The other day, my car refused to start - Turned the key - Fired, but then nothing - No sparks at all. Humph! I have an Aldon Ignitor unit fitted in place of the Points & Condensor, which has given me many years of trouble free motoring. Fit & forget, they said. I did various checks after scouring the 'tinterweb, to no avail. Checked circuits for continuity, swapped out the coil - still no sparks. I have a very simple setup: Pinto 2 Litre, 3 ohm Coil (No Ballast) and a Bosch Distributor with the (expensive!) Aldon Ignitor inside. It was suggested/recommended on the 'tinterweb that I disconnect the Tacho (Capri Clocks) from the Neg side of the Coil, whilst doing various checks, so I did.Checks continued and everything pointed to the Aldon Ignitor. I'd checked all the wiring and swapped the coil, so really it couldn't be anything else. So, bit the bullet, new Powerspark Ignitor on order. So for now I'm temporarily running on Points & Condensor (Thanks Bob). Engine now running - All OK. Here's the issue. Stopped the engine to re-connect the Tacho lead back onto the Neg side of the Coil. Turned the key, but engine refused to fire. Disconnected the Tacho lead from the Neg side of the coil. Turned the key and engine fired up. Question is; What's going on here? Is there any chance that a fault in the Tacho has fried the Aldon Ignitor, or vice versa? Does anyone have any experience of a situation like this happening to them? My concern is that I don't want to fit the new Ignitor unit when it arrives and toast it straight away, without getting to the bottom of this Tacho issue. I do have another Tacho somewhere - maybe I could try that? Many Thanks & Regards...
  6. Cheers Bob, I'll see you tomorrow!
  7. Hi Folks, Looking forward to this and I'm hoping be there on Saturday morning. Unfortunately though, my Kit Car won't be attending. I left the exhaust with someone a couple of weeks ago to do some repairs to it and expressly said that I needed to pick it up today (just got back from holidays). Guess what? - It's all in bits and won't be ready until next week! So, if I can cadge a lift, with someone on the Saturday for the runout, that'd be great. If not I'll probably just pop up on the Saturday evening for a tipple and if that's the case, there's a single room reserved at the Rokeby Inn under my name, if anybody wants it. Regards... Grrrrrrizzly!
  8. Count me in please. Looking forward to it.
  9. I had no doubts Graham. Glad you're enjoying the experience!
  10. Hi All, This is parked up at work. Lovely, but just can't quite put my finger on what's spoiling it somewhat?
  11. Mine was fairly standard and I reckoned it was around 7 seconds. I was more than happy with that for what it was. Handling was also very assured and even on duff tyres at the time, I hustled it around the ring in circa 10 mins. I always used to say it was better at cornering than I was. You certainly don't want a car that will ever corner worse than you think eh? They are what they are and they're all different. We had a bunch of Westie owners at the Club night a few years back. They were all lamenting how 'theirs' all looked the same. I even heard that some Caterham & Westie owners take their vehicles in for servicing!
  12. Sorry Folks. SILVERSTONE! Have a cracking weekend!
  13. Ooops, sorry, only just spotted this. Car sold a couple of weeks ago. Covers and spares etc. went with it.
  14. Bus? Ooooh! Can I be the the Ticket Collector?
  15. Cheers Steve. I might well just take you up on that!
  16. Cunning Plan. Once a Hoody, always a Hoody! http://www.rhocar.org/index.php?showtopic=43731
  17. I was rattling on about this magnificent machine the other week. I thought I'd post the photos here, being as I cant add them to the original thread.
  18. Sold! Gone to a good home, but very sad to see it go.
  19. I went to see her 'Up Close & Personal' at the NRM a week last Thursday evening. It was the day of her run to York from London. Still under light steam and still warm. I'd include a couple of photos, but that doesn't seem to be possible these days - or is it just me? Sort of alive and it was a great sight as you don't normally get to see these machines like this under these conditions. Running gear was 'Total Loss' according to the Fella on the footplate. So, hot, steamy & covered in oil - Ooooer!
  20. Ask questions and I will answer ð
  21. Hi Folks, I also have these items to mention, which are included in the Sale. Two Car Covers: Indoor - a lightweight elasticated dust sheet type. Outdoor - Moltex - This is a really great quality multi-layered item. Small selection of spares & consumables: Oil, Oil Filter, Clutch Cable etc. Being picky, I think the car could benefit from a new Battery. If an acceptable price is reached, I will get one fitted before she goes. I have a wish list of new toys, but budget is another matter!
  22. Thanks for all the kind comments Guys. They mean a lot. Plenty of happy memories and some great friendships formed with folk from all over the country. Logic dictates that it's time to part company with the car and hand it over to someone else for the next phase in its life. Emotionally though it's tough letting go eh? Yep, I'm taking early retirement and I'm very much looking forward to the Freedom!
  23. Grizzly

    2B Wanted

    OK Paul, There's an Advert in the 'For Sale' Section... Regards... Steve.
  24. OK folks. Gulp! Initially advertising on here as it's the right thing to do. I've thoroughly enjoyed every minute of being a member of this club, building my car and being on the road. Thanks to everyone who's helped me along the way. Going to numerous shows and forays into Europe has always been an absolute pleasure. Sadly though, selling due to the fact that I'm just not getting as much use out of the car these days and it's time to pass this vehicle on... ROBIN HOOD 2B Plus For Sale: Originally purchased in 2002 — Acquired by me in Dec 2004 in a 'Part Started' condition. SVA Date: May 2007 (First Time Pass!) — Correctly registered on a private age related plate. Stainless Chassis — Engine: 2.0 Litre Ford Pinto — Gearbox: Type 9 — Reconditioned Propshaft. Engine Tuned at Bogg Brothers, Malton and produces 120bhp at the Flywheel. Webber 32/36 DGAV Carburettor — PiperCross Air Filter — Aldon Electronic Ignition. Electric Cooling Fan — 4-into-1 Exhaust Manifold (Heat Wrapped) — Wunoff Custom Exhaust. EBC semi drilled and slotted Front Brake Discs with Greenstuff Pads. Gaz Coil-Over Suspension all round — Toyo Proxes T1-R Tyres. Full Wet Weather Gear — Surry Top — Heater with Three Speed Fan. Halogen Headlights — With ‘Lights On’ Warning Buzzer — Lockable Glove Box — Lockable Boot. Modified Wiper Gear (To cover as much of screen as possible) - 3 Speed (Intermittent - Normal - Fast) Cobra Seats — Capri Clocks (All read correctly). Complete Paperwork - Receipts, Build Notes, Wiring Diagrams, Photos, Past MOTs etc. Well maintained and has covered approx 5,000 miles per annum. Drives well — Any Trial. £4500 ono.
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