Weak Spark on start - time for an Electronic Ignition?
Hi all,
A few weeks ago my 1988 Panda (1000CL) broke down after the ignition coil failed. I subsequently replaced the coil and the engine would start but would run rough (just as it felt as the ignition coil started to fail). With each start the engine would find it harder and harder to start, to the point now that it now won't start at all, including when wired up to another car's battery.
I've diagnosed this as being due to a weak spark when cranking the engine over. I've tested each spark with a light tester, and the light is much weaker than it should be - every now and then the light is bright (when the spark is strong - I don't know why it is infrequent like this?) and the ignition appears to catch and almost start the engine but it then returns to the weak spark and engine cranking over.
I've checked the obvious things (spark plugs, HT leads, distributor cap, etc...) and these are all in good nick. I should add that I haven't been able to look inside the distributor itself due to a stripped screw head on the cover, so this part has not been checked. So my question is:
Is there an easy fix for this, or is it time for me to install an electronic ignition? And if so, does anybody have any suggestions for a good value electronic ignition for the 1000cc engine?
Thanks all
Hi all,
A few weeks ago my 1988 Panda (1000CL) broke down after the ignition coil failed. I subsequently replaced the coil and the engine would start but would run rough (just as it felt as the ignition coil started to fail). With each start the engine would find it harder and harder to start, to the point now that it now won't start at all, including when wired up to another car's battery.
I've diagnosed this as being due to a weak spark when cranking the engine over. I've tested each spark with a light tester, and the light is much weaker than it should be - every now and then the light is bright (when the spark is strong - I don't know why it is infrequent like this?) and the ignition appears to catch and almost start the engine but it then returns to the weak spark and engine cranking over.
I've checked the obvious things (spark plugs, HT leads, distributor cap, etc...) and these are all in good nick. I should add that I haven't been able to look inside the distributor itself due to a stripped screw head on the cover, so this part has not been checked. So my question is:
Is there an easy fix for this, or is it time for me to install an electronic ignition? And if so, does anybody have any suggestions for a good value electronic ignition for the 1000cc engine?
Thanks all
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