Tuning Electronic ignition kit modification

[the hobbler]

@the hobbler Hi Hobbler - just wondering what the dam you referred to above ("I have fitted a small 'dam' inside the thermostat-housing to deflect hot air away from the distributor") consist of? I'm trying to imagine it and thought of one of the following (red on my diagram):

1. Additional angled 'flap'
2. Boxed-in Toblerone shape

Can you remember what you did?

Alternatively, I was thinking of maybe a baffle, spaced out from the edge of the housing (as in green)... or even thermal insulation sheet on the inside of the housing.

Hi Alex?
If you contact me direct ([email protected]) I will try and describe my baffle---I might even have some pictures still.
Tom

 

[gordinir8]

Looks like I've got copper HT leads based on pulling the end of one of the spark plugs and peering down the connector.

On the plus side it seems like the coil is 3+ ohms measured across the external + and - te

One thing to remember about ALL the electronic ignitions is that they do not like continual heat (above 100C). The 500/126 engine is unique in that the distributor is fair and square in the path of HOT air---the air cooling the engine. Just about every other car that I can think of has the distributor in a very much cooler spot. This continual heat is nearly always the cause of the demise of an electonic ignition (and condensers if you still have points fitted), be it the '123' system or the simple (but very effective) 'Hall effect' system. My 'Powerspark' ignition is wired up to a Bosch 'Blue' coil
I suffered a major problem on my way home one day---took me over 3-1/2 hours to do a 50 minute trip! I have fitted a small 'dam' inside the thermostat-housing to deflect hot air away from the distributor---so far it seems to be working. When I have checked the temperature of the distributor vis-a-vis the thermostat housing (with a laser temperature gun), the distributor is about 10C cooler than the housing, but more importantly, BELOW 100C. But I will admit, just in case it all goes 'pear-shaped', to having a complete 'points' distributor in with the tool kit, complete with "Swiftune" condenser.

I have start and thinking very seriously to install a nanoplex ignition system that eliminates all those heat problems, it is in my list but i a am not very sure about its operation since it has a vacuum sensor to control advance and don't know how accurate they are.

 

[Noah500]

Hi Alex?
If you contact me direct ([email protected]) I will try and describe my baffle---I might even have some pictures still.
Tom

Hi Tom - it's Simon, not Alex (??) but I'll email you. Thanks

 

[gordinir8]

Then just buy a new set of wires and you'll be fine.

 

[JumpJet]

This is the little dam I made using Tom’s advice. Alas, it was too late and my Pertronix already had one foot in the grave. Back to a points setup with a Swiftune condenser and all is well.

 

[Noah500]

@JumpJet Thanks, JJ - useful pics

 

[Noah500]

Thanks for the advice, everyone. I've removed the housing and made a shield extension - see here for more info and pics. I installed a flap repair kit and have got a Powerspark ignition unit and new HT leads (lead already installed) Just waiting for a thermostat top nut now, then I'll reinstall the thermostat housing and install the Powerspark unit.