Tardis54
New member
The engine of my 1980 124 Spider will not continue running once I relax the ignition key.
Technical Engine won't spark
- Thread starter Tardis54
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Technical
Engine won't spark
Bit more detail please.
Is it only turning on the starter but not firing or is engine running so you could rev it, although that will damage the starter?
If that is the case it can be a faulty ignition switch or sometimes the ballast resister on the ignition coil.
Is it electronic ignition or points and condensor?
Did it happen suddenly or has it got gradually worse?
OP
OP
Tardis54
New member
The car ran like a top when I stored it for the winter. I brought it out this week when the weather warmed up. The engine cranked without difficulty but there was a periodic clicking from somewhere. I had my wife turn the ignition while I observed the engine. The engine engaged until she relaxed the ignition key. The engine would not respond to the throttle. When the key was engaged again, again the engine started but only as long as the ignition key was fully engaged. Last spring I encountered a similar situation with the engine cranking but not sparking at all. I had the Magnetic Pickup Distributor and Intake Pipe and Intake hose professionally replace resulting in a stress free summer cruising.
With the clicking when cranking could that be a faulty battery or bad earthing/starter lead connections?
Sometimes battery voltage drops but engine still cranks to a certain extent, however the voltage may be not enough for electronic ignition side.
Can you also hear the fuel pump build up pressure and stop prior to cranking?
Do you smell fuel?
gengis
Member
As Bugsymike says…check the ignition switch and multi-plug leading to the ignition switch as this is a known week spot (high resistance faults across the contacts). I assume it’s an injection model, check for healthy ignition volts at the coil, double relay and ecu.
