2500S engine reluctant to start and barely runs.

[Forkie]

Advance/retard been checked? Weights and spings in distributor? I am now really clutching at straws, electrics are not my thing, nor are Auto boxes which is my own ongoing issue so i feel for you as i am having my own ' what is wrong with you'. Something must be taking the power away from the spark instead of maintaining it. And these cars are meant to be basic I do hope someone more knowledgable comes up with something solid. I am hoping the same myself

[Charles H]

Swapped the battery, and running 12 volts.

Have you bypassed the ballast wire then? You should be using a 6v coil. The 12v coil with the ballast wire in circuit will show these symptoms. The 'S' has athe ballast resistance within the wiring loom, not like the earlier external unit bolted on the back of the alternator. Running a 12v coil after a few miles gets too hot and starts to break down causing initially a missfire and then stopping completely.

[poppyman]

Hi Charles, yes ballast wire disconnected, i only went down the 12v route because of this problem.

Tony.

[Alec]

Hello Tony,

I fear that Charles has misled you a bit, you should be using a12 v coil otherwise you will overheat a ballast coil (6 v).

Alec

[poppyman]

Yes Alec i am using a 12 volt coil.. When i do get to the bottom of this problem... I will be sure to let you all know what it was. (hopefully)

Tony.

[Alec]

Hello Tony,

going back over earlier posts, did you try the spark from the king lead compared to the plugs? Is the coil polarity correct, plus to plus and negative to distributor (Negative earth car)?
I think I also mentioned the link wire between the base plate and distributor body, is that sound?

Alec

[poppyman]

Hi Alec, everything you have mentioned is spot on. the king lead spark and plug spark are equal in power. I bet you are sat there thinking about this..... i am the same Alec apart from it is keeping me awake at night I keep hoping someone will say. I know what that is. Many thanks Alec.

Tony.

[Alec]

Hello Tony,

that means that it is the coil, a low voltage to it or the switching of the coil. I know you said that you used an electrconic one and a conventional one.
Both give identical results?

Alec

[poppyman]

Electronic distributor Alec and a points distributor. Also two different 12 volt coils off running cars. All the low tension wiring has been replaced, every terminal has been replaced along with caps and ht leads twice.
That is why i am awake at night wondering what on earth it could be I have even been offered a Ouija board

Tony.

[Alec]

Hello Tony,

I understand that but what you tell me means it must be in that area.
Coil supply voltage and polarity?
Both coils from non ballast resistor cars?
It is difficult to find faults with electronic distributors, but a points one is easy to check for correct function.
If you have access to a dwell meter that would give a definitive answer of distributor operation.

It cannot be the cap, pligs or leads.