Hitchcocks Forum

I've got a coil and distributer set up on a mark 1, both new parts, and I'm getting a quite serious power loss at higher revs. Tick over is fine but when I rev it I'm getting a spark arcing across the coil terminals. Could there be any reason other than a faulty coil why this is happening? Thanks, Neil

Sounds like a faulty condenser, you don't say what distributor set up you have (Lucas,from another model perhaps?) so it's difficult to be sure. More info please! REgards, Mark

Look for a hairline crack between the terminals, best to use an LED torch, these have a very bright light.

Hi Neil, where did you get a new distributor for a Mk1, I assume you mean a new to you old one and what type is it. Do you have twin coils as a Mk1A or is it something with a twin outlet distributor cap?

The coil is 12v Lucas (The whole set up is 12v) pt no. 124559 and the ditributor cap 18D2 LU/425049 both recently bought from Hitchcocks. I can't see any cracks on the coil but I've not used an led light yet. I think the arcing is coming from the HT lead, which is well insulated, and jumping from there to both terminals rather than from one to the other.

Leon could be right, on rereading your post. Also, is the area on top of the coil dry and free from oil or WD40 or similar? Any of these can promote tracking of the HT current.
REgards, Mark

Thanks for the replies everyone. Mark, the coil is free of grease etc but is slightly scored - doesn't look like a crack but I guess it could be enough. Anyway, I have a new one on the way from Hitchcocks so I'll see what happens.

On the basis that current will flow, jump in this case, along the path of least resistance it is also worth checking the condition of the HT lead, plug cap, plug and plug gap.