Strange Sparks!!!

[carrierdave]

Hello all,
Today I spent some time trying to get the car running better and noticed a strange thing.
When I was loosening off the distributor clamp, with the engine running, I noticed I was getting a small spark every time the spanner was in contact with both the clamp and the distributor body.

I have the standard 24D fitted with Pertronix ignition. The car is running very lumpy and uneven at the moment and I just can not seem to get it right.

Any advice would be appreciated

[rgh0]

sounds like an earthing problem and the spark is caused when you and the spanner earth the dizzy - check the engine earth strap is making a good connection

cheers
Rohan

[bob_rich]

Because the car body is glass fibre its important to make sure that the body of the ignition coil is firmly bonded to the engine. The Lotus manual shows a fairly hefty strap from the coil to engine block bolt by the engine mounting fixing. Had to put this lead on mine as it was missing when I got the car. I dont know the ignition unit U R using but it may pay to ensure its 0V is also bonded to the engine but the info on it should confirm this.

Hope this helps

Bob

[carrierdave]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I haven't been able to look at the car so far but will hope to have a look this weekend. I know I don't have an earth lead on the coil however I thought that was just for the surpressor for the radio?

I'm surprised that i appear to be getting a good earth on the clamp but not on the dizzy body!

Dave

[curly type 26]

Yes but when you loosen the clamp you potentially break the earth path. Curly 1964 26Rr

[ppnelan]

As stated, the braided earth strap from engine to chassis across engine mount is very important. I have heard tales of Elans without the strap going up in smoke when the owners try to start them - the earth path for the starter motor current can be through the throttle cable...

Matthew

[paddy]

I think Curly is right. If the engine is turning over well when starting, I don't think there's a problem with the earthing of the engine generally. The dizzy should be earthed fine when the clamp is tight, so I suspect this is just because you've got the clamp loose to adjust it.

Paddy

[curly type 26]

Thanks for the back up Paddy, when you look at dizzy your only posative earth point is via nipped up clamp, so always make sure block & bolt & washer & clamp are rust & crap free dont count on the meshing of the gears to give you an earth. It wont! Curly 1964 26Rr