Anyone ever used these magnetic pick-up dizzies?

[512BB]

I was chating with Alex Black over the weekend. I called him to talk about his old Sprint, which, if you follow me [rollies] on insta, no, twit, no, grinder, no, LE.NET of course, you will know, I own.

I recounted how I broke down on the way to Castle Combe for the Lotus track day. Engine just cut as I was driving along. It was pissing down with rain so I just called breakdown, who said they would be about 2 hours. It was a Thursday night. After about an hour, thought I would try to start the engine. Started right up. Drove on for about 1/2 hour, same thing happened. Got relayed back home.

That was about 2 years ago and I have not had a chance to look the car over to see what was up. So I thought I would give Alex a call to run it past him, to see what he thought. After a bit of brainstorming, asking me this and that, we both came to the conclusion that it could only really be the electronic ignition.

I run points in all my other Elans, would not have it any other way. 40 years of continuous Elan ownership and points have never let me down. Maintenance, there is non, because you change them every 3000 miles. Wear, there is non, because you change them every 3000 miles. Corrosion, there is non, because you change them every 3000 miles. You get the picture, fit and forget, for 3000 miles.

I shall be removing the electronic ignition in Alex's car. And the electric fuel pump; and returning the car to factory spec.

You cannot beat original, including donuts. 44k miles and counting on my every day Sprint. People try, but phah..................

I find myself agreeing with you for the second time today Alan.

Leslie

[Bitsilly]

Thanks so much for all the food for thought folks.
It is a while until I have to make a decision but as it is a road car, stock seems a good idea, as long as I can figure out weights and springs needed.
As I said, it currently has a Luminition system so at very least I'll need points.
Cheers
Ed

[nomad]

Not specific to Elans but I have never serviced points at 5K or less miles. Don't consider even replacement till 20K but do check adjustment more frequently. If the points cam and lifting block are greased wear isn't a huge problem.

Don't like how difficult getting to the distributor is on a twin cam but will stick with points.

Kurt

[The Veg]

I recall them not being easy to get to on my dad's Alfas (similar location to our TCs) and he griped about having to change them every 10K miles.

[2cams70]

Not specific to Elans but I have never serviced points at 5K or less miles. Don't consider even replacement till 20K but do check adjustment more frequently. If the points cam and lifting block are greased wear isn't a huge problem.

Don't like how difficult getting to the distributor is on a twin cam but will stick with points.

Kurt

+1. It's mainly wear of the rubbing block that you need to watch. Wear on this closes the points gap and shifts the timing a little. This is balanced somewhat by the natural erosion of the points which has the opposite effect.

Key thing is to just check your static timing every now and then. The points themselves normally have quite a long life.

[jasper2347]

Our cars are both on Lumenition. spares are available if required without problem. We have fitted a item from Accuspark which just sits where the points do. We have fitted them to 6 or 7 cars now and have not had any bad reports. Only thing is after fitting you will need to strobe the timing to check it is OK. Personally I would repair the Lumenition if you want to remain electronic. Pretty bomb proof and simple. They can supply you with a test routine sheet to check both the box and the 'eye' for any faults.

[Hawksfield]

HI

+1 Rebuild the Lumenition, mine has been in for 24 years approx and is as good as the day fitted, simple check if you suspect timing just strobe check, nothing else required,