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MG MGA - Coil ohms

Hey all, I am getting no joy in my attempts to start the motor after a rebuild and 3 year wait. I checked the coil secondary and read 6800 ohms. Barney says around 10,000 is correct. Should I replace the unit? Thanks, Tom
Thomas McNamara

I have two spare working coils and they are 7.7K and 8.9K ohms . Have you verified that your coil gives a decent spark? ............Mike
m.j. moore

Thanks Mr. Moore! I get a yellow spark across the plug(s). Tom
Thomas McNamara

It's bound to be something basic.

If you are getting a spark at the plug and fuel it should at least fire if not start straight up. reconfirm the basics and recheck your timing to make sure you are firing on the right plug on the right stroke and in the right order. Probably telling you something you already know but; points open when rotor arm is matching cap for no 1 lead and no.1 piston is TDC with no.4 rockers rocking. Firing order 1342 anti clockwise.
N McGurk

Yellow spark may be a bad condenser. Put an insulated screwdriver into the HT wire terminal and hold it close to a head stud. Spark should jump at least 1/4 inch in open air. If you get a short weak spark, change the condenser.

I will change my web page to reflect slightly lower resistance for the secondary winding.
Barney Gaylord

I had endless problems sarting one of my MGA's after a prolonged restoration and it turned out to be stale fuel. Try fresh fuel into the carby bowls.
Barry Bahnisch

Joy, Joy, Joy. After deciding that 6800 ohms was enough, I started adjusting the timing by rotating the dizzy clockwise, a very small amount. After 10 attempts, about 3/8 of an inch, she fired and ran.

I'll wait until Saturday, when its not raining, to let it warm up. Too many fumes in the garage. Head re-torquing is next, 45 pounds on an alloy head? Thanks to all. Tom
Thomas McNamara

This thread was discussed between 18/10/2012 and 19/10/2012

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