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MG MGA - Very sparky points

I recently installed new points and condenser in my distributor. While observing them today after setting the timing I noticed a fireworks display coming off the back of the points. Specifically the hole where the post slides into from the base plate close to the condenser. It is sparking when the points open.

Any ideas? The ground wire on the distributor looks like it has seen better days. Could it be a bad ground?

I should note that the car runs very nicely.

Thanks
Jeff Bennett

If the ground wire is bad, the points will ground through the ignition advance bearing although bearing is a bit kind for the mechanism. Sooner or later, you will either loose ground (motor dies) or weld the plates together freezing the vacuum advance.

A similar "opportunity" on our cars is the infamous choke cable engine ground. If your starter turns slow, feel the choke cable. If it's hot, your engine ground strap is bad.

Bill
Bill Eastman

This thread was discussed between 16/03/2008 and 21/03/2008

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This thread is from the archive. The Live MG MGA BBS is active now.